Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. makes USA Basketball U-19 roster
Michigan sophomore-to-be Tim Hardaway Jr. made the roster for the 2011 USA U19 World Championship team, USA Basketball announced today.
Twenty players -- both incoming college freshmen and rising sophomores -- were invited to Colorado for tryouts. The team leaves Friday to compete in the FIBA U19 World Championships in Latvia, which starts June 30.
Michigan sophomore Tim Hardaway Jr. made the Team USA U19 team, according to USA Basketball.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Hardaway spoke to AnnArbor.com about the opportunity earlier this month.
“At first, I really didn’t want to go but I thought about it with Evan (Smotrycz) and he was like, ‘You should take it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing and nobody else is doing it,’” he said. “I just want to be recognized in that group of athletes that actually has a chance to represent the nation.”
Michigan State's Keith Appling and Illinois' Meyers Leonard are currently part of the 13-member roster. Iowa's Melsahn Basabe was among the cuts.
The team will cut one more player before leaving for Europe. CBSSports.com's Jeff Goodman is reporting that the last roster spot will go to Appling or Villanova's James Bell.
It's not all good news for Hardaway, however. His participation in the World Championships will delay his return to Ann Arbor and Smotrycz, Hardaway's roommate, plans to capitalize.
Smotrycz response to the news on his Twitter feed: "...now i get to set up the room I want and take all the closet space and pick the best bed..sorry tim."
Comments
XTR
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
Perfert 2 guard at 6'5" with 3 point shot, slashing the paind and ball handling skills. That profile is perfect for international play, when combined with good inside players, Hardaway Jr. ads another dimension. This experience will make him one of the top conference players in the B1G this year.
heartbreakM
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
Only possible downsides are injury and fatigue. But what an honor it is to be chosen to represent the USA. I have to believe he will appreciate it and excel. Congrats Hardaway. Go Blue.
tater
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Just as the team was helped immensely by the Eurotour last year, THJ will improve by playing at this level. And he is already playing at a high level now. Congratulations are in order..