USA Basketball U-19 Team Begins Training for FIBA World Cup
Category: Basketball | Tags: USA Basketball, FIBA U-19 World Cup, Junior Team USA, U19 Training Camp, Youth Basketball
The United States U-19 men’s basketball team has officially opened training camp ahead of the 2025 FIBA U-19 World Cup, bringing together some of the country’s top high school seniors and college freshmen. The camp, hosted at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, marks the beginning of what Team USA hopes will be another dominant international run.
Thirty-three athletes have been invited to participate in the rigorous selection process, which includes daily practices, film sessions, and intra-squad scrimmages. From this pool, a final 12-man roster will be selected to represent the United States at the tournament later this summer in Debrecen, Hungary.
Among the top names in camp are elite prospects like Bryce James, Trevon Carter, and Isaiah Wilson — all expected to be future college standouts or early NBA draft picks. The coaching staff, led by head coach Jamie Dixon, emphasizes discipline, team defense, and international adaptability throughout the preparation process.
“This is about more than talent,” Dixon said. “We’re building a team that can handle the physicality, pace, and tactical challenges of FIBA basketball. It’s a different game, and these guys need to adjust quickly.”
Team USA has long dominated the U-19 category, having won seven gold medals since the tournament’s inception. However, recent improvements from international programs like France, Canada, and Serbia mean the Americans can take nothing for granted.
The camp also provides a unique developmental opportunity for players. Competing against their peers in a high-stakes environment helps accelerate growth and build lifelong basketball habits. Several NBA stars, including Jayson Tatum and Cade Cunningham, previously honed their skills through this very program.
As the U.S. prepares for group play, which begins in July, the coaching staff will focus on cementing chemistry and identifying leaders within the squad. Team USA is expected to enter the tournament as the favorite — but in international hoops, nothing is guaranteed.
Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see which rising stars emerge as the next generation of American basketball greatness.
