Sports Update
Julius Randle, Marcus Smart named to U18 national team
BY Matt Welch, mwelch@starlocalnews.com
Prestonwood Christian Academy senior Julius Randle and Flower Mound Marcus alum Marcus Smart distinguished themselves as two of the area, state and nation's top basketball players during the 2011-12 season.
That much was apparent during the five days that encompassed the training camp for the 2012 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team.
And when the dust settled, the field of 23 was narrowed 12 with both Smart and Randle making the cut.
As members of Team USA, Randle and Smart will depart for Sao Sebastio de Paraiso, Brazil on Tuesday for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship, which runs June 16-20.
"I think we've got some balance, we've got some versatility, we can move guys to some different positions," said Billy Donovan, Team USA head coach. "This has been a group that has picked up things pretty well so far so I'm excited about it. The thing I've been most impressed with since we started is just their attitudes. It seems like we've got really good chemistry, they get along real well, they seem to be a cohesive group."
Team USA begins play Saturday against the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by a Sunday tilt against Mexico and rounding out pool play Monday against Brazil.
That much was apparent during the five days that encompassed the training camp for the 2012 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team.
And when the dust settled, the field of 23 was narrowed 12 with both Smart and Randle making the cut.
As members of Team USA, Randle and Smart will depart for Sao Sebastio de Paraiso, Brazil on Tuesday for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship, which runs June 16-20.
"I think we've got some balance, we've got some versatility, we can move guys to some different positions," said Billy Donovan, Team USA head coach. "This has been a group that has picked up things pretty well so far so I'm excited about it. The thing I've been most impressed with since we started is just their attitudes. It seems like we've got really good chemistry, they get along real well, they seem to be a cohesive group."
Team USA begins play Saturday against the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by a Sunday tilt against Mexico and rounding out pool play Monday against Brazil.
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