USA Elite 14u National Team in Geneva, Switzerland

Strong USA comeback lands FIBA u15 World Championship

Brandon Pennington, Atlanta, GA MVP

1/1/07-Geneva,Switzerland- It was déjà vu for the USA as they trailed Slovenia the entire game, but this time it was by as many as 18 points midway through the third period before slowly chipping away at the lead to once again end the hopes of Slovenia as the USA pulled out a 77-75 win to take the FIBA u15 World Championship.

Slovenia came out blazing hot scoring inside and from beyond the 3-point line as they built a 25-10 lead on the USA.  But after a time-out, the USA went on a 12-2 run behind the scoring of Mychal Ammons and Daniel Grieves to close the gap to 27-23.  “I have been in this situation many times before in FIBA World Championship competition at the 19 & under level.”  Said coach Davis.  “I reminded our team that score was indicating that we were not competing.   Slovenia was on pace to beat us 120 – 40 if we didn’t pick-up our intensity, defend, and take care of the basketball and make better decisions.”

The USA had more trouble in the second quarter as Christopher Campbell was the main answer for the USA with five points, however the USA was outscored 19-13 in the quarter and trailed at half-time 46-36.  “We had to tighten up our defense and take better care of the ball, and pound the ball inside if we were going to have a chance.  Slovenia was much too comfortable for me.” Said coach Davis.

In the third quarter, the USA focused on getting the ball inside as Jalen Courtney scored all of his 16 points in the second half with a balance of eight points in each quarter.  And Tyler Adams scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half with six points coming in the third quarter.  This was key to the USA victory.  The USA came storming back after falling behind by 18 points as Slovenia started the quarter with an 8-0 run.  But the USA managed to outscored Slovenia in the quarter 25-17 and began the fourth quarter trailing 63-65. 

But the USA continued to trust their inside game as all but three of their points came from their two post players, Jalen Courtney and Tyler Adams, as the USA outscored Slovenia in the quarter 16-12 to hold onto the 2-point victory.

Jalen Courtney led the USA with 16 points and 15 rebounds, Mychal Ammons finished with 15 points, and Tyler Adams added 14 points and 13 rebounds. 

Luznar Matey, Slovenia National Team, led all scores with 27 points.

Coach Davis has won his fourth FIBA world championship in a row.  The list includes 19u Nike World Championship, Douai, France in 2005 and 2006, The FIBA u14 World Championship in Ardres, France, 2006, and the FIBA u15 World Championship, Geneva, Switzerland 2006. 

The championships have happen at different age levels which shows that basketball is alive and well in the USA.  And the USA is still capable of dominating FIBA basketball when everyone works together.  “The AAU, grade school, high school, and recreation coaches are the foundation of basketball excellence in America.” Said Davis.  “Many of them are doing an outstanding job of teaching the fundamentals and developing the players.  Our greatest challenge is not to legislate ourselves into mediocrity.  Our kids need to develop under adult supervision, and they need to compete anywhere they can.”  Said Davis.

It is an honor for our young men to represent their country and compete against national teams internationally.  When they put on a USA uniform, you can see their eyes light up.  You can see the fire in their eyes that they have something to prove.  They have the opportunity to have their name known around the world when they compete in World Championship tournaments because every country is covering the event.  They are learning other cultures and languages.

Brandon Pennington, tournament MVP, from Atlanta, GA., was called on to take over the game as he was instructed to shut down Luznar Matey, from Slovenia, who was scoring at will on the USA.  Brandon also scored the last three points for the USA including the game winning basket.  “Brandon fought very hard to keep the team together.  He learned a lot in the process that he can take back to the USA and build on.  He has the potential to be another “Tywon Lawson” if he continues to work hard and learns the game.  He is a jet with bigtime potential.”

Brandon was a player throughout the entire tournament who was all over the place.  His speed and quickness provided answers for his team.  He is a player who can hurt you in multiple ways.  He is a tough competitor and a great student.     

