FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Day 1 Carlos Lopez by Eurobasket News - Jul 15, 2008  USA U18 - Venezuela U18 82:73 The USA U18 Team got to a winning start of the FIBA Americas championship in Formosa. Yesterday they held off their counterparts from Venezuela to earn the first win in the preliminary Group B. Travis Wear (206-F-90) delivered 15 points and 7 boards to pace the USA. Ryan Kelly (207-F-91) delivered 12 points and 10 boards for the winners. USA U18 - Venezuela U18 82:73 The USA U18 Team got to a winning start of the FIBA Americas championship in Formosa. Yesterday they held off their counterparts from Venezuela to earn the first win in the preliminary Group B. Travis Wear (206-F-90) delivered 15 points and 7 boards to pace the USA. Ryan Kelly (207-F-91) delivered 12 points and 10 boards for the winners. Kemba Walker (183-G-90) nailed 10 first points for the North American side but Venezuela kept it close and jumped to a 23:17 lead late in the first stanza. Emilio Cappare (190-F/G-90) and Yonaiker Ecker (179-G-90) allowed Venezuela to go up 28:23 at the start of the second period. But the USA answered with a 10:3 run that was capped by the jumper from Maalik Wayns (184-G-91). The USA accumulated a 47:36 advantage at halftime and never looked back in the second half. They stretched the gap to as many as 14 points heading into the final period. The USA team let Venezuela no closer than 8 points in the final quarter and celebrated their first win at the tournament. Emilio Cappare led all scorers with 17 points for Venezuela. Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) delivered 14 points in a losing effort. The USA had a 44:34 rebounding advantage. They also forced Venezuelan team to 20 turnovers and limited them to just 29% from close range. The USA however had some facets to improve as they shot 1/16 from downtown. The USA will take on Bahamas today. Venezuela opposes Puerto Rico in the second game in Group B. USA U18: Travis Wear 15, Ryan Kelly 12+10 boards, Kemba Walker 12 Venezuela U18: Emilio Cappare 17, Jorge Rondon 14 Puerto Rico U18 - Bahamas U18 97:65 Puerto Rican U18 National Team breezed past Bahamas in the Tournament of the Americas opener yesterday. Bahamas that were the last second invitee could not match Puerto Rican team. The Latin American team rushed ahead right from the start and soon accumulated a 26:16 advantage. Having an obvious advantage inside and outside the paint Puerto Rico easily stretched the margin to 25 points at the interval. The Caribbean side finally showed character as they outscored their opponents 26:23 in the third frame. But it was a short spark as Puerto Rico answered with a deadly 25:15 spurt in the fourth quarter to seal the winning outcome. Carlos Lopez (208-F-90) led all scorers with 24 points and 10 boards for Puerto Rico. Isaac Sosa (188-G-90) had 17 points, while Raymond Cintron (186-G-90) provided 13 points for the winners. Jim Boeheim by Eurobasket - Jun 13, 2008  Headlined by nine returning USA Basketball veterans, including two starters from the Nike Hoop Summit Junior National Select Team, 25 of the nation's top-18-and-younger prep sensations are set to attend the 2008 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team Trials, July 1-3 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The 25 athletes, born on or after Jan. 1, 1990, will compete for one of 12 roster spots on the 2008 Men's U18 National Team. Headlined by nine returning USA Basketball veterans, including two starters from the Nike Hoop Summit Junior National Select Team, 25 of the nation's top-18-and-younger prep sensations are set to attend the 2008 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team Trials, July 1-3 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The 25 athletes, born on or after Jan. 1, 1990, will compete for one of 12 roster spots on the 2008 Men's U18 National Team. Athlete selections for the USA Basketball Trials were made by the USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee, chaired by Syracuse University head coach Jim Boeheim . 'We have the best young players in the country participating in the trials and we've assembled an outstanding coaching staff to coach with them,' said Boeheim. 