USA select six FIBA Americas U16 champs on final roster
COLORADO SPRINGS (2016 FIBA U17 World Championship) - USA Basketball finalised their 12-man roster for the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship, nominating six of the players from last summer's U16 team in a d
COLORADO SPRINGS (2016 FIBA U17 World Championship) - USA Basketball finalised their 12-man roster for the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship, nominating six of the players from last summer's U16 team in a difficult selection process.
USA Basketball officials trimmed the final six players from their previous 18-man squad and named the 12 players they hope will lead the Americans to their fourth straight U17 Worlds crown.
| USA 12-player roster for 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship | |||
| Jordan Brown | Troy Brown | Wendell Carter Jr. | Carte'Are Gordon |
| Markus Howard | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Kevin Knox II | Immanuel Quickley |
| Collin Sexton | Javonte Smart | Gary Trent Jr | Austin Wiley |
"This was the fourth USA U17 World Championship team that we've put together, and this is by far the hardest decision," USA Basketball men's national team director Sean Ford said.Back on the team from the squad that won the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Championship title are Jordan Brown, Wendell Carter Jr., Markus Howard, Kevin Knox II, Javonte Smart and Gary Trent Jr.
"I've been involved since 2009, and this may have been one of the toughest years we've had," added head coach Don Showalter.
USA Basketball originally invited 39 players to the training camp which started on June 10 in Colorado Springs. Now Showalter has his group of guys to battle in Zaragoza - starting in Group A with Chinese Taipei, Egypt and Turkey.
This was the fourth USA U17 World Championship team that we've put together, and this is by far the hardest decision. - Ford
"We always look for guys who are versatile and can play multiple positions and I think we have that," said Showalter.
"I like our size, and when you go play international at this level, you are going to play against bigger bodies. I also think we have a good mix of shooters and slashers."
FIBA