Day 2 of U17 USA Basketball training camp: The storylines you need to know

Colorado Springs, Colorado – The u17 USA committed made the first round of cuts on Monday morning. After two days in Colorado Springs, 17 players had to make an early flight home.

For Monday’s open session, 18 players remained. This thing was real; good players, five-stars even, were set packing. The drill work was intense, and the reps were all meaningful.

On3 was courtside watching the action, and here are the u17 basketball Day 2 storylines you need to know.

Ian Jackson has emerged as the alpha

The first cuts of the u17 USA basketball team were made, and things got real. Monday’s competition level was high, with five-stars diving on the floor, chasing down blocks, and strong finishes, through contact at the rim.

With some of the country’s best on the floor, competing to represent their country, Ian Jackson emerged as the alpha. His aggressive two-way play was apparent from the opening of practice to the closing whistle.

Jackson is a 6-foot-5 wing from New York (NY) Cardinal Hayes. On3’s No. 2 player in the 2024 class will be firmly in the conversation for the No. 1 spot for our next update. Nothing is guaranteed; however, his play during the open sessions here has been eye-opening.

Despite being one of the youngest players, Boogie Fland brought stability

A team takes the identity of its point guard. The ball is in their hands the most; not only are they an extension of the coach, but they are the team’s vocal leaders. Theoretically, everything starts with the point guard position.

During Monday’s open session, Boogie Fland looked like a seasoned veteran. The players on the team had no problem looking to him to get them into sets. He was vocal, and he took care of the ball. Only 15 years old, on the floor with seven 17 years olds, Fland took everything in stride.

He was scrappy on the defensive end, taking pride in guarding the point of attack. Fland’s other thing going for him is that he was in the conversation as the best shooter on the floor.

Asa Newell has made the final cut decision a tough one

When the list of u17 USA basketball finalists started to make its rounds, most expected 6-foot-9 Asa Newell to make the first cut. However, the cut from 18 to 12 may not have fared so well for him.

Newell did everything he could in Monday’s session to not only make the final 12 but show he could be in contention for big rotation minutes.

The forward has always had great length and soft touch with a confident three-point range. During the open session, Newell tried to dunk everything, no matter who was jumping between him and the basket. He had multiple chase-down and weak-side blocks and was active on the boards.

On3’s No. 24 player in the 2024 class has a world of upside, and it looks like the Montverde (FL) Academy forward is starting to touch on that potential.

Sean Stewart goes 100 percent, 100 percent of the time

Duke commitment Sean Stewart is a noted tough guy. The 6-foot-8 forward has never shied away from the dirty work; in fact, he seems to enjoy doing the tough-guy stuff.

That mentality did not stop in Colorado Springs. Whether the team is doing a drill, shadow work, or playing a game, the motor is always running hot.

Stewart should be as close to a lock as there is to make this team. He has his toughness and motor to thank for that.