U19 World Championships

[dukedevilz]

US defeated Mali in the finals last night to claim their 7th championship. Yes, Mali is now a powerhouse in the youth ranks. Cheick Diallo (Kansas) and Oumar Ballo (Gonzaga commit) are both natives of Mali, as well as 2020 5-star recruit N'Faly Dante.

I was just looking at the stats and I noticed 4 of the top 7 scorers are connected to the Gonzaga program. Ayayi and Petrusev will be sophomores, Ballo is an incoming freshmen, and Strawther will be on the team in 2020-21. Jalen Suggs, a 2020 5-star recruit who started for the US, is also likely to end up at Gonzaga (80% of crystal ball picks, at least).

MVP of the Tournament: Reggie Perry, USA (Miss State)

All-Tournament Team
Reggie Perry, USA (Miss State)
Tyrese Haliburton, USA (Iowa State,)
Oumar Ballo, Mali (Gonzaga)
Siriman Kanoute, Mali (anyone recruiting him?)
Joel Ayayi, France (Gonzaga

Here's 10 minutes worth of highlights from the game:

 

[dukedevilz]

Tyrese Haliburton is going to be a stud this year. I just don't know if Iowa State has enough firepower to make it to the NCAAs. They lose 5 of their 7 from 2019. Bring in a transfer from Colorado State and a bunch of 3-star recruits.