Five 2016 U17 world champions picked in first round of 2018 NBA Draft

NEW YORK (FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018) - The future star power of the United States team at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2016 was clear at the 2018 NBA Draft as five members of the title-winning side were selected among the first 15 picks. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. 

The first of those players chosen was Jaren Jackson Jr, who was the fourth pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. Jackson, who went to Michigan State University for one season, averaged 4.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks during the U17 World Cup.

Wendell Carter Jr. 

Wendell Carter Jr. was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Bulls after one season at Duke University. Carter was named to the All-Star Five of the U17 World Cup, averaging 10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks. 

Collin Sexton 

Collin Sexton was taken a pick later at number eight by the Cleveland Cavaliers after one season at the University of Alabama. Sexton was named the MVP of the U17 World Cup after collecting 17.0 points, 4.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals.  

Kevin Knox II 

Kevin Knox II was the next pick in the draft with number nine overall by the New York Knicks following his sole season at the University of Kentucky. Knox averaged 11.2 points a game to go with 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals at Zaragoza 2016. 

Troy Brown 

The 15th pick of the draft was Troy Brown by the Washington Wizards after one lone season at the University of Oregon. At the U17 World Cup, Brown averaged 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. 

Gary Trent Jr meanwhile was taken in the second round with the 37th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings after one season at Duke University. He scored 12.7 points at the U17 World Cup to go with 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.4 assists. 

FIBA