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COLORADO SPRINGS, Co – After just two practices, the injury bug has started to hit the USA U17 tryouts.
When the first practice got underway on Friday evening at the USA Olympic Complex, five-star forward Jarred Vanderbilt and point guard Tre Jones, the younger brother of Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Tyus Jones, were out with injuries.
Both players were on the U16 team last year, meaning a few unexpected spots opened up. Vanderbilt had his left foot in a boot, while Jones’ was having issues with his wrist.
Despite playing last week at the Pangos Camp in California, Vanderbilt said “It’s the foot. I don’t know what I did, but it’s been bothering me for a little while, but I never paid close attention to it. They said to get some rest and go back to the doctor when I get home.”
Last year Vanderbilt started all five games in the FIBA America’s tournament and while he averaged 9.8 points and 7.8 rebounds, he was also the most versatile player on defense and allowed the USA team to employ a variety of defensive sets.
“As far as versatility, I think Kev Knox will be that versatile player,” said Vanderbilt. “We have Troy [Brown] here as well, who I think will be a lock for the team in my opinion. Between Brown and Kev they have their options and some long, athletic guys to fill in. The question is who will bring that leadership this year.”
As for Jones, he averaged 4.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
NAZ REID UPDATE
The injuries were not limited to Vanderbilt and Jones. During positional drills on Friday, ESPN’s No. 4 ranked junior, Naz Reid rolled his ankle. He continued to play on it through the first practice, but was forced to sit out on Saturday morning.
Last year, Reid was cut from the U16 team, but had aspirations of making the U17 team.
“Trying to outwork everyone, unfortunately last year I didn’t,” said Reid on Friday night. “This year I’m trying to make a difference. Last year I didn’t get the job done, but this year I want to. I’ve been in the gym every day for me to prove I can do the things I do every day that you guys haven’t seen yet. Keep getting in the gym and things will be noticed as I go on.”
Reid rattled off Seton Hall, Syracuse, UConn, and St. John’s (which he visited briefly last week) when asked about recruiting, but quickly added, “I’m just trying not to focus on that too much and just play basketball.”
USA VETERANS
Throughout the first two practices, the USA “veterans” have looked the most comfortable on the court. Wendell Carter Jr. has used his size and strength advantage down low to score at will when he touches the ball, while Gary Trent Jr. has showcased his outside shot while also displaying an improved passing ability. In addition, even with a spot on the team, pretty much all but guaranteed, he has also tried to win every sprint there is.
Kevin Knox, who made his name at the U16 tryouts last year, has struggled from the perimeter, but has been unstoppable when attacking the basket or on the fast break. He has the most athleticism in the camp and is also the most explosive off a stand-still leap. Finally, point guard Markus Howard has been getting into the paint routinely and finishing with a soft right-handed floater. Howard is set to start at Marquette in July, but for now he is playing mistake free ball at the tryouts.
NEWCOMERS
Five-star guard Troy Brown, who will cut his list after Peach Jam, is not a newcomer to USA Basketball, but he was unable to try out for the U16 team last year. So far, he has shown an improved outside shot and has been able to fit in seamlessly with either the wings or the guards.
Collin Sexton, who will also cut his list this summer, is having his first USA experience and so far he has bought into the system. Through two practices, Sexton’s quickness off the dribble has been evident, but so has his work ethic, competiveness, and leadership.
