JaMychal Green hits a grand slam during practice (USA Basketball Photos)

After 10 days of trials and training camp, the 2008 USA Men’s U18 National Team was getting packed up to head to Formosa, Argentina. Looming in front of them was an over 10-hour plane ride, followed by over an hour bus ride to the regional airport in Buenos Aires, a one and one half hour flight to Corrientas and what would turn into a close to three-hour bus ride to Formosa.

Prior to the travel, USA Basketball.com caught up with a couple of players to find out how training camp in DC went and their thoughts on Argentina.

Kemba Walker
What kind of changes has this team gone through over the last week and a half?
I think we worked hard. We’ve improved a lot, being that we all came from separate places and we’re all used to being the star of our teams. I think we’re doing pretty well as far as that.

Was the first practice a little bit of a culture shock, it was the first time you’ve been through a college practice?
It was. I don’t think most of us are used to getting yelled at. This is our first time experiencing that. It kind of was a culture shock.

Do you feel you’re coming together as a team?
Oh definitely. I think we’ve improved a lot. I think we’re becoming better friends. We’re having fun. We’re trying to go out there and get a gold medal.

Has it been hard to set aside the individual for the sake of the team?
Yeah, definitely. I think the coaches did a great job of getting guys who fit into the team system. Everybody here are team players and everyone is trying to do their part to make the team better.

This is your first time overseas. Are you looking forward to it?
Oh yeah. Everybody keeps on talking about the food, it’s something I’m looking forward to it.

Have you ever had a 24-hour travel day and what are your thoughts on that?
I haven’t. But I’m just looking forward to it.

Maalik Wayns
What are the changes the team has gone through over the last week and a half?
It’s real different. We’re playing an offense and I’ve never really played a set offense with back screens and stuff like that. I’m getting used to that now, but that’s different for me.

Was your first practice a little bit of a culture shock for you?
Oh yeah, the college coaching, that’s all new to me. We have to get used to it to get ready for college.

How’s the team chemistry?
I think we’re all coming together really well. We hang together at the hotel, go out to eat together, we’re all bonding pretty good.

Have you ever been overseas?
No, it’s my first time.

Do you know anything about Argentina?
No, not at all.

Are you looking forward to it?
Yes, a lot. I want to see how they live over there. Is it nice, is it like us, is it different? I just want to see how it is.

Those were thoughts and comments from fairly well-rested, not-yet world travelers. Now read about how the rest of the day went for them. Go to Part II…

Back to the U18 National Team Page