FIBA U16 Top Performers: Puerto Rico vs USA National Team
The nation’s top recruits from the classes of 2023 and 2024 made their FIBA U16 Americas Championship debut and they did not disappoint. Not only did these future NBA draft prospects outplay their opponent but they also dominated them in…
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Continue ReadingThe nation’s top recruits from the classes of 2023 and 2024 made their FIBA U16 Americas Championship debut and they did not disappoint. Not only did these future NBA draft prospects outplay their opponent but they also dominated them in every aspect of the game. Team USA displayed size, athleticism, skills, IQ, and chemistry that Puerto Rico just couldn’t match up with comfortably. The USA National squad looked Gold medal-ready as they destroyed the competition by out-rebounding, out-hustling, and forcing Puerto Rico into turning the ball over 36 times resulting in a final score of 118-67. Here we’ll take a look at the Team USA standouts that played a major role in leading the USA to victory.
Ron Holland | Forward | Duncanville HS | Duncanville, TX
12th nationally ranked recruit, Ronald Holland, gave us yet another glimpse of why he’s so respected among his peers as he put up a stat line of 26 points 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. Holland came out the gate controlling the game with his high motor and all-out effort, the 6-foot-8-inch forward played with a determination to make every 50/50 ball his. Holland’s immediate productivity set the tone early on into the game, he made his presence felt all over the court with his relentless nature on the offensive glass and his active hands in the passing lanes. The athleticism he displayed was uncanny and something to marvel at, it’s rare you find a ballplayer so tall and long with the ability to effectively cover ground in split seconds and Holland did this on a consistent basis, sprinting coast to coast in order to defend the rim, saving his team from giving up a layup on several occasions. In transition, Ron was a lob threat as usual, as well as the best fastbreak weapon you could possibly ask for. On the offensive end, Holland was uncontainable beneath the hoop, showing the strength and hops to complete a play above the rim against any defender that made the mistake of contesting him. Ronald Holland stood out as the X-factor of the game, he looks as if he will be a perfect glue guy for Team USA, the young man was everywhere he needed to be at the best times possible. This Texas native is a true winner all he does is make plays, and do all the little things that are conducive to winning the game.
Robert Dillingham | Point Guard | Combine Academy | Hickory, NC
North Carolina’s top-ranked prospect, Robert Dillingham, put his fantastic ball skills on display from the very first play of the game. Dillingham’s playmaking skills are truly going to come in handy and propel Team USA down the stretch. He’s someone that can create a shot for himself or his teammates in any situation, he’s fantastic when it comes to controlling the tempo, he throws pinpoint passes, and always makes smart and efficient decisions with the ball; this was proven early on as Dillingham had 5 assists by halftime. When scoring the ball, the 6-foot-1-inch point guard was determined to get to his spots way or another. Robert loved to utilize the left side of the floor for his jumpshot off the dribble, sometimes using a screen to get a clean look or create a mismatch for his shot or assist. Remarkable court awareness, his ability to read the defense when receiving a pick allowed him to make proper decisions with the ball. Anytime Robert saw his defender go over the top of the screen he knew he had an opportunity to quickly let it fly and he often came up successful, shooting 5-of-7 for 11 points.
Jalen Lewis | Power Forward | Overtime Elite | Oakland, CA
The Overtime Elite signee proved to be a true paint protector as he rejected 4 shots while snagging 10 defensive boards. Lewis’s presence alone made his opponents think twice or toss-up forced shots when coming inside. Lewis displayed amazing timing when sending shots back to the sender, he showed a knack for swatting shots out of bounds or only where his teammates could retrieve them. This 6-foot-9-inch forward was as productive as they come, there weren’t many possessions that went by where Lewis didn’t find a way to get his hands on the ball. This kid stuffed the stat sheet putting up a box score of 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 three-pointers and he did it all in 19 minutes. Although Jalen Lewis wasn’t the most efficient shooter from the field he still showed a lot of promise as a stretch-forward due to his ability to quickly shoot off the catch from beyond the arc and the mid-range, particularly around the elbows where he seemed automatic.
Jaylen Curry | Point Guard | Vance HS | Charolette, NC
Top-30 ranked North Carolina prospect, Jaylen Curry came into the game off of the bench and went right to work both offensively and defensively. This lefty played at a speed that was difficult to keep up with even for his own teammates. Curry’s blistering speed and quickness allowed him to do a lot of damage in transition and not just with his scoring, Jaylen often made plays as a facilitator with his unique drive and kick skillset. In a half-court setting, Curry made the most out of his scoring opportunities, he torched Puerto Rico with his deadly quick pull-up jumpshot. Jaylen Curry played his role exceptionally well, if he can continue to put up 11 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals while shooting 5-of-11 from the field Team USA is going to be incredibly tough to beat.
Liam McNeeley | Small Forward | John Paull II | Richardson, TX
Texas’s top-ranking small forward, Liam McNeeley was phenomenal off the bench, proving to be just as effective off the ball as he is on the ball. He put his capabilities, productivity, and adaptivity on full display, likely earning himself a boost in minutes going forward. The moment McNeeley stepped onto the floor he was in go mode, scoring 5 points, nailing his first three-point attempt, and forcing 3 turnovers in his first three minutes of play. Liam didn’t stop there he contributed across the board and finished the game with a block, 6 steals, 4 rebounds, 14 points, and 8 made free throws.
Bryson Tucker | Shooting Guard | Mount St. Joesph | Bowie, MD
3rd ranked Maryland prospect, Bryson Tucker is a lengthy sharpshooter with a beautifully high arcing release. Tucker was the second-leading scoring of the day with a quiet and easy 17 points, mostly off of mid-range jumpshots. This 6-foot-5-inch marksman shot 50% from the field while showcasing a great shooting touch from all over the court no matter how close or how far out he shot it. Tucker’s shooting is something I believe will put Team USA over the top throughout the upcoming games, he has the confidence and length to shoot it over any defender and it looks as if he has the green light to let it fly at will.
Justin McBride | Power Forward | Oak Hill Academy | Plano, TX
Top-5 power forward in the country, Justin McBride was an absolute problem and force to be reckoned with down low in the post on both sides of the ball. McBride’s big strong body and hands allowed him to grab rebounds, block and alter shots, as well as score in the paint with ease. McBride bullied his opponents in the paint, but he flourished defensively with his special way of defending the rim. The 6-foot-7-inch power forward finished with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. This type of effort on the defensive end is what makes Justin McBride so difficult to keep off of the floor.