USA Men’s U16 National Team whittles down to 18 final candidates for FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Men’s U16 National Team is taking shape. Now comes the hardest part: paring down the candidates from 18 to 12.

USA Basketball announced today 18 finalists for the USA Men’s U16 National Team following three days of training camp.

The finalists, selected from 39 training camp invitees, will vie for one of 12 spots on the U.S. U16 National Team that will compete at the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship from June 5-11 in Merida, Mexico.

Finalists were selected by the USA Basketball Men’s Developmental National Team Committee and represent the graduating class of 2025 and 2026. Athletes eligible for this team must be U.S. citizens, born on or after January 1, 2007.

The finalists are:

Alijah Arenas, Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Jalen Haralson, Isiah Harwell, Caleb Holt, J.J. Mandaquit, Brandon McCoy, Jalen Montonati, Chris Nwuli, Koa Peat, Darryn Peterson, Jayden Quaintance, Deron Rippey Jr., Tyran Stokes, Jaden Toombs and Elijah Williams.

Sharman White of Pace Academy (Atlanta)) will serve as the USA’s head coach along with assistants Scott Fitch of Fairport (N.Y.) High School) and Chet Mason of Brush.

The 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship features eight teams from the FIBA Americas zone with the top four teams advancing to the 2024 FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Turkey. The U.S. drew Group A with Puerto Rico, Argentina and Mexico.

The Americans are 37-0 all-time at the competition, having won seven straight gold medals.

— From USA Basketball Communications