USA U16 Scouting Report

The U16 USA team kicks off FIBA America play in Argentina beginning June 10 against Puerto Rico. The 12 man team features some of the top players in the rising sophomore (2018) and junior (2017) classes in high school (5 sophomores & 7 juniors). Since the U16 team was created in 2009, the USA has won their FIBA America games by an average of 43 points a game. 

*Note - All measurements courtesy of USA Basketball

Javonte Smart – PG, Scotlandville Magnet High (LA), 2018

Height: 6’4”        Weight: 174.5    Wing Span: 6’7”

Top Skill: Point Guard size

photo by USA Basketball

• Averaged 10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, and 3.6 apg in the 17U Nike EYBL as one of the few participants from the freshman class.
• Won a Louisiana 5A State Championship and averaged 15.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 5.2 apg.
• Cousin of Keith Smart
• Very good size for a point guard at 6’4”.
• Excels at getting to the basket and making plays. Already ahead of the curve on understanding how to utilize the pick and roll. Can make plays for teammates or get to the rim.
• Good athlete as of right now, but still working on explosiveness. Takes questionable shots at times and isn’t a strong threat from deep just yet.
• Will see time at point guard and also on the wing for the USA team.
• One of the most talented players in the freshman class.

Jordan Brown, PF, Woodcreek High (CA), 2018

Height: 6’10”     Weight: 190       Wing Span: 6’11 ½” 

Top Skill: High Ceiling

• Tall and lean power forward from the Sacramento area.
• Productive during tryouts, but also looked to have extremely high upside and growth.
• Just scratching the surface, but on the offensive end Brown can play physical down low despite lanky frame. Can turn and face from 10-15 feet comfortably and also has the ability to attack off of 1-2 dribbles.
• Solid rebounder in space and passer when double-teamed.
• Averaged 22.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg and named Freshman of the Year in California.
• Will need to continue to work on strength, explosiveness, and quick decision making skills.
• Rare case of a freshman that is still getting used to his body, but is very productive with lots of potential.

Wendell Carter Jr., C, Pace Academy, (GA), 2017

Height: 6’9 ¾”   Weight: 249       Wing Span: 7’3 ¾”

Top Skill: Using his size to score in the post and change shots on defense

• Imposing big man and will play the majority of minutes for the U16 team at the center position.
• Recently averaged 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds a game in the Nike EYBL 17U division.
• Intimidating presence on both sides of the ball and enjoys dunking and blocking shots with authority.
• Comfortable utilizing both hands in the post and turning over both shoulders for short hooks and jumpers.
• Improving mid-range game from 12-15 feet with the ability to hit a rare three. Mentioned that he was taking hundreds of mid-range shots a day to improve this area before extending his range.
• Still growing into his body and is working on improving his agility.
• Can struggle catching tough passes from his guards at times, but when he does receive an entry pass he makes quick and decisive moves.
• Averaged 21.3 ppg and 12.3rpg in Georgia 6A class. 3.8 GPA.

Jarred Vanderbilt, F, The Victory Academy (TX), 2017

Height: 6’8”        Weight: 197.5    Wing Span: 6’11 ½”

Top Skill: Rebounding, Versatility

• Probable starter at the forward position.
• Right now he is a skinny version of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
• Effective using his pogo stick legs on the glass. His second jump on rebounds is quick & explosive
• Comfortable attacking the basket off the dribble or hitting jump shots in the paint
• Can guard almost any position. Very active in the passing lanes and is usually good for a few deflections a game along with some blocked shots.
• Likes to push the ball up the court off of defensive rebounds.
• Sinewy build. Has put on 13 pounds since his freshman season but has narrow frame
• Not a good shooter from outside yet which allows defenders to play off him on the wing
• Averaged 15.1 ppg and 11.5 rpg in the 17U Nike EYBL.