Tyler Adams provided unstoppable answers inside for the USA, as he showed his strength, soft-hands, great footwork and fundamentals by using the backboard to finish on an array of inside shots.  Tyler, who is right-handed, showed muscle and the ability to finish with the left-hand dunk.  He was also strong enough to finish with two and three people hanging on him as he still found a way to finish.  “I was very comfortable with this bigtime 6’9 8^th grader.” Said coach Davis.  “We pushed him hard in the transition game and he responded by running the floor.  He never let up.  He always gave 110%.  He was a solid go-to guy inside, and very good from the foul-line. His middle school coach and AAU coach have done a great job with this young man.”  Tyler adjusted very quickly to the physical inside FIBA game.  He averaged 16 points and 14 rebounds throughout the tournament.

Jalen Courtney showed his great athletic skills on defense, and his ability to finish inside with exciting dunks, and was able to score from midrange.  Jalen is a skilled tough competitor as he plays for legendary Provine High School coach, Luther Riley.  “Coach Riley has certainly taught him the game.” Said coach Davis.  “He also made him tough mentally.  I noticed immediately that he was our leader so I made him the team captain.  He personally new how to rally his team and I was very comfortable with him being an extension to our coaching staff.”  Jalen averaged 16 rebounds a game during the tournament.  His elevation over opponent made you think you were watching “Larry Nance.”  His elbows were always over the rim.  He was a great defender when called on to be on the front off the USA full-court press , and he was just as effective on the back of the press where he read passing lanes like a defensive back.  Jalen also had good footwork with his post-up game, and he did a very good job of sealing the defense when he was in the post so he could easily receive the ball and finish.   Jalen averaged 18 points and 16 rebounds.

Rodney Dixon, from New Orleans, LA, showed his multi-dimensional talent as he played five positions throughout the game and use his 6’5 frame in crunch-time at the point-guard position to take advantage of the defense with size and scoring ability.  What was really surprising about Rodney was how accurate and smooth he was on his 3-point shot.  Rodney is a tough guard who can defend, rebound, and control the perimeter.  Rodney sported an 18 point average during the tournament and became a game saver for the USA when they were struggling to get points.  Rodney played an unselfish game and got his teammates involved.  He has good quickness and size.  He also showed what kind of athlete he is when he served up some great dunks during the tournament.

Daniel Grieves, from Gulfport, MS, provided a complete game with his relentless competitive spirit and skills.  “Daniel provided the toughness we needed to be successful.” Said Coach Davis.  Daniel averaged 16 points a game during the tournament.  He was another player at 6’4 that could and did play five positions at various times during the tournament.  His dad and his mom both are coaches, and it showed in Daniel’s game.  He played smart.  He knew how to attack the defense.  He adjusted to the physical FIBA, and had fun with the difference in rules.  This tough southpaw could score inside and outside with 3-point range.  He had good quickness and was another USA player who could get over the rim and dunk it home. He averaged 14 points during the tournament.

Mychal Ammons, was the “Dwayne Wade,” for the USA Elite Team. Mychal is very deceptive as a defender and scorer.   He can defend on and off the ball.  He has the amazing ability to score inside and outside to 3-point range.  And what makes him best for the FIBA game is his ability to avoid offensive fouls while driving to the basket.  Mychal averaged 19 points and nine rebounds a game for the USA.  Coach Davis considered him a top 10 8^th grader in the USA.  “Mychal is very special.” Said coach Davis.  “He is the ultimate team player and a guy who can dominate a game from both ends of the floor.”  Mychal showed he was the type of player who could avoid offensive fouls (something all USA players have trouble with in FIBA basketball), weave through the defense and stretch and slam dunk at will.  He is smooth.  He can put the ball on the floor to create his own offense, and at 6’5, he can rebound.  He also has deadly3-point range and is a good outside shooter.

