2018 U17 USA Basketball Trials

Every year the days leading up to Memorial Day Weekend bring those of us in the basketball world together in Colorado Springs to check out the respective year’s USA Trials. How appropriate to be surrounded by red, white, and blue on a campus that represents many hours of hard work and preparation to represent the country.
 
It feels like the unofficial start to summer. Temperatures have risen and the spring events are over after many were played during the long weekend concurrent to the trials. June seems to be an unofficial hiatus to events as players are hitting camps and in many states focus on their high school teams (different rules everywhere). 
 
But it will not be that way for the 12 that are standing after the official end of the trials and the 18-player training camp that will finalize the roster. They will represent the United States at the FIBA World Cup in Belarus at the end of July. Their focus will shift quickly to their new team. What an experience. What an honor. What a  responsibility. The United States is expected to win, and in the previous U17 experience two years ago, this did not happen. 
 
Mark Williams gives us the rewind rundown -- 
 
In 2016, Team USA brought a loaded team full of players who signed this past November with the likes of UConn, Texas, North Carolina, Baylor, Stanford, Notre Dame, Maryland, and South Carolina, but lost to Australia in the semifinals. Australia went on to beat Italy to win their country’s first U17 gold medal. 
 
Though the Australian team was made up of players who will be attending Duke, Saint Mary’s, Oregon State, along with a couple 2019’s still waiting to make their decision, plus a couple who signed pro, the big difference between Team USA and Australia was the cohesion of the teams. Australia benefited from most of their team attending Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, which allows them to train, practice, and play together year around while finishing high school. 



Trimming the Roster Down
 
We started on Thursday (May 24) with 158 athletes. The athletes were put through three skills and concepts sessions including shooting drills, full court drills, and some 3on3. What is referred to as the “Trials Sessions” started Friday night. They players were given some general actions and structure of which to play within and then were put on varying 5on5 teams. 
 
After two Trials Sessions, the pool was cut to 102 players. The next cut took it down to 75. Before the start of the final day, the list was trimmed to 45. By Monday morning it was down to 18.
 
River Baldwin– 2019 Post / Pleasant Home School (AL) / Tenn Flight
Fran Belibi– 2019 Forward / Regis Jesuit HS  (CO) / Mile High Magic
Aliyah Boston–2019 Post /  Worcester Academy (MA) / iExcel 
Cameron Brink– 2019 Forward / Southridge HS (OR) / Cal Stars
Sam Brunelle– 2019 Wing-Forward / William Monroe HS (VA) / Fairfax Stars
Paige Bueckers– 2020 Guard / Hopkins HS (MN) / North Tartan
Allison Campbell– 2020 Guard / Bellwood-Antis HS (PA) / Philly Belles
Zia Cooke–  2019 Guard / Rogers HS (OH) / Sports City
Azzi Fudd– 2021 Guard / St. John’s College HS (VA) / Fairfax Stars
Aubrey Griffin– 2019 Guard-Wing / Ossining HS (NY)
Hannah Gusters– 2020 Post / Duncanville HS (TX) / Pro Skills 
Jordan Horston– 2019 Guard / Africentric Early College (OH) / All Ohio
Rickea Jackson– 2019 Wing-Forward / Detroit Edison HS (MI) / Sports City
Haley Jones– 2019 Guard-Wing / Archbishop Mitty HS (CA) / Cal Stars
Charisma Osborne– 2019 Guard /  Windward School (CA) / West Coast Premier 
Angel Reese– 2020 Forward / St Frances Academy (MD) / Team Takeover
Celeste Taylor– 2019 Guard / Long Island Lutheran (NY) / Philly Belles
Hailey Van Lith– 2020 Guard / Cashmere HS (WA) / NW Blazers 
 
This was obviously no easy task and there are always the “surprise” cuts from 75 to 45 and then 45 to 18. 
 
In this particular year, most felt like there were a handful of “locks” and then from there on, one could make a case for plenty of the players. Because the ball was not shot particularly well from the perimeter/three-ball overall, and because many of the bigs struggled to finish consistently inside, there were not obvious differentiating factors amongst many players. Having to take into account team chemistry in such a short time is almost impossible. Also, it can be assumed that projected potential opponent makeup of strengths, etc. is a factor – probably easy to generalize in terms of history or past results, but the game is changing quickly and the rest of the world is part of that as their talent pool grows and their experience increases. 
 
The fact is that the 45 player pool that went to 18 (plus even a few that didn’t make the cut) was extremely talented. And needless to say, the 18 took it to another level. 
 
Mark Williams Provides Insight Into the 2018 U17 World Cup –
 
Heading into the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, France, Australia and Team USA are my favorites to finish in the top three. 
 
France won the 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship by beating Hungary in the gold medal game. France’s starting five would be Top 30 recruits in the states. They are lead by tournament MVP Iliana Rupert and sharp shooter Zoe Wadoux. The difference from this French team from previous teams is they have the skill and athleticism to go toe to toe with Team USA.
 
