COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Three days are in the books. Day two of the 2019 USA Basketball U16 Trials saw things get “real” as the second skill session of the day and the evening’s first trials offered up the first live action for the candidates. The long day began with a morning skills session for both groups followed by 3 on 3 oriented second skills set in the afternoon. The day’s third workout was the initial “trials” segment and the first chance for some live 5 on 5 fullcourt action. Saturday’s schedule featured three sessions all geared toward helping the committee get down to the task at hand, selecting the USA U16 National Team. No easy task at that. If you doubt that take a quick look at Mike Flynn’s thoughts from yesterday and the next generation looking to establish themselves among their deep pool of peers.
https://bluestarmedia.org/usa-basketball-next-generation/
Saturday also saw the necessity of making two cuts to narrow the field of 146 candidates down to a manageable and more revealing working group. The first 5 on 5 sessions weren’t without their highlights and moments but it was far from sparkling basketball and challenged anyone courtside to evaluate solely on the play in front of them. Players looking to make an impact or impression were the one’s shooting themselves in the foot, so to speak, and finding out this isn’t actually a try-out. Saturday’s action had more framework provided by the coaches and a somewhat more disciplined approach to play throughout the day. Yet, some athletes were still not embracing the concept of the trials and the ultimate goal of the selection committee and USA Basketball. Oh, there was plenty of impressive basketball that simply wasn’t productive at the same time. As they say in the deep south, “that dog won’t hunt.”
Yes, it’s time for the annual reminder that the trials are actually an audition rather than a try-out. The best player, by normal definition, may not be what the committee is looking for in assembling a team to compete internationally. Many players have been cut over the years that have had outstanding performances in Colorado Springs…and rightfully so. And no, it’s not political as you all too often hear, not even remotely. That’s just sour grapes. The reality is that some athletes have games that don’t translate well into the international landscape. That’s not good or bad, it’s just a basketball reality. The USA Basketball record over the past 10 years is impeccable. Even with changing committees and the multiple age groups their success in choosing a winning combination is beyond contesting. It’s a tough job and they do it well. Simply said, they know what they’re doing.
Wearing red, white and blue may be the dream of virtually every athlete but it’s not a birthright no matter how big a star a player might be on the scholastic or club stage…or professional for that matter. The U16 age group also has that additional challenging dynamic that virtually every participant has yet to experience the disappointment and harsh humbling that comes with being cut for the first time. And that’s certainly no easier to swallow when you’ve have a strong performance during the trials but find your name left off the list of those to report back for the next session. If an athlete isn’t challenged or motivated by that then she’s only validating to a greater degree the decision to cut her in the first place. Don’t whine. Don’t cry. Don’t rationalize. Just go back to work with more focus and more intensity.
The starting pool of candidates this year was 146 Thursday evening. The first cut after the Saturday morning session narrowed the field to 98 and a second cut after the afternoon workout took it down to 68 for the evening round of games. Another posting is expected Sunday morning with the selection of the finalists slated for Monday morning. Ultimately, the final 12 person roster will be named before the team breaks camp later in the week. Follow the USA Basketball link below to see the updated rosters after each cut.
https://www.usab.com/womens/u16/roster.aspx
Below is gallery of 16 images from days two and three. Not all are still around but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have a moment or two that we caught on camera.
Check back with Blue Star Media for continuing coverage from Colorado Springs and the 2019 USA Basketball U16 Trials.
