Hoop Summit duo leads USA roster

COLORADO SPRINGS (2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship) - Two stars from the 2016 Hoop Summit will lead the United States team at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship as the Americans go for a fourth straight title.

Jarrett Allen and Markelle Fultz both helped the United States Select Team to a 101-67 victory over the World Select Team at this spring's Hoop Summit. Allen had nine points, nine rebounds and two steals while Fultz had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and five steals. 

Paul P.J. Washington also comes into the tournament with international experience, playing at the 2015 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship where the United States finished eighth.  

"I'm really excited about the make-up of our team," United States coach Shaka Smart said. "We have some very talented kids at a variety of spots. We have size, we have length. Our point guard play is going to be very important on this team. Those guys are going to have to set the tone in terms of leadership, in terms of getting us into offense and defense the way we want to get into it."

The Americans will have good size with a trio of players 2.08m or taller in Allen, James Banks and Mohamed Bamba while Michael Porter Jr. and Washington both measure 2.03m.

The United States have won the last three FIBA Americas U18 titles and seven of the nine championships, taking second in 2008 and third in 2002. Smart's team has been drawn into Group B of the 19-23 July tournament with hosts Chile, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. 

The top two teams of the two groups will reach the Semi-Finals and the top four finishers of the tournament will qualify for the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship in Cairo. 

FIBA