Day 3 Recap: Predicting the final U17 USA Basketball roster

Colorado Springs, Colorado – On Monday, the u17 USA basketball committee cut their training camp pool of players from 35 to 18. Now the task is to get down to 12.

If I were choosing the final u17 USA basketball roster, here is how it would look.

Guards

4-star PG Boogie Fland
4-star PG Jeremy Fears
5-star CG DJ Wagner
4-star CG Wesley Yates

Jeremy Fears looks to have the starting point guard position locked in. So many players in camp talked about his leadership and locker room presence. Boogie Fland was one of the surprise players in camp. His shooting opened eyes, and he may be the best shooter on the roster. He also played a lot of scrimmage minutes at the point.

DJ Wagner did not show up because he is still in school; however, he is a bullish paint-touch guard who competes. Wesley Yates makes the roster for his shooting and secondary ball handling.

Predicted Starters: Jeremy Fears, DJ Wagner

Wings

5-star SF Naas Cunningham
5-star SG Ian Jackson

While only two are at this position, it is the No. 1 and 2 ranked players in the 2024 class. Naas Cunningham is a good athlete and can get hot as a shooter. If this week were any indication, Ian Jackson looked to possibly be the team’s leading scorer.

Projected Starters: Ian Jackson

Forwards

NR F Cooper Flagg
4-star PF Asa Newell
NR PF Tyler McKinley
5-star F Ron Holland

This group is all about positional versatility. Each of the four players could either slide up or down a spot. Cooper Flagg, one of two 15-year-olds on this version of the roster, can knock down a three off the catch and has good bounce around the basket. Tyler McKinley brings some girth to the block with a high motor. Asa Newell was a revelation during practice, making his way on the team with his motor, length, and shooting touch.

Ron Holland was one of the best players on last year’s u16 team. His positional versatility will also play a factor here.

Projected Starters: Ron Holland

Posts

4-star C James Brown
4-star PF Sean Stewart

Sean Stewart is one of the premier rebounders in the country. His motor, strength, and athleticism will get him on the floor early and often. James Brown had a good week as a tough area rebounder and showed he could knock down an open shot.

Projected starter: Sean Stewart