USA U17 Trials Predictions
Preview and Predictions for USA U17 Trials
May 23, 2024 | USA U17 Trials
The U18 USA Trials will be held in Colorado Springs, CO from May 23-26 to choose the 12-member team that will compete in the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s AmeriCup in Irapuato and Leon, Mexico July 13-21.
Players who make this team will not be available for the July Evaluation Periods with their club teams, which will impact the championship brackets of the major circuits. 1 player in the class of 2024, 12 players in the class of 2025, 15* players in the class of 2026, 13 players in the class of 2027, and one in the class of 2028 make up the 43* player field from which the team will be chosen.
*Trinity Jones will not be able to participate due to injury, changing that to 14 players in 2026 and 42 overall. ‘26 Oliviyah Edwards missing from the pool due to a foot issue.
The Head Coach of this team will be Meg Barber of New York University.
Who will make this team?
The committees have the task of putting together a TEAM in a very short period of time - not just a collection of the best individual talents at each position. They have to build two cohesive units with depth and the versatility to match up with the varying styles of different international teams. They also have to factor in who needs USA Basketball experience from a projection standpoint in the future - something very important for success at the higher level events. This year’s U17 World Cup will be a much different experience than last year’s U16 FIBA Americas tournament - the teams are better and the talent is deeper.
Projected Team
Guards
Emilee Skinner
Hailee Swain
Dee Alexander
Saniyah Hall
Jerzy Robinson
Wings
Jaci Abii
Aaliyah Crump
Addison Bjorn
Forwards
Lauren Hurst
McKenna Woliczko
Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka
Posts
Sydney Douglas
What questions does this pool of players need to answer and where are the holes? What are the opportunities?
This is a heavy wings and forwards group with the potential for a lot of positional versatility. However, as we have seen before, consistent perimeter shooting will need to be determined. The point guard and guard groups have a deep pool from which to choose. The post group is thin in terms of numbers and experience. This puts pressure on the forward/power forward group to have to be physical inside, but also fit on the floor with a true five player. This will be a tough choice for the committee.
What is needed most from this group?
First and foremost, they will need point guards who are willing to set the table first and not just look for their own offense. Establishing a defensive identity and then setting the table for the others is essential. Many of the point guards in camp take on a big scoring load for their respective teams, so that will be a shift in mentality. The point guards for this team must be able to distribute and shoot from outside.
There are only four true posts in this camp and none are the focal point of their own squads currently. They will be taking on a huge responsibility in this international competition. This is a great opportunity, but whoever makes the team will have to grow up fast.
Alex Eschmeyer | Kelsi Andrews I Jayla Forbes | Sydney Douglas
They may need to consider Nation Williams with this group as she has more of a post oriented game and they need the depth.
There are definitely some solid shooters in the trials, but do they have the complete game to make the team?
Lanie Grant | Emilee Skinner | Maddyn Greenway | Autumn Fleary | Kaleena Smith | Aaliyah Crump | Jerzy Robinson | Jessie Moses | Kate Harpring | Carly Amborn | Holland Harris | Lauren Hurst | Jordan Speiser
A couple of these players have international experience having made the team last year, but this is a new year and a new pool with new needs for the team. These players could make the team anywhere from the point guard spot to the wing/forward.
Who are the X-Factor types in the trials who could make it?
Addi Bjorn | Lauren Hurst | Jordan Speiser | Ivana Wilson-Manyacka | Holland Harris | Jordyn Jackson | Lola Lampley | Jordyn Palmer | Amari Byles | Bri Crittendon
Due to the lack of post play depth, the committee will have a hard choice of what type of forward to take. They’ll have to be able to rebound and be physical defensively, but also be able to play in the middle of a zone offensively or have some spacing and perimeter responsibilities offensively. So, whomever of this group proves they can do those things will stand out because it will be a vital need for this team. Many in this pool can play anywhere from the wing to the forward in different lineups, so their versatility will be a major advantage. The forwards may have to log some minutes inside which means the wings will have to log some minutes at the forward spot. There is a lot to be determined.
This is going to be a tough few days for the committee. Earning the spots on the floor is the challenge for these players. It will take several days worth of focus and effort. That is what competing is!!