TJ Bullock, from Geneva, Switzerland, but comes from a family where his dad is a USA citizen and played in Switzerland for 14 years, joined the USA Team when 6’7 Krystian Foriest didn’t make the trip from New York.  The USA lost a big size advantage, but gained a very savvy point-guard.  TJ became a perfect fit for the USA.  He adjusted to the USA style of play immediately and did a great job of running the team.  He had a game-high 14 assist against Belgrade, and his pin-point passes were always on the mark.  He also provided the USA with much needed experience in the FIBA game.  He had great footwork, and new how to cut off his man defensively, and he knew how to avoid the offensive foul when the USA was on the attack.  He also provided leadership which helped the USA passing game.  He has a great future as he continues to grow…  Who’s know, the next Tony Parker may come from Switzerland…

Christopher “Topher” Campbell, from San Antonio, TX,  was the only 7^th grader other than Drew Davis that played on the u14 USA National Elite Team.  That team is a team that played so well in Ardres, France in June 2006, that the coaches and fans were still talking about that team in Switzerland.  And it created the debate early that was the USA u14 under team better than the USA u15 team by the way it dominated the other national teams.  But coach Davis answered the question very simply.  “The USA u15 team is the better team because of size.” Said coach Davis.  “I knew the younger team before they arrived in Ardres, France.  I didn’t know any of the u15 players except for four of them.  I relied on what I wanted in the size and profile of the player, and the recommendation of the Nike Elite Travel Team coaches.  I had a more challenging job of getting the u15 USA team to trust each other and believe in our philosophy of play.  Once they learned to trust each other, they were just as dominate as the u14 Team.  The u15 team had very tough physical opponents who knew the game better.”

But coach Davis called on Topher Campbell because at 6’3 and multiple skills, he felt he could play three guard positions on the floor, and provide the toughness inside to still rebound with the physical opponents, and provide smart defense and team ball.  Topher never let coach Davis down.  He scored from the 3-point line, he drove to the basket, he found his teammates for assist, he rebounded, and stole the ball, he did everything he was called on to do.  He averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds a game.  Coach Davis expects Topher to be a high D-1 division prospect and one of the best players to have ever come out of San Antonio, Texas.

Nate Bucher, from Atlanta, Georgia, was one of three 7^th graders selected to the u15 USA National Team.  He caught coach Davis eye at the USA Elite All American Camp, and Nate has been working with him ever since that time.  Nate has put up big numbers for coach Davis in JV basketball action.  Nate showed he can handle the international game when he blitz Switzerland for 15 points in the first round.  Nate controlled the middle of the floor when the USA was in their up-tempo game.  He also had great success attacking the basket and scoring from the 3-point line when the USA was running their half-court sets.  He rebounded well, which is another trademark of coach Davis, as he expects his guards to rebounds, and he did a good job of finding the open man.  Nate has a bright future and is expected to be a future High D-1 prospect.

Drew Davis, who was going for his second world championship in 2006 after earning a u14 World Championship in Ardres, France, in June 2006, with a team considered the most impressive in tournament history.  He played like a coach’s son as he was the youngest player in the tournament and the smallest at 5’3, but stood tall in the heat of battle.  Drew is a 7^th grader from McDonough, GA, born in 1994 and 12-years old was competing against players 14-years old, however, this isn’t new for him because he has been playing against players as old as 18 while playing for his JV Elite Team. Drew provided the great passing to the post as Jalen Courtney was the primary beneficiary as he enjoyed dunk after dunk via lob and bounce passes.  Drew also was a constant threat from outside as his 11 point performance in the quarter-final round showed his ability to score from long-range.  Drew also showed the mental toughness to prevent players from taking him to the basket and also posting him up.  He is a player that always knows where to be on the court and that makes everyone else better.  “And what you have to like best about the young player is he is a good teammate.” Said coach Davis.  “When he had success under fire, it really fired-up the rest of the team and took pressure off the team because as a coach, you know the guys were saying, if this little guy can do it, I know I can do it.”  He is also a player that doesn’t know what pressure is.  He always steps up for big games. 

The USA defeats Italy to advance to the finals

12/31/06-Geneva,Switzerland- The USA defeated Italy 132-64 to advance to the finals of the World Championship. 

