USA Basketball Veterans Meet Rookies at Opening Day of Trials

Brittany McCall
July 1, 2008 � Washington, D.C.

Tuesday marked the start of the 2008 USA Basketball Men�s U18 National Team Trials, with 18 of the nation�s best 18-and-unders reporting from all over the country to the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Over the next two days, the nation�s top prep sensations will battle for one of 12 roster spots on the 2008 USA U18 National Team, which will travel to Formosa, Argentina, for the July 14-18 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men. This year�s crop features five athletes who return to the red, white and blue from the 2007 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival and 13 others who are new to USA Basketball.

Whether old or new, each athlete is competing for the same opportunity and the chance to represent their country in the USA�s quest for gold. The USA will look to compete against seven other teams in Formosa, including host country, Argentina, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela. But exactly who will comprise the 12-member USA roster remains a mystery. Will experience prevail and help the veterans reclaim their place in USA Basketball lore, or will the tenacious rookies make a stand at trials to prove that they belong amongst the nation�s elite few? USABasketball.com was able to catch up to one member from each cast of players at the opening day of trials to gain some insight on their thoughts on the trials.

The Veteran: Travis Releford (Bishop Miege H.S. / Shawnee Mission, Kan.)
How do you think the first day of trials went?
It was exactly what I expected � the best of the best. The players are highly competitive and the coaches are very intense. I think everyone played really well and I expect the same kind of energy in the next few days of tryouts.

What was your initial reaction to the coaching staff?
Coach (Bob McKillop) and the entire staff really got after it today. They are here to win and they are going to make us work hard to prove ourselves.

How do you see your experience with USA Basketball helping you at trials?
My experience with USA Basketball is sure to give me confidence at trials this week. I know what to expect and the kind of intensity and energy that is needed to play on this team and at this level. It�s also a motivator. It�s an honor to be able to represent your country and I would like the opportunity to do it again.

The Novice: Ari Stewart (Wheeler H.S. / Marietta, Ga.)
How do you think the first day of trials went?
It was intense and there was a lot of energy. I think everyone played really hard, but I don�t think any of us can say we were surprised at the amount of skill and athleticism that is here. I�m really excited for the next couple days (of trials).

What was your initial reaction to the coaching staff?
Coach McKillop was intense. He had a lot of energy and I think it really showed in how we played on the court.

Does being a newcomer to USA Basketball add some sort of an edge to your play at trials?
Yes, being a newcomer is a huge motivator. Every one of us wants to put on that USA jersey and represent our country. It is a huge honor. So far, I think the newcomers and the veterans have done a pretty good job of playing together. I don�t think you can set the two groups apart after only one day on the court. Everyone here is giving it their all.