COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The second day of the combined U19, Pan American and World University Games trials for USA Basketball proved to be a telling setting for established players as well as high school prospects looking to reach the pinnacle in the coming years.
Spotlight Players
World University/Pan American Game Trials
Breanna Stewart (Connecticut) - Coming off of the Senior National Team Training Camp last week in Las Vegas, Stewart proved herself as the most pro-ready prospect in the gym. She currently sits at No. 1 on the 2016 ProspectsNation.com WNBA Draft Board. In a gym full of the nation’s top returning college players, no one could keep the 6-foot-4 forward from getting where she wanted to go. The 2015 Naismith Trophy College Player of the Year showed her versatility making multiple shots from the block, midrange and hit the trail 3-pointer as well. On the defensive end of the hardwood, Stewart blocked multiple shots that led to fast break points on the other end for her team.
U19 Trials
Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo./Missouri Signee) - After quality appearances in both the Jordan and McDonald’s All-American Games, the 6-0 wing was looking to show and prove in Colorado. The future Missouri Tiger did just that, displaying improved outside shooting range to go with her consistent energy around the basketball. Cunningham plays with a reckless abandon that coaches love.
Stock Risers
After transferring and sitting out the 2014-15 season, Tennessee redshirt freshman Diamond DeShields looked like she hadn’t missed a beat. No stranger to USA Basketball, the former five-star prep made plays using change of direction moves and also knocked down jumpers when given space. Keep an eye on the 2013-14 National Freshman of the Year as she takes the floor again this year for the Lady Vols.
South Florida coach Jose Fernandez has used the stellar play of junior Courtney Williams to lead the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament for two straight seasons. Williams’ play was on full display on day two as she made shot after shot. In the process she has emerged as arguably the nation’s premier perimeter scorer in the upcoming draft class. Williams is already on the Draft Board sitting at No. 5 in the ELITE 10.
Around The Rim
► For the second straight day, class of 2016 post Lauren Cox of Flower Mound, Texas, showed her skill around the basket displaying touch at the rim. The nation’s No. 1 ranked junior, Cox also faced up to knock down multiple jump shots as well.
► Class of 2016 point guard Anna Wilson of Richmond, Va., created a buzz with her willingness to compete on both ends of the floor. The Stanford commit has established herself as one of the floor generals to watch for postseason accolades next spring.
► Ohio State freshman guard Kelsey Mitchell was listed as a World University/Pan American Game Trials participant but was a last minute scratch from the list. Mitchell was named National Freshman of the Year by multiple outlets and was a Naismith Trophy addition on the Midseason 30.
Brandon Clay serves as the WNBA Director of Scouting for ProspectsNation.com and owns The JumpOffPlus.com International Report, which is picked up by more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide. He serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is chairman of the HS Boys / Girls Board of Selectors.