Mychal Ammons scored a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jalen Courtney scored 22 points and 16 rebounds, Tyler Adams scored 20 points and 14 rebounds, Rodney Dixon scored 21 points and 10 rebounds, Brandon Pennington scored 15 points, Christopher Campbell scored 12 points 6 rebounds and 5 assists, Daniel Grieves scored 10 points, and TJ Bullock had 14 assist, Drew Davis added 12 assist, and Nate Bucher had 12 assist, as the USA showed that they were beginning to mesh together to play almost a perfect game.

“Our game plan was to play fundamental basketball and get the ball inside to our big guys because we had a slight height advantage.” Said coach Davis. “ We wanted to attack the basket on every play, and control the board on every miss.  We also wanted to keep the ball off the floor and snap our passes and move without the ball.  I’m proud of the way these guys have progressed and improved with each game.  It was a tough beginning.”

USA advance to semi-final round with a win over Belgrade

12/30/06- GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Mychal Ammons scored a game-high 23 points, Daniel Grieves scored 20 points, Rodney Dixon scored 12 points, Drew Davis scored 11 points, six assist, and Christopher Campbell and Nate Bucher added 10 points as the USA defeated Belgrade to advance to the semi-finals with a 105-60 win.

The USA established themselves early as all five players got in the scoring column led by Mychal Ammons with 11 points, Jalen Courtney and Brandon Pennington added six, Drew Davis, the only player on the team born in 1994 scored five, and Daniel Grieves added four points in the quarter. 

USA avoids upset to Slovenia in round 2

12/29/06- GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- The run-and-stun style of play of the USA in their earlier game against Switzerland took a lot out of their legs, and it almost cost them a win over Slovenia as the USA trailed the entire game before digging out a 76-69 win over Slovenia. 

The USA played sluggish for three quarters as they trailed 15-20 after the first quarter, and slipping even further by half-time 30-36.  It was more frustration in the third quarter as Rodney Dixon provided the only answer to keep the USA in the game.  But the USA was slowly showing signs of life at the end of the third quarter but only closed the gap by one point as the USA trailed 50-55.

But the USA got a wake up call after Drew Davis came into the game and floated a lob pass to Jalen Courtney for the dunk.  Then scored a jump-shot in the corner, and then the USA took over the game and went on a 26-14 rampage to close out the game.

Rodney Dixon scored a game-high 23 points.  Rodney has multiple skills that make him a complete player.  He can play five positions, he is tough, and he has deep 3-point range. Mychal Ammons added 14 points, Brandon Pennington and Jalen Courtney added 10 points apiece. 

USA Elite National Team defeats Switzerland in round 1

12/28/06-GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- The USA Elite 14u National Team made adjustments from their exhibition game and Switzerland took a mighty blow as the USA won 127-61.

In the first game, the USA jumped out to a 37-21 first quarter lead. Brandon Pennington led the way in the quarter with 13 points, Mychal Ammons added 10 points in the quarter, Daniel Grieves added eight, and Jalen Courtney added six points, and Drew Davis added 6 assist.

Leading the way in the second quarter was Tyler Adams with 12 points, Nate Bucher dropped in eight points and Rodney Dixon and TJ Bullock scored four points each, and Christopher Campbell scored 2 points and added three assist as the USA extended their lead to 69-33 at half-time.

The USA remained consistent throughout the rest of the game and walked away with the victory. 

Brandon Pennington showed signs of comparison to “Tywon Lawson” as he was unstoppable going coast-to-coast.  Brandon has a good mid-range jumper, and 3-point shooting ability.  Jalen Courtney led a balanced scoring attack with 23 points 16 rebounds. Jalen showed tremendous athletic ability.  He was effective inside and outside.  He has the ability to just elevate over opponents and score.  Tyler Adams added 20 points and 14 rebounds. Tyler is a big man with very soft hands.  He catches anything that comes close to him.  He is also a very good scorer out to 15-feet range.  Daniel Grieves finished with 18 points.  He plays like former NBA star “Jack Marron.”  Daniel comes with a complete inside/outside game, and he plays with a lot of aggression and intensity.  He makes things happen.  Nate Bucher finished with 15 points, and showed why he is among the best 7^th graders in the USA.  Nate has speed, quickness and savvy.  He has developed various skills that make him a constant threat.   Mychal Ammons finished with 15 points, and is considered by his coach as the “Dwayne Wade” of the team.  He is a long wing-man.  He can dominate a game from the defensive or offensive end of the court.  He can scored inside, and he can put down the 3-point shot, and dunking is no problem at any point of the game for him.

