5 for 5 U17 USA Basketball World Championships

5 for 5 – U17 USA Basketball World Championship Team
 
1. What was your first reaction when you saw the team roster?
 
MARK WILLIAMS: Surprised Morris was left off the roster and Bailey was added, but it shows USA Basketball valuing size.
 
JASON KEY: Shocked that Alexis Morris didn't make it. Thought that USA Basketball was deliberately looking for size to match up defensively and shooting to attack zones.
 
SHANE LAFLIN: I first looked at the balance of the roster. I see four true posts (Collier, Prince, Nelson-Ododa, and Bailey) and one power forward (DeCosta). I really like the versatility of Prince, Coller, and Nelson-Ododa. DeCosta was so impressive with her intensity and just finding ways to get things done. 
 
I see three players that will get PG minutes in Mikesell, Henderson, and Brown. I was a little surprised to not see Alexis Morris on the team, but I do like these three players. They are all exceptional passers and big guards do well in international play. 
 
The roster rounded out with some of the players that I thought consistently showed their value to true team play though out the trials: Abby Prohaska, Christyn Williams, Samantha Brunelle, and Maya Dodson. Brunelle quickly become one of my favorite players at the trials immediately on Thursday night. She was on a mission and it was evident from the first drill. She will play important forward minutes for this team. Prohaska is as tough, gritty, and fundamentally sound as they come. Christyn Williams is a solid all around pick that gives them athleticism on the wing and confidence handling the basketball. Maya Dodson was the most impressive athlete there. I love her versatility and the high release on her jumper. 
 
2. What are your thoughts on the guards?
 
MARK WILLIAMS: The guards are all strong and defensive minded. Brown and Henderson did a good job of running their teams through out the trials plus causing troubles for the opposing team's lead guards defensively. Watch out for Christyn Williams splitting time at both guard positions because of her defensive abilities.
 
JASON KEY: Big and skilled, especially shooting wise. I thought the roster shows that USA Basketball wants to slow down offensively and play inside-out while possessing the ball. Defensively, they are long and will be able to switch in many situations.
 
SHANE LAFLIN: When I watch guard play, I always want to see intangible qualities on top of fundamental skills. I think these players they have chosen at the guard spot have natural strengths, but also are semi-positionless in that they know how to play with or without the ball in their hands. 
 
3. What are your thoughts on the wings?
 
MARK WILLIAMS: The wings are very good passers, especially to the post. USA Basketball was focusing on improving the team's shooting from the FIBA U16 Americas roster so they added Samantha Brunelle, Taylor Mikesell, and Abby Prohaska.
 
JASON KEY: Long and athletic. Wings look to be able to defend, rebound, and hit open 3's off the bigs.
 
SHANE LAFLIN: I like athleticism and the ability to rebound from the wing position and I think Prohaska, Dodson, Williams, and Brunelle. I think you have to be able to knock down shots and for the most part, these players can do that. An advantage that the US goes in with is if they need to manufacture some points and extra possessions, they can press a little bit. I think with the IQ and size of these players, they fit that mold if needed. 
 
4. What are your thoughts on the forwards/posts?
 
MARK WILLIAMS: The forward position is very big and versatile for Team USA. USA's coaching staff will be able to mix and match to give their opponent a variety of looks. I expect some time during the FIBA U17 World Championship we will see Charli Collier, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Sedona Prince on the floor at the same time. Look for Maya Dodson to make her presence and talents known. She was a key player for me during the trials.
 
JASON KEY: Gigantic. This is a huge lineup in the front court and this team will play inside out. Paint touches will be vital in this team's success.
 
SHANE LAFLIN: The post position was very competitive at these trials. Charli Collier scored the ball consistently and was outright dominant at times, and Bailey really bangs, but also has a nice soft touch from 15 feet. Nelson-Ododa brings an energy to the floor that was unmatched. Sedona Prince is great on the block and as a high post passer and makes a huge difference defensively. Brunelle will get some forward minutes potentially as well. This will really stretch the defense as she was one of the most consistent perimeter shooters at the trials.
 
5. How do your think the team will finish?
 
MARK WILLIAMS: After last year's bronze medal at FIBA U16 Americas, Team USA was focused on reshaping the team for the FIBA U17 World Championship. I believed they accomplished that because this year's team is more balanced. The team still lacks a go to scorer that will be needed in tight ball games. We will be on the look out to see who steps up for that role. I think Team USA will finish in the top four but could easily be at the top of the podium when it's all said and done.
 
JASON KEY: I think this team will win it for 2 reasons. Ball possession and floor balance. With this roster, their is an emphasis on defense and shooting and less emphasis on transition and penetration. This roster is a direct reflection of last year's U16 team struggles against the zone.
 
SHANE LAFLIN: Having admittedly not seen any of the competition play (other than China) it is hard to say definitively. I can say though that there was some really good basketball played on Monday by the U17 group vs an experienced and talented pool of U18 players. I have to feel that after what has been called an unacceptable bronze medal last year, this team will be hungry and focused and will come back winners of the GOLD.