Head coach Shaka Smart speaks to the U18 team. (Photo: USA Basketball)
USA Basketball announced Wednesday its 12-man roster to compete in next week’s FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Chile.
“I’m really excited about the make-up of our team,” said USA U18 and University of Texas head coach Shaka Smart. “First of all, we have 12 high character guys, they are guys who really seem to get along well with each other, and that’s important on any team. And then we have some very talented kids at a variety of spots. We have size, we have length.
“Our point guard play is going to be very important on this team. Those guys are going to have to set the tone in terms of leadership, in terms of getting us into offense and defense the way we want to get into it. I’m excited about the guys we have.”
Jarrett Allen, who will play for Smart at Texas, is one of three players with previous national team experience, along with Markelle Fultz and P.J. Washington.
James Banks, who will join Allen with the Longhorns, is one of four players signed to play college basketball next year. Kevin Huerter (Maryland) and Fultz (Washington) are the other two.
Below is the full roster. Play begins July 19.
- Jarrett Allen (Texas)
- Mohamed Bomba (Westtown School)
- James Banks (Texas)
- Markelle Fultz (Washington)
- Trae Young (Norman North)
- Matt Coleman (Oak Hill)
- Hamidou Diallo (Putnam Science Academy)
- Quade Green (Neumann Goretti)
- Kevin Huerter (Maryland)
- Michael Porter Jr. (Nathan Hale)
- M.J. Walker (Jonesboro)
- P.J. Washington (Texas)