Gary Trent Jr., SG, Apple Valley High (MN), 2017

Height: 6’4 ½”   Weight: 195       Wing Span: 6’9”

Top Skill: Scoring plus Shooting Ability

• Son of former NBA player Gary Trent and also played high school with Tyus Jones.
• Probable starting shooting guard despite being a late invite to the USA tryouts.
• Leading scorer in the 17U Nike EYBL at 22.1 ppg. Also shot 40% on 120 three point attempts.
• Comfortable launching from the international three point line and one of the top shooters on team.
• Consistent with his shot, does not force the issue.
• He can do more than just shoot. Trent Jr. can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. At times he can use his broad shoulders and strong physique down low to take advantage of smaller or weaker defenders.
• Needs to continue to work on his quickness and leaping ability off the dribble. College athletes will recover faster once Trent Jr. puts the ball on the floor and he will need to be able to continue to get to the rim against taller and more athletic players. 
• Will be one of the leading scorers for the USA team.

Connor Vanover, C, Arkansas Baptist High School (AR), 2018

Height: 7’2”        Weight: 211       Wing Span: 7’3”

Top Skill: Shooting (10 feet to the 3 point line)

• Tallest player on team, has grown 2 inches in the last year, but very slight of frame.
• Coordinated for his size and young age, but needs to slowly build up conditioning and strength.
• Shooting is top skill. Very good at 12-15 foot jump shots which is his preferred shot. Also comfortable popping out to the wings for 3’s which he makes on a regular basis.
• Struggles to finish in paint at this point, prefers to pick and pop. Can get pushed around on both sides of the ball by shorter, more physical players.
• Decent shot blocking instincts from weak side.
• Will provide minutes off the bench. As he adds more strength will continue to become more effective from all parts of the floor.
• Averaged 14.8 ppg and 9.4 rpg in Arkansas 4A class.

Markus Howard, PG, Findlay Prep (NV), 2017

Height: 5’11”     Weight: 178       Wing Span: 5’11”

Top Skill: Outside shooting, fundamental player

• Natural point guard, but a consistently productive scorer. Averaged 32 ppg in Arizona as a sophomore and then 22 ppg in the 17U Nike EYBL.
• Cerebral, hard-working player. Howard can push the pace and make solid decisions as the point, and is fundamentally strong.
• Top notch shooter. Deadly from the corner three spot and has deep range on the wings as well. Comfortable hitting a 10 foot floater and at times getting to the basket.
• Finds ways to beat players off the dribble or in pick and roll positions. Avoids getting shot blocked in the lane by taller defenders. 
• Provides intensity on the defensive end by putting pressure on opposing point guard's as soon as they begin to dribble. 
• Strong shot at starting for the USA team. If not, he will be one of the first players off the bench for either guard spot and one of the team's leading scorers.
• Transferring to Findlay Prep in Nevada for junior season.

Kevin Knox II – PF, Tampa Catholic (FL), 2017

Height: 6’8”        Weight: 194       Wing Span: 6’9”

Top Skill: Pick and roll, ability to finish at rim

• Knox came out of nowhere to make the USA U16 team over more highly touted classmates.
• Strong motor, always plays at a high level and intensity.
• Explosive jumper off two feet around the basket.
• Did most of his damage close to the rim off of pick and roll dives to the basket or creating open targets for his guards upon penetration.
• Good set of hands that caught anything that came his way and finished with quick and aggressive two-hand dunks or contorted his body in the air to avoid getting his shot blocked by larger opponents.
• Solid form on his free-throws, ability to face-up in the half-court set.
• Will provide energy and toughness off the bench for the USA team.
• Needs to continue to hone offensive skills and ability to pick and pop in addition to rolling hard to the basket. 
• Averaged 24.4 ppg and 10 rpg at Tampa Catholic (Florida – 4A)

Jalen Hill – PF, Centennial High (CA), 2017

Height: 6’7”        Weight: 209       Wing Span: 6’11 ½” 

Top Skill: Rebounding

• Kenneth Faried type player comparison
• High energy, good rebounder, very athletic and bouncy
• Strong shot blocker on ball and from help side. Good instincts.
• Still coming into his own. Lots of potential. Will contribute off bench.
• Needs to continue to hone offensive game and pick and pop ability.

