USA U16: High Scoring Guards Q&A

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

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Gary Trent Jr. won a state championship in Minnesota and then went and torched the nets in the Nike EYBL. The talented shooting guard led the league in scoring by averaging 22.1 points per game while hitting almost 40% of his three’s (55-139). He also went a six game stretch where he scored over 20 points in each game including a three game strint where he dropped 109 points. Trent Jr. did not let up in the tryouts and was an easy inclusion on the 12 man roster.

You were a late invite. How do you think your USA sessions have gone so far?

It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed my time out here. Got to see a lot of friends and players and it’s been great competition. I thought I played pretty well. Everybody that got invited can score the basketball so you have to show other areas. I just tried playing hard on defense, making the hustle plays, diving on the floor and things like that.

It’s obvious you can shoot the ball, but it also looks like you enjoy taking advantage of your strength on smaller guards?

I’ve always worked on my game so I can score all three levels. Outside, mid-range, and the post.

You played with Tyus Jones as a freshman. What did he teach you about the game?

Oh, man. Really, just how to play the game of basketball and how to be a great leader. I enjoyed my time with Tyus and I was fortunate that I had the chance to play with him. He just put me in all the right spots, and yeah, it was great playing with him.

What schools have been recruiting you the hardest so far?

The most recent would be Kansas University. Michigan State, Ohio State, and Minnesota have offered. Wisconsin has interest as well and Duke.

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

High scoring point guard Markus Howard had his work cut out for him coming into the USA tryouts with a total of seven point guards competing for a spot on the 12 man team. Howard separated himself early on from the pack and never looked back. He continued his scoring exploits from the EYBL (where he finished third in the league at 20.2 points per game) and mixed in deadly outside shooting with floaters, drives, and solid passes in the half-court set. Howard was also was equally effective on the defensive end providing ¾ court pressure at any chance he got. 

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How does it feel to make it through the first round of cuts?

It was really good, I just had to come in with the mindset to work hard every session and I did that so I’m really happy with how I ended things.

*Note - Howard made the 12 man team

What did you want to show the coaches while in Colorado Springs?

I was just trying to show that I was more than just a scorer. That I can play multiple roles at the point guard position and also I was just trying to prove and show everything in my game.

I saw that you were pressuring the ball as soon as it got thrown in during the scrimmages.

I was trying to set the tone defensively just getting down in my stance and into my man to force turnovers on their part and get easy buckets on the other end. It was really just important to show that I can really play defense.

How was the EYBL experience for you?

I mean, it was just a great experience. The level of competition is top notch. You’re not going to get much better than the EYBL so I think it really helped me develop as a player and helped me get ready for this competition right here.

Once the U16’s are done, what’s your plan for the summer?

Once I’m done with this I’m just going to be working out with my dad. Me and my dad will be working out constantly, just getting my conditioning up and getting a lot of shots up. Just making sure I’m physically and mentally prepared going forward.

You are one of the top shooters here and really excel at the corner 3. What have you done to get your shooting to the level that it’s at?

There is nothing really specific. I just want to get a lot of repetitions in. To become a great shooter you have to shoot a lot. Not necessarily shots you’re comfortable with but shots you’re uncomfortable with as well. So I’m shooting from different positions, coming off screens in different ways, and shooting off the dribble, so I feel you just need to get a lot of repetitions up and it’s more just repeating what you’ve been doing. 

You looked more comfortable than others in some of the guard drills. Do you feel that’s the case?

I most definitely try to work on every aspect of my game scoring wise. I want to be able to score in a variety of ways so I’m always working on my floater in addition to my jump shots from mid-range and out to the three point line.

Miles Simon was working with your group. How was it interacting with him?

It was just awesome learning from the best. I know his background and know that he was a great player. Learning from him was really just a blessing and I really looked forward to working with him.

I know that schools such as ASU, UNLV, and Texas Tech has previously offered. What are some of the latest offers?