Australia won the 2017 FIBA U16 Asia Championship this past October by beating Japan in the  gold medal game. Australia will be bringing a young team to the World Cup, but this team will get down and defend as seen when they held Japan to 19 points in the second half of the gold medal game. On the offensive end, they are a balanced team with four players averaging double figures. 
 
Final Thoughts and Outstanding Players
 
The USA Trials is highly regarded in the fact that it is the most unique environment to watch players in terms of evaluation and especially the ones who are fortunate enough to come on multiple occasions. These players are on equal footing and are expected to listen, learn, compete, and produce. The environment is as competitive as they come, and the playing field is even as well – the court coaches and team coaches don’t necessarily know the players very well and the system doesn’t cater to their individual strengths. They are expected to adapt and they are expected to blend and mesh with other very highly talented players – not always easy to do with today’s top players. The final 12 chosen (or even as the list is dwindled down) aren’t the absolute best individual 12, but they will represent what the committee feels is the best  TEAM. Which, is a healthy thing for the game and people need to understand exactly what that means. No one, and I mean -  no one, can say that they know exactly who that should be (especially this year) – it is an inexact science. Those hard decisions made at the top deserve our support and most importantly, the TEAM deserves our support. 
 
That being said and changing gears a bit, here are the outstanding players respectively between Jason Key, Mark Williams, and Shane Laflin. (It was almost impossible, but we mandated to keep it to five only.. ) These are the ones that from our individual perspective(s), continued to impress and catch our eyes. So, to give some insight into that: 
 
SHANE LAFLIN
 
Haley Jones– To me, hands down, the best player at the U17 Trials overall. There is not a part of the floor in which she is uncomfortable. She is a two-way player and displays IQ on both ends. She rebounds, she defends, she is a good passer, and has the skills to score the ball in a variety of ways.. Having been cut here before, she could have easily pressed a bit, but she is cool and calm at all times. She is smooth with the ball in her hands.. and knows the subtleties of playing without the ball. Her versatility is very key… absolute HOOPER. 
 
Paige Bueckers– She loves to play.. and it screams from the floor. Another player that seems to be collected at all times and versatile at the guard spot.. With a frame that some could think needs strength, she finishes extremely well with contact and in traffic. The J is smooth.. She is crafty and uses her size and length well on the defensive end. She is the right mix of flash and fundamentals and I had to use the phrase “Pistol Paige (Bueckers) Maravich” several times this weekend – and in no way do I think I’m the first one to make that comparison. 
 
Cameron Brink– Of my five, this one is admittedly the one based the most on upside – but that is not to say the current production should be dismissed. When I see tools, size and athleticism + that look in a player’s eye that says they have high expectations for themselves, I can vibe a bit more with the “projection” talk. Cameron is a sponge and in talking the game with her, she understands basketball concepts at a very high level. She was great in the trail spot here and always leaves her mark defensively. She showed us flashes of the upside on a couple long range jumpers.. As she gains strength and then patience in her post/extended post/high post touches… she can be almost unstoppable. 
 
Rickea Jackson– The word versatility nowadays used a bit overused when describing basketball players because most of the time people mean it to mean players are “potentially versatile”.. NOT in this case. Jackson can legitimately play the 2-4 positions and did so at the trials. She is explosive to the rim, is a major problem when she rebounds to push the ball, and has a nice touch on the jumper. Defensively, she can be an absolute lock down spot. She is an incredible finisher and a matchup problem. She has a quite competitive nature that is really intriguing.. 
 
Charisma Osborne– She has a very positive presence on the floor – from demeanor to production.. She is so smooth that you almost don’t realize the athleticism she possesses. She can score the ball and does a good job of advancing it as well- which she repeatedly did to other talented teammates.. something that really stood out to me. I don’t ever see signs of fatigue – she knows how to pick her spots well. She pressures the ball without fouling (or too much use of the hands – a no, no in FIBA and at the next level as well).. She really changes the tempo of her teams on both ends. 
   
Caitlin Clarke– Clarke is as steady as they come with good size and an impeccably fundamental game.. Although she did not shoot the ball as well as I know she is used to, I thought she made her teammates better and showed she can create and score. 
 
Ashten Prechtel– I thought Prechtel showed the mobility and skills around the rim to be affective.. She showed that you must honor her from the high post area and out to the three-point line.. She scored the ball inside with either hand. She has gotten stronger and more agile. 
 
JASON KEY
 
To Shane’s point, I thought that Jones and Bueckers were the most outstandingly consistent players of the trials.
 
Jordan Horston–  I termed Horston “Little Penny”. Horston’s ability to create for others off the bounce stood out as soon as the games began. Flashed the ability to finish in traffic off the bounce. Showed easy 3-ball range both off the bounce and catch. Good use of length defensively with the ability to guard any perimeter position. 
 
