USA show incredible depth of talent as they get ready for a gold rush

COLORADO SPRINGS (USA) – Determined to recapture the crown they lost at the last edition of the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, USA are throwing their doors open to a huge pool of talent.

The former champions have invited no fewer than 30 players to trials, which will be held May 16-19 at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

That is where the final roster will be largely determined for this year's FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Thailand during July, with a staggering 19 players on the trials list already knowing what it is like to taste gold at a FIBA event.

 The bulk of the squad is made up from those who conquered the FIBA U18 Americas Women’s Championship last year in Mexico – as well as those who landed the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup crown in Belarus.

Rhyne Howard headlines the group, having been named U18 MVP as USA recorded a flawless 5-0 slate at the event. The 2019 WBCA Freshman of the Year is joined by fellow All-Star Five member, Maori Davenport.

Nine members lined up for the USA during their Minsk triumph, including U17 All-Star Five members, Aliyah Boston and Haley Jones (pictured).

The depth and diversity of the talent pool is also demonstrated through 3x3 representation, with Boston, Paige Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith having all helped the USA strike gold at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Meanwhile Aquira DeCosta (pictured) claimed MVP honors at the 2017 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, en-route to topping the podium.

“I’m looking forward to working with all these talented athletes at the USA U19 World Cup Team trials,” said play-caller, Jeff Walz.

“It’s an amazing group of athletes and it’s going to be hard for the committee to pick just 12 for this team. We have a group of kids who are versatile, we have so much talent at every position. It will be an exciting weekend of basketball, and I can’t wait to get started,” he concluded.

FIBA