FIBA AMERICAS U18 CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MEN-- 2008

Formosa, Argentina
July 14-18, 2008

Traveling to Formosa, Argentina, for the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, the USA squad had two goals: qualify for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship and capture the gold medal. The U.S. accomplished its first mission, however, it fell short against a solid Argentina team in the gold medal game and returned to the United States with the silver.

2008 USA U18 National Team 2008 USA RESULTS (5-0) USA 82 Venezuela 73 USA 115 Bahamas 51 USA 106 Puerto Rico 64 USA 82 Canada 66 Argentina 77 USA 64 2008 FIBA AMERICAS U18 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS 1. *Argentina (5-0) 5. Venezuela (3-2) 2. *USA (4-1) 6. Uruguay (2-3) 3. *Canada (3-2) 7. Mexico (1-4) 4. *Puerto Rico (2-3) 8. Bahamas (0-5) *Qualified for 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship

Led by Davidson head coach Bob McKillop, the U.S. squad, from trials to the gold medal game, was together for just 18 days, and quickly developed chemistry. The team's daily improvement was a testament to the work of McKillop and his assistants Anthony Grant of VCU and John Thompson III of Georgetown, who saw 12 individuals bond into a single unit over a short time period.

Opening against Venezuela, Travis Wear checked in for 15 points as the USA won 82-73. Ryan Kelly added 12 points and 10 boards, while Kemba Walker had 12 points and five assists.

Easily dismantling Bahamas 115-51, the U.S. had six players score in double digits as every member of the team notched at least five points each. Travis Wear again led the charge with 15 points, while Mason Plumlee posted 14 points and 14 boards.

Closing preliminary play with a 106-64 victory over Puerto Rico, the U.S. was led by 15 points apiece from Matt Humphrey, Malcolm Lee and Walker as five players notched double-digit scoring efforts.

Facing Canada in the semifinals, the U.S. dispatched its neighbors to the north 82-66 behind 16 points and 10 rebounds from JaMychal Green and 12 points and 10 caroms from Kelly.

Advancing to the gold medal game against also undefeated Argentina, the USA men had their work cut out for them.

Playing in front of a raucus, standing room only crowd, the U.S. fell behind early and trailed 35-28 at the midway break. While the USA remained within striking distance for much of the third quarter, a 72-footer at the third quarter buzzer put Argentina up 59-43 and gave the hosts momentum heading into the final period. The USA never stopped fighting through the end of the contest, but the emotional hosts were simply too much for the U.S. and earned the 77-64 victory.

Walker scored a game-high 21 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists and a pair of blocked shots; while Lee notched 13 points, Travis Relevord scored 12 and Green posted a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds to go with four steals and two blocks.

Despite the 4-1, silver medal finish, the efforts of Connecticut-bound Walker did not go unnoticed by the local media, who honored him with the tournament's MVP award.

Canada scored an 83-68 bronze medal victory over Puerto Rico.