Azzi Fudd– I called both Mark and Shane the first time I caught Fudd a few summers ago and I proclaimed Fudd to be the next “one”. I admittedly can get excited when I catch a young player for the first time, but boy was I right on this one. Has an old-school feel to her game and plays with the patience and understanding of the game of a grizzled vet. Natural leadership qualities… A major weapon in Fudd’s arsenal is the one or two-dribble pull up jumper from the mid-range. Efficient dribble and excellent use of shoulders to create space… Vision off the bounce… Easy 3-ball range off the bounce or catch… Use of shoulders allow for many and-1 opportunities. Excellent on-ball perimeter defender…
 
Zia Cooke– One of the more entertaining players to watch. Pushes pace on the break. Has the ball on a string. Elite “bunnies” allow for finish over bigger defenders when attacking the paint. Dimes off the bounce… Will hit the 3-ball if defenders go under the screen. Harassing on-ball pressure defender…
 
Hailey Van Lith– Hailey came in as a mystery guest with a huge reputation to many who had not seen her before and lived up to the hype. Explosive right to left cross… Creates contact and gets to the free throw line seemingly at will. Strong frame allows for contact finishes. Excellent vision off the bounce… Excels in pick and roll situations. Extremely competitive perimeter defender… 
 
Hannah Gusters– Anybody who knows me will tell you if a Duncanville Pantherette is in the mix, I’m going to write about her. The next in a long line of hoopers to come out of the Texas powerhouse, Gusters made her presence felt throughout the weekend. Does the work early in creating deep post position. Excellent touch in the paint. Will face up and hit you out to 15-18 feet consistently with emerging ability from the 3-point line at the top of the key. Active post presence defensively and on the boards…
   
Sarah Andrews - I thought she was the best defensive guard at the trials. Shot really well. Played at the deepest position at the trials.
 
Caitlin Clark– True PG with excellent length. Very efficient all weekend. Understands timing and touches for scorers. 
 
Nyah Green– As active as I’ve seen Nyah defensively. Excellent use of the pull-up jumper off the bounce… 
 
Jordyn Oliver– Bullied others on both ends of the floor. Has improved 3-ball off the catch. Played at a high level on both ends.
 
Ashten Prechtel– Along with Andrews, my biggest surprise cut. I tabbed her on my final 12 before the cut from 40 to 18 because of her ability to shoot from the 5-spot.    
 
 
MARK WILLIAMS
 
Samantha Brunelle - For those who have followed girls’ basketball for a while, Sam Brunelle is a house hold name, so every time she steps on the floor all eyes are on her. Along with her play, what also makes Sam special is she is a great teammate and person, which was evident when she made her announcement she was attending Notre Dame while surrounded by her teammates and community. Brunelle shot the ball well throughout the 2018 USA U17 Trials, but what was most impressive as the camp went on, was her ability to make a basket cut for an easy basket or patience to make the correct pass at the correct time for her teammate to get an easy basket. When a player moves from seeing the games in ones or twos and begins seeing it in “fives” is when they become great. 
 
Aaliyah Boston - Boston was MVP of the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Argentina, but she didn’t really on that coming into 2018 USA U17 Trials. She came to trials in better shape than last year and on a mission that no one was going to take her spot. She was a beast on the boards and it was tough to keep from scoring in the low post. Her improved conditioning allowed her to keep her high level of play through the trials. 
 
Fran Belibi - The YouTube sensation, Fran Belibi had another high light reel as she came down the lane in 3v3 and missed a dunk off the back of the rim. Her confidence in her game has increased over the last year as her game as grown. She is a beast on the boards and gets her hands on many shots that other players can’t get to. Her offensive game has improved in the low post and from the perimeter. Belibi is just touching the surface of her potential and she has the chance to be a top 3 WNBA selection after her time at Stanford.
 
Angel Reese - This was the third time for me to watch Angel Reese play this spring and every time I have walked away thinking she may play the hardest in the country. Her struggles with the jumper are overcome by her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. She is an excellent athlete who is tough to keep off the boards and out of the lane on the drive. Her length and athleticism allow her finish a lot of shots that other players wouldn’t be able to. There are few players in the world who have Reese’s size and athleticism. 
 
Ashten Prechtel - Prechtel walked into her high school years with high exceptions largely because of her size and potential. With an up and down career so far, she put together a solid USA Trials. We started to see what the complete package for Prechtel can look like when she adds strength. She can score with a variety of moves in the low post plus step out to knock down the three off the catch. Though Prechtel didn’t make the final 18, she showed that her best basketball is ahead of her. 
 
     
Congratulations to all the participants and especially the final 12 that will represent the USA at the U17 FIBA World Cup. Our guy Mark Williams aka  #WorldWideHoops will see you in Minsk!