FIBA 3X3 U18 World Cup: Team USA Goes 2-0 in Session 1
Debrecen, Hungary — 4 of the nation’s top recruits from the class 2022 made their FIBA 3X3 U18 World Cup debut and they did not disappoint, Team USA finished the first session with a convincing 2-0 record. Not only did…
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Continue ReadingDebrecen, Hungary — 4 of the nation’s top recruits from the class 2022 made their FIBA 3X3 U18 World Cup debut and they did not disappoint, Team USA finished the first session with a convincing 2-0 record. Not only did these future NBA draft prospects outplay their opponents but they also dominated the competition in every aspect of the game. Team USA showcased elite size, athleticism, skills, IQ, and chemistry that went unmatched in each performance. The USA National 3X3 squad is already in Gold medal form, here we’ll take a look at those Senior basketball players that are currently leading our country to victory.
Keyonte George | Shooting Guard | IMG Academy | Dallas, TX
Game 1: vs Estonia
George marked his territory with his first bucket of the day by shaking off tight defense on the perimeter and dropping the hammer down at the rim. The future Baylor Bear utilized every inch of space the defense gave him and he consistently got the shot that he was looking for. When given more than a few feet of space, George was sure to let it fly and whenever he was defended too closely Keyonte was a threat to attack the hoop with bad intentions. Keyonte Geroge went on to finish the competition with 9 of USA’s 21 points, converting 3 shots from beyond the arc, all contested, including the game-winner in which he nailed after annihilating his defender with a mean stepback jumpshot that hit nothing but net.
Game 2: vs Slovenia
Keyonte Geroge picked up where he left off from game one and instantly put points on the board with his first shot attempt using his signature hang and shoot kiss off the backboard. The Team USA guard played exceptionally well on and off the ball, showing a high basketball IQ alongside good chemistry with his teammates by quickly noticing mismatches and exploiting them over and over again. When looking for his own shot off the bounce George’s handle was tough to defend effectively, Keyonte put defenders on skates and made guys look silly with the quickness, tightness, and shiftiness of his dribble. Keyonte is not only proving to be one of the best scorers in the country but quite possibly one of the best in the entire world period.
Kyle Filipowski | Forward | Wilbraham & Monson Academy | Slate Hill, NY
Game 1: vs Estonia
6-foot-11-inch Kyle Filipowski put a fantastic showing of his skill set on display. You got to love the physicality Kyle played with, constantly looking to initiate and score through contact, a skill that will translate and propel him to great heights next season at Duke University. Filipowski showcased a knack for backing down his man deep under the basket before scoring over his shoulder with excellent touch. Kyle was a force of nature that couldn’t be stopped or uncontained, he got whatever he wanted out there whenever he wanted it. He appeared as a true master of scoring inside the post and he even displayed the ability to space the court, put the ball on the floor, and create a shot for himself off the dribble when he drew his defender out to the perimeter then quickly spun off their left hip, taking the baseline and throwing down a forceful two-handed slam.
Game 2: vs Slovenia
Anytime Kyle was on the floor he made a lot of noise even when he wasn’t scoring the rock. Filipowski put more of his scoring expertise on display and also contributed defensively by being a huge clog in the lane. He played like a man that was determined to shatter the backboard, throwing down 3 monsterous rim rockers, one of those coming off of a mean putback dunk.
Eric Dailey Jr. | Guard | IMG Academy | Tampa, FL
Game 1: vs Estonia
It didn’t take long for this lefty to put his high-level scoring instincts on display. On Team USA’s very first possession of the game, Eric positioned himself slightly outside of the paint before making a sharp spin move to get around the defender for a quick catch and score that he finished above the rim. Eric Dailey Jr. is a ball-dominant, high-volume scorer that can heat up and score in bunches right away.
Game 2: vs Slovenia
Dailey Jr. came out aggressive on both sides of the ball in this one, not only did he make his first 2-out-of-3 shots but he also gave a tremendous amount of effort defending the ball and playing the passing lanes. The Florida native has a fast and shifty handle like no other, along with impressive footwork. Eric looked to create separation with a spin move or stepback dribble to quickly go up with the shot that he often got great elevation on that gave him the ability to knock down contested jumpers whether he was fading or leaning away.
Gradey Dick | Small Forward | Sunrise Christian Academy | Wichita, KS
Game 1: vs Estonia
Top Kansas prospect, Gradey Dick scored his first bucket off of a beautifully crafty reverse layup after attacking a closeout and blowing by the defense with his lethal burst of first-step quickness. The Kansas commit also pulled out a combination dribble that put his defender on skates. Dick consistently showed glimpses of greatness, I think Gradey is going to be someone that can create offense efficiently whether it’s facilitating or scoring.
Game 2: vs Slovenia
Dick’s first step continued to get him free, inside the lane, and to his spots. The 6-foot-7-inch ballplayer went out there and left it all on the floor, doing every bit of the dirty work possible, grabbing rebounds, jumping passes, playing hard-nosed defense, and doing whatever else the team needed of him. Gradey Dick’s presence was undeniable against Slovenia, his all-around abilities make this USA team very well-rounded and tough to beat.