USA Basketball: Players discuss who impressed them most

One of the things I enjoy the most when covering events is talking with the players about who they have been most impressed with. It changes the lens a little and gives a perspective from being on the floor, who has made the biggest impression on them.

The USA Basketball u16 12-man Roster

This week I spent a few days in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the USA Basketball u16 Training Camp. It is always a great experience, but one of the best parts of the week is the access they give us to speak with and get to know the players. Among the questions I asked, ‘Who impressed you the most?’

Let’s go through some of the answers.

USA Basketball u16 Training Camp Superlatives

The USA Basketball u16 team will compete at the 2023 FIBA Men’s U16 Americas Championship from June 5-11 in Merida, Mexico.

Five-star G Darryn Peterson, Cuyahoga Valley Christian (OH)

“It’s Darryn Peterson. He just gets buckets whenever he wants to.” – 2025 five-star G Isiah Harwell

“It’s been Darryn Peterson for me. He is a crafty guard. Gets to his spots and scores it. I hadn’t really heard about him until USA Camp.” – 2026 SG Alijah Arenas

“Darryn Peterson. He’s consistently made tough plays. He’s made a lot of tough shots that I didn’t think would go in.” – 2026 PG DeRon Rippey Jr.

Five-star PF Cameron Boozer, Columbus High (FL)

“Cameron Boozer has been playing really well. He can shoot it a lot better than I thought. And his shot is really high, so you have to respect it; you can’t just play off him and force him to do other things.” – Four-star C Jayden Quaintance

“Cameron Boozer can really do it all. He’s been on my team for a lot of camp; he’s been really impressive.” – 2026 PG DeRon Rippey Jr.

Four-star PG JJ Mandaquit, Real Salt Lake (UT)

“JJ (Mandaquit) has really impressed me. I’ve played against him in AAU and stuff, but seeing him here, controlling everything around him., as a point guard, competing against him, it’s gotten me a lot better too.” – Four-star PG Cayden Boozer

“JJ Mandaquit has been really impressive. He’s a really good point guard with a really high IQ. Love playing with him” – Five-star F Koa Peat

“JJ Mandaquit has been good. He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he goes out and plays hard, and he has heart. I like playing with him.” – Four-star C Jaden Toombs

2026 SG Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth (CA)

“Alijah Arenas has been good. He’s a great shooter. I like his shot, and he has a bag too.” – 2026 SF AJ Dybantsa

2026 PG Brandon McCoy, St. John Bosco (CA)

“Brandon McCoy has been really good. He’s getting into the paint and getting paint touches.” – Five-star F Koa Peat

Five-star F Koa Peat, Perry High (AZ)

“I’ve been impressed with Koa Peat. His versatility is impressive. Just his being able to push it in fast breaks and create opportunities for others is very special.” – Four-star PG JJ Mandaquit

2026 SG Elijah Williams, Scottsdale Christian (AZ)

“I’d say, Elijah Williams. He’s got the strap. He can really shoot that thing. He’s tall and has a little bag.” – 2026 SF Tyran Stokes