Layman Makes Team USA
Jake Layman was one of 12 to be selected to the U18 USA Men’s National Team that will compete in the FIBA Americas Tournament in San Paulo, Brazil next week.
An incoming freshman at the University of Maryland, Layman was participating in just his first national type camp after being passed over for both the NBPA Camp and the Nike Skills Academies at this time last year.
The King Phillip and BABC product was selected for the team following a week long try-out in which he reportedly shot the ball very well from the perimeter, while also showing his trademark length and athleticism, all skills which are tailor made for the international game.
The rest of the 12 man roster includes: 2013 PG Nate Britt; 2012 F Sam Dekker (Wisconsin); 2012 F Shaq Goodwin (Memphis); 2012 F Jerami Grant (Syracuse); 2012 F Montrezl Harrell (Virginia Tech); 2012 G Rodney Purvis (North Carolina State); 2013 F Julius Randle; 2012 G James Robinson (Pittsburgh); 2012 G Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State); 2012 G Rasheed Sulaimon (Duke); and Tennessee freshman F Jarnell Stokes.
Florida’s Billy Donovan is the team’s head coach and is assisted by Gonzaga’s Mark Few and VCU’s Shaka Smart.
The team departed for Brazil on Monday where they will join other national programs from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island. The top four finishing teams in the field will qualify for next summer’s 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship.
Jake Layman