Jaylen Nowell – SG, Garfield High (WA), 2017

Height: 6’3 ½”   Weight: 176       Wing Span: 6’6 ½”

Top Skill: Slasher

• Recently won a state championship in Washington as a sophomore where he averaged 23.5 points. Same high school as Brandon Roy.
• Nowell excelled during the tryouts at attacking the basket. He finished around the rim and knew how to draw fouls and avoid getting his shot blocked. Has a quick first step and is equally effective getting to the rim in the half-court and full-court setting.
• Good mid-range shooter with a one dribble jump shot from the foul line area
• Subpar three point shooter. Not comfortable behind the arc allowing defenders to play off, but he does not try to do things outside of his skill-set.
• Always in attack mode. Strong defender that relishes the challenge of guarding the top opposing wing.
• Doesn’t have great size for a wing at a shade under 6’4”

Tre Jones - PG, Apple Valley High (MN), 2018

Height: 6’1”        Weight: 165.5    Wing Span: 6’2 ½” 

Top Skill: Decision making

• Younger brother of Tyus Jones.
• High school teammate of Gary Trent Jr. and averaged 10 ppg and 5 apg on a state championship run.
• Heady point guard that excels by getting past a defender and into the paint where he can deliver a crisp assist to a fellow big man or convert on a short jump shot or floater.
• Only has a 6’2” wing span, but plays bigger than he is. Can grab the occasional offensive rebound amongst the taller players and finish under the basket.
• Provides defensive pressure on the opposing guards. Good foot speed to stay in front of crafty dribblers.
• Capable outside shooter, although much more comfortable from inside 15 feet.

Robert Woodard II, SG / SF, Columbus High (MS), 2018

Height: 6’5”        Weight: 213.5    Wing Span: 6’11”

Top Skill: Physical Strength

• Just a freshman, Woodard II is solidly built and already has the physical strength of a senior.
• Bread and butter was from 10-18 feet off the catch and shoot. Knocked down these shots on a consistent basis.
• Good rebounder and finisher, enjoyed contact in the paint.
• Needs to extend range on his shot. When taking three’s, Woodard did not get as much lift and his shot was usually off in all directions.
• Good athlete and fast going north-south, but struggled to accelerate when pushing the pace on the fast break. Full-court ball-handling and left hand will need to get stronger.

USA U16 Tryouts: Friday Recap

The USA U16 tryout continued on Friday in Colorado Springs with both a morning and evening practice session. For the 30 players in attendance, the morning session featured a plethora of drills before moving on to a set of three scrimmages, while the evening session consisted of position work and a set of intense 10 minute scrimmages used as evaluation tools for the coaches involved in the selection process.

Morning Session:

On Friday morning, the freshmen and sophomores participating in the tryouts were exposed to a variety of basketball drills that are standard at every USA basketball session. The players participated in passing and dribbling drills where they were required to use both their left and right hands, half-court and full-court shooting drills, and also some 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 action. Towards the end of the practice the players were divided into four teams with each team playing the other three teams one time each with two games going on at the same time.

Top Performer:

Markus Howard, PG, 2017, Findlay Prep (NV)

It’s safe to say that Markus Howard stole the show in the morning session. The third leading scorer in the EYBL with 20.2 points per game continued his high scoring ways in both the drill portion and the scrimmages. In the shooting drills, Howard was the most lethal player from behind the arc as he calmly drained three’s from all over the court. In the scrimmages he continued to hit outside shots, but he also attacked the basket off the dribble for lay-ups or floaters while also having the court-sense to find open shots for teammates. On the defensive side of the ball, Howard was also very active routinely picking up the opposing point guard full-court and moving his feet to stay in front of the ball-handler. It’s clear that Howard can score at the highest levels, but he can also run a team efficiently while also providing a defensive presence at the guard spot.

Evening Session:

The intensity was at a high gear on Friday night at the USA Olympic complex. The players started the night with various drills to get them loose before moving to position drills which were broken up into three groups: point guards, wings, and big men. Former Arizona Wildcat, Miles Simon took the point guards and had them practicing floaters with both hands and quick, creative moves for attacking the basket. The wings spent time working on their mid-range and outside jump shots, while the big men practiced their post moves down low. After the position drills were over, the four teams were matched-up again with just one game played at a time. Each team played several 10 minute scrimmages at a high level that left most everyone tired and sore towards the end.