Memphis and Indiana.

*Note: Howard subsequently scored a pair of PAC-12 offers from USC and Arizona with more to come. 

USA U16: Low Post Q&A's

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

With the USA U16 team ready to kick off FIBA America action, big things are expected of center Wendell Carter Jr. who is currently ranked No. 5 in the 2017 class by Scout.com. He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former five-star big man Diamond Stone who was the top big man on the last USA U16 team as he averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

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You played in the USA setting last October in the Developmental Camp. Are you more comfortable this time around?

Most of the drills we did the same thing in October so I felt pretty comfortable. I had to get used to the altitude again, but once I got adjusted everything came kind of easy.

Your 12-15 foot jump shot was looking good in drills. Have you been working on that part of your game?

I’ve been working on that a lot. On days I don’t have school I put up about 1,000 shots. All mid-range. I want go get that down pat until I start shooting 3’s. That and my on-ball defense are what I’ve been working on.

What else do you do in your workouts?

On most of my workouts I do a combination of everything and the day before I go out of town I work on one specific thing and go from there.

This was your first year playing in the U17 level in the Nike EYBL. How was the spring session?

Of course, I’m trying to win. The 16’s and 17’s are completely different. Size, strength, shooting, the big men are more skilled. You have to play every game if you expect to win. Even if the competition isn’t as good as me I have to play like I’m playing against an EYBL team. That’s what I always need to keep in mind.

Who do you try to pattern your game after?

Anthony Davis. I love his game. I love how he is always working. Even when you think he’s stopping he’s not stopping. I just like the way he plays the game.

I know it’s early, but what are some of the schools that have shown you a lot of interest?

The latest offers were Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. Coaches can’t call me until June 15. So I’m just waiting until then to see who calls and who is recruiting me the hardest. I’m kind of looking at everything right now. I haven’t been on visits so I’m open to everybody right now. Jeff Capel is one of the coaches who is texting my coach a lot telling me how interested Duke is right now.  

*Kentucky offered Carter Jr. on June 2.

Jordan Brown, 2018, Woodcreek (CA), PF

While Wendell Carter Jr., will most likely see a high volume of minutes in the low post, 2018 post Jordan Brown should see plenty of minutes off the bench. Despite his young age, Brown turned a lot of heads with his play down low in addition to his all-around skill level and future potential.

What’s been the biggest difference between the U16 tryouts and Developmental Camp from last October?

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Coming back from the fall and having the experience playing against the older competition has really helped me out playing against the 16U team.

How have the USA experiences been for you so far?

It’s kind of new to me. I haven’t really played against the top talent in my class, so jumping right into it and playing against the top people from the class of 2015, was kind of new, but I think I held my own. It was pretty fun though. I think I can step up in a few places. My perimeter defense, better basketball decision making, things like that.

You’ve showcased a variety of skilled moves on the offensive end. What would you say your strengths are right now?

My strengths are my post moves. I think I have good footwork, and I really like to work inside to outside and I can knock down the jump shot and get by people off the dribble.

Who has been the toughest player for you to go against in the tryouts?

It’s all good competition. Maybe Carte’Are Gordon because he is aggressive and physical.

How do you think your freshman season went in high school?

It went pretty good. We went to NorCal and lost to the team that ended up winning the state championship (San Ramon Valley – Division 1). I also got Freshman Player of the Year in California.

What do you want to work on before your sophomore season starts?

I want to expand my range out to the three-point line. Really be able to dribble the ball through people. I also want to work on my explosiveness, I know the people out here are very explosive. I’m always in the gym I’m usually in the gym for two hours. I’m always working on my legs.

With one season down, who are some of the schools that have reached out to you?

I have one offer from UNR (Nevada). Cal is looking at me, Stanford, Pennsylvania, and some others.

Do you want to stay local or would you be willing to travel for school?

All over. East coast, west coast, PAC-12, it doesn’t matter.

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

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• 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.