'The USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee did an outstanding job of identifying a tremendous group of young players who will compete for a roster position on the USA Basketball U18 National Team.' Following trials, the Men's Collegiate Committee is expected to announce the 12-member USA U18 National Team roster, plus alternates. The selected finalists will remain in Washington for the July 4-10 training camp. The USA squad will then depart for the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championship For Men, July 14-18 in Formosa, Argentina. Two athletes on the trials roster will return to the hardwood to represent the USA for a third time in July. Drew Gordon (6'8''-F) (Archbishop Mitty H.S. / San Jose, CA) and Malcom Lee (6'4''-G) (John W. North H.S. / Riverside, CA) helped lead the USA to a 98-78 victory over the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. Gordon, the Junior National Team's second-leading scorer, accounted for 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks while shooting 85.7 percent from the field. However, in spite of his stellar performance, Gordon credited much of the team's success to the USA's backcourt play. Among the cast of tenacious guards was Lee, who helped force 25 World turnovers and 18 USA steals. Gordon and Lee first showcased their talent in a USA Basketball uniform at the 2007 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival, held in Colorado Springs, Colo. Also returning from the Festival are: Isaiah Armwood (Montrose Christian H.S. / Rockville, MD); Leslie McDonald (6'2''-G) (Briarcrest H.S. / Memphis, TN); Reeves Nelson (6'7''-F) (Modesto Christian H.S. / Modesto, CA); Travis Releford (6'5''-G) (Bishop Miege H.S. / Shawnee Mission, KS); Lance Stephenson (6'5''-G-90) (Lincoln H.S. / Brooklyn, NY); Dexter Strickland (6'3''-G) (St. Patrick H.S. / Elizabeth, NJ); and Kemba Walker (6'0''-G) (Rice H.S. / New York, NY). Rounding out the trials roster are USA Basketball newcomers: Kenny Boynton (6'3''-G-89) (American Heritage H.S. / Plantation, FL); Dominic Cheek (6'5''-G) (St. Anthony H.S. / Jersey City, NJ); Puerto Rico U18 Bahamas U18 97:65 Puerto Rican U18 National Team breezed past Bahamas in the Tournament of the Americas opener yesterday. Bahamas that were the last second invitee could not match Puerto Rican team. The Latin American team rushed ahead right from the start and soon accumulated a 26:16 advantage. Having an obvious advantage inside and outside the paint Puerto Rico easily stretched the margin to 25 points at the interval. The Caribbean side finally showed character as they outscored their opponents 26:23 in the third frame. But it was a short spark as Puerto Rico answered with a deadly 25:15 spurt in the fourth quarter to seal the winning outcome. Carlos Lopez led all scorers with 24 points and 10 boards for Puerto Rico. Isaac Sosa had 17 points, while Raymond Cintron provided 13 points for the winners. Shavaro Bowleg answered with 15 points for Bahamas. Jermine Storr had 11 points and 11 boards in a losing effort. Puerto Rico outrebounded their opponents 52:42 and forced those to 18 turnovers. The winners also shot solid 49% from the field. Puerto Rico will face Venezuela, while Bahamas will take on the USA in todays action. Puerto Rico finished the tournament in the 5th spot in 2006. Four best teams will qualify to the U19 World Championship in New Zealand. Puerto Rico U18: Carlos Lopez 24+10 boards, Isaac Sosa 17, Raymond Cintron 13 Bahamas U18: Shavaro Bowleg 15, Jermine Storr 11+11 boards FIBA men's under 18 (Scouting) by Eurobasket - Jul 2, 2006  I had the opportunity of viewing five of the six participants competing in the FIBA under 18 tournament in San Antonio. I have gathered some notes on the teams and the players that stood out. Bahamas: The Bahamian team was characterized by athleticism and more athleticism. Many of the players were raw and will need further polishing in the years to come. I had the opportunity of viewing five of the six participants competing in the FIBA under 18 tournament in San Antonio. I have gathered some notes on the teams and the players that stood out. Bahamas: The Bahamian team was characterized by athleticism and more athleticism. Many of the players were raw and will need further polishing in the years to come. Without question the standout player for the Bahamas is DAVAUGHN JACKSON , a 6'5'' bruiser on the interior, who apparently is going to John Brown in Arkansas next year. It should be noted that Jackson played high school basketball in Fayettville, Arkansas. Cananda: Next to the United States Canada has the most balanced of the teams. Having all positions backed up makes the Canadians deep but not necessarily talent laden. The clear cut star on this team is 6'7'' Oluseyi Ashaolu who plays his high school ball at Community Christian in Georgia under Linzy Davis. Ashaolu is a capable scorer that can work in the short perimeter and take you inside with his power game. Another interesting prospect on this team is ROBERT SACRE , a 6'11'' center from Hansworthy Secondary. He has a college build and is a formidable athlete. He does need to get more accomplished during his minutes of play. Puerto Rico: If Josue Soto had been here for the Puerto Ricans it might have been another story but as it was; they were not very good. Usually, Puerto Rico is at the top of this age division but this years group falls short in many ways. While Angel Garcia is a talent; he gets nothing done down low and does not defend the post well either. He has the tendency to settle for a slow releasing three pointer which he made on several occasions. BUT, when you have a 6'10'' players you want