Notable Players:

Jordan Brown, 6’10”, PF, 2018, Woodcreek (CA)

In the fourth game of the day, the talented freshman showed that yes, while he does possess an extraordinary amount of potential he is also productive as well. Despite his thin frame, Brown battled for baskets down low in traffic while also displaying the ability to hit turn and face mid-range jump shots and attack the basket off of a few productive dribbles. Brown excelled as a freshman in California being named the freshman of the year and now he is showing he belongs with the top big men in the 2017 and 2018 classes.

Gary Trent Jr., 6’5”, SG, 2017, Apple Valley (MN)

Gary Trent Jr. 

There are not a lot of quality three point shooters among the 30 players competing for a spot on the U16 team, but Gary Trent Jr. certainly does not fall into that category. In the EYBL he hit 55 three’s at an almost 40% clip, while also leading the league in scoring at 22.1 points per game. Throughout both sessions, Trent Jr. routinely connected from deep, but also scored off the dribble showing his multi-faceted skill-set. He has good height and strength for a shooting guard and was able to take advantage of his physical prowess at several points when smaller defenders were guarding him down low.

Jaylen Nowell, 6’4”, SG, 2017, Garfield (WA)

The Seattle native labels himself as a scorer and despite not being fully recovered from an ankle injury, Nowell has certainly played to his strengths so far. Throughout the scrimmages, Nowell was slicing to the basket and finishing contested shots at the rim. He also knocked in several mid-range jump shots and stayed away from forcing too many deep jumpers which is not currently a strength.

Naz Reid, 6’9”, PF, 2018, Roselle Catholic (NJ)

At times Naz Reid is a dominant force. Blessed with arms that are both long and strong, Reid caused havoc at various points on both the offensive and defensive ends. At one point, Reid scored on two consecutive possessions where he first caught the ball on the right post and made a quick spin move towards the paint before lofting a soft five footer that found the bottom of the net. He followed that up with a thunderous dunk on the next possession. Throughout the stanza, Reid ran the floor which led to easy one handed dunks and he also protected the paint with several blocked shots.

Quick Hitters:

Connor Vanover is the tallest kid at camp with his listed height of 7’3”, but he is also the skinniest at 210 pounds. At times, Vanover’s slight frame leads to missed bunnies around the basket on the offensive end, but for a brief stretch in the evening the center from Little Rock had things cooking. With a tight compact shooting form, Vanover made a deep jumper before connecting on a three from the wing and a put-back off of an offensive rebound. 

Someone that doesn’t have an issue with his frame is Wendell Carter Jr. The 6’10” big man from Atlanta used his power to knock a few defenders out of the way before finishing with powerful two hand dunks around the rim. He also spiked several shots on the defensive end and drained a three at the end of one scrimmage.

6’6” shooting guard Cameron Reddish didn’t get a lot of shot attempts but you almost wish he did. The lanky guard from The Haverford School has a quick release on his three as he connected on several during the scrimmages.

California point guard Jaylen Hands did not standout in the scrimmages today, but he did stand out in the passing and dribbling drills. While not at the level of Tyus Jones, Hands flew through the drills with both hands leaving his teammates in the dust. Speaking of flying, another California point guard in Elijah Hardy from state champion Bishop O’ Dowd showcased his quickness in a variety of ways whether it came to firing a lefty shot from the outside, whipping a pass across the court, or attacking off the dribble.

Big men Kaleb Wesson, a 6’10”, 265 pound sophomore and 6’8”, 245 pound freshman Carte’Are Gordon used their mass to own the paint down low. Both players had a size advantage on their opponents and used their girth to score around the basket. Gordon slightly resembled Caleb Swanigan from the U17 tryouts last summer with his hustle and aggressiveness down low.

Freshman Jaedon LeDee from Houston already holds a Kentucky offer and it’s easy to see why. At 6’7”, 195 pounds, LeDee already has the build. He can also surprise people with his explosive mid-range jump shot. 

Power forwards Jalen Hill, a 6’9”, sophomore from Corona, CA, and Kevin Knox II, a 6’7” sophomore from Tampa, FL were intriguing with their size and ability to run the floor. 

6’0” point guard Darius Garland from Nashville, TN, might be the smallest player on the court, but that fact does not slow him down. With a quick release, Garland connected on several deep jumpers in a row in the second scrimmage of the night. Garland was active throughout and might be the second best shooter of the point guards.