EXHIBITION GAME TOO MUCH FOR USA

12/27/06- GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- The USA Elite 14u National Team received a fundamental lesson in FIBA basketball when it faced Switzerland's 16u Team in a friendly game to prepare the USA for the 14u World Championship in Geneva, Switzerland.  The older Swiss Team put on a clinic as they defeated the USA 92-78.  The USA looked like they were feeling the effects of the seven hour time difference as they looked sluggish at best. 

The USA suffered from the beginning as they missed shots and failed to get back on defense, which led to easy transition baskets.  The USA didn't rebound well, and they failed to use their relentless press that they are known for.  The Swiss Team was very comfortable from start to finish. 

The USA plays the Switzerland 14u team, then the Slovenia 14u team tomorrow.  "We have gone over the game-film." said coach Davis. "I'm glad this game didn't count, and it was a great teaching tool for the guys.  Now I have their attention and they know they have a huge responsibility to get the job done and maintain the tradition. The vacation is over."

We are waiting to receive box scores from this friendly game.

December 27-29, 2006

12/23/2006- GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- Coach Linzy Davis, has won four world championships in FIBA basketball tournaments including three 19u World Championships (2001,05, 06) and a 13u World Championship, Ardres, France (2006).  The 19u Teams have NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Shelden Williams, Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, Steve Hunter, Dajuan Wagner, and college stars Chase Budinger, Tywon Lawson, Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton.  This is the first time coach Davis has taken a 14u USA National Team to Europe.  The team has size and skilled players.  Daily updates are coming. 

USA ELITE TEAM    -   Itinerary (For preparation of the 14u FIBA World Championship, Geneve, Switzerland)

SAMEDI 23 DECEMBRE 2006 

"           13H30  Transfer Hôtel Ramada - Salle Grand-Montfleury - Versoix 

"           14H00 - 16H00    Practice 

"           16H15 Transfer Salle Grand-Montfleury  - Versoix - Hôtel Ramada 

"           17H30  Transfert Hôtel Ramada - Patinoire des Vernets - Genève 

"           18H00  Eating restaurant des Vernets 

"           19H45  Hockey Game at Genève-Servette - Bern 

"           22H00  Transfer Patinoire des Vernets - Genève  -  Hôtel Ramada 

DIMANCHE 24 DECEMBRE 2006  

"           09H30  Transfer Hôtel Ramada - Salle Grand-Montfleury - Versoix   

"           10H00 - 12H00    Practice 

"           12H30   Transfer Salle Grand-Montfleury - Versoix - Patinoire des Vernets - Genève 

"           13H15   Eating at restaurant des Vernets 

"           14H00   Transfer Patinoire des Vernets - Genève  -  Hôtel Ramada 

16H00 Depart for Lyon, France

25 DECEMBRE 2006

10H00  Depart for Milan, Italy

MARDI 26 DECEMBRE 2006  

"           08H45  Transfer Hôtel Ramada - Salle Grand-Montfleury - Versoix 

"           10H00   USA vs Sélection Genève (players born in 90-91) Exhibition Game 

"           12H30   Transfer Salle Grand-Montfleury - Versoix - Patinoire des Vernets - Genève 

"           13H15   Eating at restaurant des Vernets 

"           14H00  Transfer Patinoire des Vernets - Genève  -  Hôtel Ramada 

"           14H45   Départ to Lausanne musée Olympic  

"           16H00   Visitor guide in english for the musée Olympic 

"           18H00   Départ Lausanne musée Olympic for Patinoire des Vernets - Genève 

"           19H15   Eating at restaurant des Vernets 

"           20H00  Transfer Patinoire des Vernets - Genève  -  Hôtel Ramada