By Jordan Divens

The United States U17 team dominated every facet of the game against Chinese Taipei, winning their opening game 119-45. United States jumped out to an early 16-0 lead and never turned back from there jumping in passing lanes, blocking shots, and owning the paint. USA collected 57 rebounds in the game, out-rebounding Chinese Taipei by 29 boards. The United States also dominated on the defensive end, as Chinese Taipei was just 36% from the field, as the USA collected 20 steals and blocked 9 shots, forcing 29 turnovers total. It was a total team effort from the United States as 9 players finished with 9+ points for the Americans and only two players played over 20 minutes in the 40-minute contest.

The United States U17 was led in scoring by Kevin Knox who had 15 points, 6 steals, and 4 rebounds, shooting 7-10 from the field. Wendell Carter was second in scoring, with an efficient 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 14 minutes of action. Guards Troy Brown Jr and Collin Sexton had 13 points each and were both 50% from the field. The most impressive performance came from Austin Wiley who collected 12 points and 11 rebounds in just over 12 minutes of play. Overall, the big men dominated the paint as Wendell Carter, Carte’Are Gordon and Austin Wiley combined for 37 points and 18 rebounds in just 37 minutes of action between the three of them. Team USA finished with 66 points in the paint and their guards were outstanding as well, helping to force 29 turnovers on the defensive end and dominating in the open court.

The United States were too big, strong, and athletic for Chinese Taipei as they took home a 76-point win in their first game of group play. Although it was hard to get a sense of which players would see leading roles in this blowout win, the United States featured a starting lineup of Javonte Smart, Troy Brown Jr, Gary Trent Jr, Kevin Knox, and Wendell Carter Jr. Featuring only one true big in their starting lineup could have been to match up with a smaller Chinese Taipei or could be a sign of things to come. 

Expect Wendell Carter Jr and Austin Wiley to take on big roles down low as they were dominant in their opening game on both sides of the ball, collecting rebounds, slamming home putbacks, and altering shots. Kevin Knox was the most impressive perimeter player for the United States, jumping into the passing lane and showing off his midrange jumper. The backcourt looked great, featuring EYBL leading scorer Collin Sexton, deadly shooter Markus Howard, athletic combo guard Troy Brown, and prolific scorer Gary Trent Jr. Jaren Jackson Jr provides energy in the paint for Team USA off the bench, and 2018 prospects Javonte Smart, Immanuel Quickley, Jordan Brown, and Carte’Are Gordon provided a glimpse at some of the top prospects in the upcoming junior class.

This United States U17 team is loaded with talent from top to bottom and their opening game gave the world a preview of things to come in this tournament as the USA U17 look to continue their perfection in FIBA play. This team is filled with elite high school prospects who played well together in their opening match to put together a balanced box score against an overmatched Chinese Taipei. Catch the United States take on Turkey tomorrow at 3 PM in a matchup to determine the Group A winner.

USA Individual Statistics:

2017 6’ 10” C Austin Wiley 12 points, 11 rebounds, 5-8 FG, 2-3 FT, 12:20 min
2018 6’ 10” PF Jordan Brown 5 points, 8 rebounds, 2-4 FG, 1-2 FT, 13:34 min
2017 6’ 10” PF Wendell Carter Jr 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5-8 FG, 4-5 FT, 14:12 min
2017 6’ 10” PF Jaren Jackson Jr 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3-4 FG, 3-6 FT, 18:20 min
2018 6’ 8” PF Carte’Are Gordon 11 points, 3 rebounds, 5-8 FG, 1-2 FT, 10:35 min
2017 6’ 8” SF Kevin Knox 15 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds, 7-10 FG, 1-2 FT, 14 min
2017 6’ 6” SG Gary Trent Jr 9 points, 5 steals, 3 rebounds, 3-9 FG, 3-4 FT, 19:12 min
2016 5’ 11” PG Markus Howard 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 4-9 FG, 2-5 (3), 16:23 min
2017 6’ 6” PG Troy Brown 13 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 5-10 FG, 23:49 min
2017 6’ 2” PG Collin Sexton 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3-6 FG, 7-8 FT, 20:16 min
2018 6’ 4” PG Immanuel Quickley 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1-5 FG, 2-2 FT, 19:25 min
2018 6’ 3” PG Javonte Smart 3 points, 3 assists, 1-1 FG, 1-1 (3), 17:47 min