Team USA’s U18 AmeriCup squad completed an unblemished record for the Group Phase with an 88-57 win over Brazil.
Unlike the first two wins, the team showcased their adaptability and versatility, delivering a more balanced offensive effort.
In the first two wins, starting guards Darius Acuff Jr. (IMG Academy/The Family) and Christopher Brown (OTE/Team Loaded VA) led the team in scoring.
Early on, Brazil played some zone where they focused on Acuff Jr. and Brown. They had success against the two. The starting backcourt would finish shooting a combined 4-16 for 14 points.
When the team’s top scorers, Acuff Jr. and Brown, were not at their best, the Americans rallied with a diverse offensive approach. Five players, including John McKenney III (St. Mary’s Prep/The Family) and Jasper Johnson (Link Academy/Team Thad), scored in double-digits, each contributing 12 points.
Takeaways From Group Phase:
Paint Presence:
The Americans have a mix of bigs who bring something different. Starter Daniel Jacobsen (Brewster Academy/JL3) is the most adept at catching the ball and making a move with his back to the basket.
On defense, Jacobsen has 11 blocked shots in three games. He’s cleaned up some mistakes by perimeter players by blocking or changing shots.
Patrick Ngongba (PVI/Team Takeover) has brought a level of physicality unmatched by anyone else on the roster. Ngongba is your classic do-your-work early defender. He’s been successful in moving players off the block, and, despite having issues with catching the ball clean when it comes off the rim, he’s been a credible rebounder on both ends.
Statistically, Morez Johnson Jr. (Thorton Township/Meanstreets) has been the best rebounder (9.3 per game) among the three. Johnson Jr. provides the Americans with a bigger player who can get to the front of the rim in transition and, at times, can rebound out of his area.
Three Point Shooting Woes:
The Americans’ three-point shooting has been downright abysmal.
Tommy Lloyd’s crew is shooting 27.2% as a team, but luckily, the problem is fixable.
Brown is averaging 5.7 three-point attempts but is shooting a respectable 41.2%. Acuff Jr. is shooting 38.5% on 4.7 attempts.
Conversely, McKenney III is shooting 0% of 4.7 attempts per game. Jeremiah Fears (Arizona Compass Prep/Indy Heat) is shooting 10% on 3.3 attempts.
For starters, less is more. This team has no reason to attempt an average of 27 three-pointers a game. Not with their ability to get two feet in the paint.
The other problem is shot selection. There are times when players take three-pointers unnecessarily, either because they’re in a hurry to shoot the ball or because they are rushing their shots. Either way, the number of contested threes and threes being hunted is borderline inexcusable.
Ament’s Limited Minutes:
If you classify one player on the roster as a late bloomer, it’s Nate Ament (Highland/Team Loaded VA).
Ament’s stock grew when he transferred to Highland School (Warrenton, VA). The transfer, along with playing on Adidas 3SSB, has provided him with a platform to continue to grow his skills.
In his first shot with USA Basketball, Ament makes the most out of his minutes.
Despite playing a team-low 10.1 minutes per game, Ament averages 5.7 points. His midrange game is smooth, and he’s a capable three-point shooter.
His rebounding radius needs to improve, but he’s shown that he’s a switchable wing with a high defensive IQ. He’s always in the proper position on the help side, in the gap, where he is supposed to be.
Next Game: Opponent To Be Determined (Friday, June 7th)
