BrandonClayScouting.com: USA U16 Training Camp Recap

The stage was set for class of 2018 guard Tre Jones of Apple Valley, Minn., to show and prove.
*Jenny Johnston / USA Basketball

COLORADO SPRINGS – Twice a year USA Basketball assembles the nation’s premier talent for a training camp to train and receive high level skill instruction. With a permanent youth development coach in Don Showalter, the USA has ensured consistent results for years to come. This time around, camp is for potential selection to the 16-and-under FIBA Americas team that will compete for a Gold Medal this summer. Here are some of the standouts from the camp’s opening session:

USA Basketball Thurs. Stock Risers: ’18 Jordan Brown ’17 Markus Howard ’18 Tre Jones ’17 Jaylen Nowell ’17 Gary Trent pic.twitter.com/5pWj92YOW8

— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) May 29, 2015

By: @BrandonClayPSB

Jordan Brown of Roseville, Calif., came in focused and ready to shine in a gym full of talented prospects. The class of 2018 power forward started off the camp by bringing athleticism and bounce to the lane. Brown made plays on the offensive end finishing at the rim while showing touch around the rim.

Markus Howard of Chandler, Ariz., picked up right where he left off at the October Mini-Camp. Howard, who recently announced that he will transfer to Findlay Prep (Nev.) next season, is one of the nation’s premier class of 2017 point guards. His ability to push the tempo and make shots sets him apart from most.

The @LVProspects & ’17 PG Markus Howard lifted themselves to a Peach Jam bid MINNESOTA RECAP: http://t.co/1viZC897hu pic.twitter.com/Y3sSK0L35C

— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) May 27, 2015

Tre Jones of Apple Valley, Minn., showed his skill the past two seasons in front of our staff during the Breakdown Classic in December. The class of 2018 point guard was impactful during the opening session with his ability to finish plays by distributing to teammates or finishing the play himself in traffic.

Even a late arrival couldn’t hold class of 2017 guard Jaylen Nowell of Seattle, Wash., back. The sharp-shooting wing prospect made an impression on everyone in the building knocking down multiple 3-pointers during gameplay.

Gary Trent Jr. of Apple Valley, Minn., brought his A Game for Howard Pulley last Saturday in a matchup against classmate DJ Harvey of Hyattsville, Md. Showalter was on hand sitting courtside for Trent Jr.’s scoring outburst. On Thursday night, Trent Jr. brought more of the same to the hardwood in Colorado scoring on multiple outside shots and defending his position well.

Perhaps the greatest asset in the USA Boys Youth model is the consistency in their coaching and philosophy. From Showalter to his assistants Miles Simon and Sharman White as well as court coach Horace Neysmith, the Training Center is loaded with quality, consistent teaching personnel. Men’s National Team Assistant Director, BJ Johnson, and Showalter travel nationally to the top events to follow up on the names of kids who need to be in the pipeline as potential U19/U21 and eventually Senior National Team members.

NOTE: Marvin Bagley of Tempe, Ariz., is a legitimate candidate to take the No. 1 spot in the BrandonClayScouting.com ELITE 25 Rankings when they are released for the class of 2018. Bagley was scheduled to be on hand but will not participate in the training camp.

Marvin Bagley (AZ) is the nation’s No. 1 ’18. Showed his versatility at USA in Oct. RECAP: http://t.co/OnAUszYEzR pic.twitter.com/KFJWa970Ed

— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) May 28, 2015

Brandon Clay is the Executive Camp Director of the Elite Basketball Academy and the owner of Brandon Clay Scouting. Clay is also the owner of Peach State Basketball, Inc., and serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is the HS Boys / Girls All-American Team Board of Selectors Chairperson. He is also the Director of Scouting for the OTRHoopsReport.com National Scouting Report. Clay has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach him at [email protected]