The competition was fierce in Colorado Springs, CO, as 27 elite Class of 2013 and 2014 prospects battled it out for one of 12 roster sports on the 16-U USA Basketball squad.
In 2009, the U16 USA team ran the table behind a loaded squad that featured incoming college freshmen Brad Beal (Florida), James McAdoo (North Carolina), Quinn Cook (Duke) and Adonis Thomas (Memphis). The players that are selected to this year’s squad, which will compete in the 2011 FIBA America U16 Championship from June 21 – 25, have a tough precedent to follow as the Gold Medal is the expectation for this talented group. After five intense practices, the roster was selected.
Hoopniks had a chance to take in action at the training camp, which featured high-intensity drills, scrimmages, and instruction from the coaching staff. Some of the players that caught our eye in camp action included:
Jabari Parker (Photo credit: Steven Maikoski/USA Basketball)
Jabari Parker, 6′-7″, 225, SF, 2013, Simeon (IL) – There are many that believe Parker is the best player in the 2013 class, and it’s difficult to argue with them. Parker is an inside-outside threat that can do it all. He’s an able scorer with plus athleticism, but isn’t afraid to mix it up and clean the glass for available rebounds. Parker is agile enough to guard quicker wings, and strong enough to guard post players. He scores from inside, and also hits jump shots. There weren’t many flaws in Parker’s game observed. He was well-conditioned for camp, and excelled in all areas.
Aaron Gordon, 6′-6″, 208, PF, 2013, Archbishop Mitty (CA) – Though hobbled by a tweaked ankle, Gordon’s energy surge affects the basketball court every time he checks into action. He’s the type of player that never disappears and always seems to be in the middle of the action. In short, next to Parker, Gordon was probably the most complete package and best all-around player. In fact, had the injury bug not bit him, it’s possible Gordon could have challenged for top camp honors. Gordon is an energy guy to the highest degree.
Theo Pinson, 6′-5″, 175, SG/SF, 2014, Oak Ridge Military Academy (NC) – If there was a player skying above the rim, or throwing down a ferocious dunk during the scrimmages, chances were very good that Pinson was involved in some way. Pinson is lethal receiving the ball on a fastbreak, as he always finishes with authority above the rim. He’s a highlight reel player that is difficult to defend based on his elite level athleticism. With that in mind, he’s making a concerted effort towards handling the ball and becoming more of a “2″ than a “3″.
Jimmie Taylor, 6′-10″, 220, C, 2013, Greensboro (AL) – If you were designing what a high school sophomore post player with potential would like like, it’s hard to argue with Taylor’s attributes. He’s got arms for days (7’6″ wing span), and a better than expected interior game. Taylor’s beginning to understand what a disruptive force he can be on defense when his motor starts to run, and has emerging offensive skills. If you were betting on a player to be outstanding for the long-term, it would be hard to bet against Taylor.
Jimmie Taylor (Photo credit: Steven Maikoski/USA Basketball)
Tyus Jones, 6′-1″, 171, PG, 2014, Apple Valley (MN) – It would be difficult to ask for from a point guard Jones’ age. He is an intelligent player that can shoot well enough to keep defenses honest, but is always focused on distributing the ball to the open man. Jones is a true point guard with an advanced skill set. While Jones doesn’t overwhelm with physical attributes, he makes the special plays that are difficult to teach.
Shaqquan Aaron, 6′-6″, 168, SG, 2014, Mater Dei (CA) and Justin Jackson, 6′-5″, 171, SG, 2014, HCYA (TX) – Both are slender and rangy wing prospects. Neither has the quickest release from an outside shot, but both are above-average shooters that stretch defenses. Aaron is probably more athletic at this stage, but Jackson has the more complete game. The bottom lines is that when both players add muscle and develop, watch out.
School Lists
The following school lists were submitted by the participants to the USA Basketball media guide.
6′-6″ 2014 SG Shaqquan Aaron of Mater Dei (CA) listed Connecticut, Duke, Kansas, and UCLA.
6′-6″ 2013 SF Stephen Domingo of St. Ignatius Prep (CA) listed Arizona, Cal, Georgetown, Memphis, San Francisco, Stanford, San Diego State, UCLA and Washington.
6′-5″ 2014 SG Justin Jackson of HCYA (TX) gave a list that included Georgetown, Kansas, Marquette, North Carolina, Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M and Washington.
6′-2″ 2013 SG Kendrick Nunn of Simeon (IL) has DePaul, Illinois, Memphis, Ohio, Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Saint Louis on his radar.
6′-9″ 2014 C Jahlil Okafor of Whitney Young (IL) is considering Arkansas, DePaul, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue and Tennessee.
6′-8″ 2014 SF Paul White of Whitney Young (IL) is tracking DePaul, Illinois, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Syracuse and Wisconsin.
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