him to take control of the paint on both ends. The rest of the post play for puerto rico was very soft. The perimiter play was adequate at best, but I was very impressed with Andres Torres , who was a solid contributor at the point and a fiery leader on the court. Aregentina: This club is truly devoid of interior play and they do not rely on it. Yet, few teams were able to fully exploit them because they are so dominant on offense. The Argentinians can do one thing very well and that is PASS the ball. When you see them play the skill is elevated. The two standouts on the Argentinian team from my perspective were PG Diego Gerbaudo and SG Nicolas De Los Santos. Gerbaudo is a steady, heads up , aggresive point guard with crisp passing skills while De Los Santos has a great deal of flair reminiscent of another guard that plays for the Spurs. Brazil: A solid club but lacking athleticism and outside shooting. The Brazilinas have never been known for mass producing guards and this team highlights this fact. The interior play of Paulo Prestes was superb at times. He is a big timer with a great future ahead of him. No doubt will be in Spain soon. Now, the point guard, Marcel Campos, plays his butt off and should be noted as a bright sport for the team and person to build around. The rest of the group is average. I was very dissapointed at the other interior players and perimeter players. Overall the United States team while not ahead of the others by a mile did posess the depth at each position and the necessary athleticism to be able to win the whole tournament. Day 2 games in the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men by Eurobasket - Jun 30, 2006  Argentina - Puerto Rico 79-77 (21-20, 20-17, 18-19, 20-21) (Nicolas De Los Santos 22, Diego Gerbaudo 18, Facundo Piñeiro 14 - Gilberto Clavell Lopez 19, Angel Luis Garcia Garcia 19, Luis Damian Morales Alvarez 12) Argentina and Puerto Rico fought tooth and nail until the final buzzer Thursday evening, and when the game's regulation 40 minutes had ticked off Argentina - Puerto Rico 79-77 (21-20, 20-17, 18-19, 20-21) (Nicolas De Los Santos 22, Diego Gerbaudo 18, Facundo Piñeiro 14 - Gilberto Clavell Lopez 19, Angel Luis Garcia Garcia 19, Luis Damian Morales Alvarez 12) Argentina and Puerto Rico fought tooth and nail until the final buzzer Thursday evening, and when the game's regulation 40 minutes had ticked off the clock, it was Argentina that went away the victors having rallied late to take a 79-77 win. Argentina's win, coupled with Canada's win earlier, meant an end of Puerto Rico's hopes for earning one of the four qualifying berths for next year's FIBA U19 World Championship that are up for grabs. Both Canada and Argentina, scheduled to meet Friday, are assured of advancing to the medal round semifinals and thus qualifying for the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship. Santos scored 22 points to lead Argentina, while Gerbaudo added 18 points and nine assists and Pineiro finished with 14. Puerto Rico's effort was paced by Garcia and Clavell who each tossed in 19 points. Canada - Bahamas 77-70 (18-17, 15-23, 16-12, 28-18) (Kristopher Joseph 21, Jonathan House 11, Junior Cadougan 9 - Dartyn Lecluse Baker 25, Devaughn Zendal Jackson 22) Canada defeated Bahamas 77-70. The game was tied at 20 with two minutes left and Canada made a 7-0 run to close the game. Bahamas made costly mistakes and missed shots from ther perimeter to lose the second game of the tournament. Kristopher Joseph led Canada with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Dartyn Baker led Bahamas with 25 points and Devaughn Jackson had 22 points and 14 rebounds. Bahamas dominated the first half 40-33 and still had control at the end of the third quarter. On day 3, Canada takes on Argentina and Bahamas faces Puerto Rico to end the Preliminary round. Brazil - Uruguay 71-66 (16-18, 14-20, 26-13, 15-15) (Jose Roberto Nardi Duarte 19, Thomas Melazzo 14, Paulo Sergio Prestes 10 - Jason Granger Amodio 14, Matias Correa 12, Juan Cambon 11) Brazil shot 50.0 percent from 3-point Thursday to best Uruguay 71-66 and secure a berth to Saturday's medal round. Jose Duarte led with game-highs of 19 points and seven rebounds, Thomas Mellazo scored 14 points and Paulo Prestes tallied 10. Jayson Granger added 14 points to Uruguay's balanced attack, followed by Matias Correa with 12 points, Juan Cambon added 11 and Emiliano Gonzalez contributed 10 points. After committing three straight turnovers to start the game, Brazil's Nardi and Rafael Ferreira each drained a three in the midst of a 9-0 run to help Brazil finish the first quarter down 18-16. The Uruguay loss is the team's second in as many nights, means they finish at the bottom of Pool A and are eliminated from medal contention.

Standings Group A 1. Argentina 3-0 2. Canada 2-1 3. Uruguay 1-2 4. Mexico 0-3 Group B 1. USA 3-0 2. P.Rico 2-1 3. Venezuela 1-2 4. Bahamas 0-3

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