The Player's Lounge: What has this u17 USA basketball experience meant to you?

Colorado Springs, Colorado – u17 USA basketball Training Camp started with 34 of the country’s best players eligible for this age group. Throughout the week, the list went from 34 to 18 and then to the final list of 12. The competition was high, these players were forming relationships while competing for a coveted spot to represent their country.

On3 was on hand for the week of u17 USA basketball and got to talk to the players regularly. Here was their response when asked what this opportunity meant to them.

4-star PG Boogie Fland

“It’s amazing. I am playing with the best of the best from each class. You get a sense of how good everyone is. Everyone is out here working; I am just glad to be a part of it.” – Boogie Fland

5-star SF Ron Holland

“This year’s experience was way more competitive than last. Everyone got better; they got bigger and progressed their games. Right now, everyone is trying to make that final spot, which has made things just that much more competitive.” – Ron Holland

4-star PF Asa Newell

“It’s been a blessing, a fantastic opportunity to just be out here. Basketball can take you anywhere, however far you want it to go. It has just been an amazing experience.” – Asa Newell

5-star SG Ian Jackson

“It’s been great, learning from the coaches here. It means everything to be recognized as one of the top kids in the USA and then go out and compete for a gold medal against the rest of the world is great.” – Ian Jackson

NR PF Tyler McKinley

“I feel like a kid in a candy store. It’s like a dream come true being here. But it’s all business. I’m out here playing against the country’s best 2023’s, 2024’s, and 2025’s. It’s a team-bonding thing, but we are also competing to make this team and then to win gold. It allows me to put on for my city, Cincinnati.” – Tyler McKinley

4-star PG David Castillo

“It’s been really good. The competitive nature here is amazing. Every possession is really intense. It’s been really fun. The people here are cool; the coaches are cool.” – David Castillo