USA Basketball U16 Camp: Day 1 & 2 Top Performers
Thirty of the nation’s top Class of 2021 and 2022 prospects are competing to lock down one of 12 spots on the 2019 USA Basketball 16-and-under national team this week at University School in Davie, Fla. I take a look…
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Continue ReadingThirty of the nation’s top Class of 2021 and 2022 prospects are competing to lock down one of 12 spots on the 2019 USA Basketball 16-and-under national team this week at University School in Davie, Fla.
I take a look at the top performers from the first three practices on Days 1 & 2. The final two practices are being held Friday, with the team scheduled to be selected Saturday May 25.
The 12 athletes will then make up the U.S. squad that competes in the FIBA Americas U16 Championships, which take place June 3-9 in Belém, Brazil.
Early MVP: Jalen Duren (2022), Roman Catholic HS in Pennsylvania
The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Duren (pictured) has been absolutely dominant in the paint. He’s a powerfully-built athletic big, who finishes at the rim. He’s one guy you would not want to take a charge from. Duren is also special defensively — big-time rim protector. Has grown from 6-7 to 6-10 in the past year. Asked what factors he will be looking at in selecting a college, Duren said: “A coach who is going to help me develop. A coach who is going to push me and get me where I want to go.”
Best shooter: Max Christie (2021), Rolling Meadows HS in Illinois
The 6-5 Christie is pure from deep. Nice, nice shot. Christie is also an excellent passer and gets after it on defense. One of the top prospects in the state of Illinois.
Best offensive big: Nathan Bittle (2021), Crater HS in Oregon
The 6-10 1/2 Bittle is currently only 175 pounds but showed excellent touch for a big. He has a full arsenal of post moves, including dunks, fadeaways and hooks. Moves well. Very good footwork. Grew three inches in the past year. “I think I have all Pac-12 offers, plus a couple others,” Bittle said Thursday night.
Physical/toughness award: Gregg Glenn III (2022), Calvary Christian in Florida
If you caught the Make It, Take It portion of the camp, you were sold on Glenn. The 6-6, 205-pounder is a scorer plain and simple. He gets it done. In one go at it, Glenn scored with an array of moves over much-taller prospects on six consecutive possessions. He finally was stopped by the 6-10 Duren. Glenn uses a combination of power and quickness. Offers include Florida, Iowa State and Oklahoma State.
Most versatile: Jabari Smith Jr. (2021), Sandy Creek HS in Georgia
The 6-8, 190-pound Smith is a high priority among SEC and ACC programs. The versatile forward showed he can be a problem, both drilling 3-pointers from the outside and posting up inside. A load to handle.
Standout guard: Justice Williams (2022), Roman Catholic HS in Pennsylvania
Williams’ performances catch your attention. The 6-2 guard reminds me a lot of IMG Academy guard Noah Farrakhan.
If you have high school or travel basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com.