COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- With 85 athletes competing to make one of three different USA teams (World University Games, Pan American Games, and U19 World Championships) this year’s USA Basketball trials is loaded with the who’s who of college basketball. Over the next four day’s our ProspectsNation.com staff will keep you up to date with key performances, here is a look at some standouts from day one.
Key Facts
► In all there are 34 Players participating in the U19 trials. The U19 World Championships will be held in Russia in July.
► Dawn Staley of South Carolina is the head coach of the U19 team with Jeff Walz of Louisville and Kim Barnes Arico of Michigan, as assistants.
► The remaining 51 players are trying out for both the World University Games and the Pan-Am games. Players can only make one of the two teams.
► Lisa Bluder of Iowa is the head coach of the Pan-Am team, Michelle Clark-Heard of Western Kentucky and Scott Rueck of Oregon State are the assistants.
► Joe McKeown is the head coach of the World University Games team, Holly Warlick of Tennessee and Tanya Warren of Northern Iowa are assistants.
Spotlight Players
World University/Pan American Game Trials
Ariel Powers (Michigan State) – Coming off an impressive college season, the Michigan State wing brought energy, effort, and attention to detail in the first session. What is most impressive about Powers is her ability to make effort plays on a consistent basis. Whether it’s a rebound, a steal in a passing lane or anything else, Powers is consistently involved. With her size and ability to guard multiple positions, Powers has the potential to bring a diverse skill set to any potential US team.
U19 Trials
Chatrice White (Illinois) – As one of the best back to the basket post players in the gym, White, the 6-foot-3 post from Illinois, has been effective early and often during her time so far in Colorado Springs. White’s comfort level catching the ball in the low post and making a move is evident, as she has made plays turning over both shoulders. Low post play is hard to find and White is a kid who can be effective on the block.
Stock Risers
► Florida State forward, Shakayla Thomas, brings an abundance of energy and athleticism to the floor when she plays. Her athletic advantages are clear on both sides of the ball as she is at her best playing in transition and attacking the rim. In a room full of high-level athletes, Thomas might be the best one in the building.
► Aliyyah Handford of St. John’s has been electric with her play. Handford is a high level athlete who likes to push the tempo. She has a lot of confidence in her mid-range game and it showed throughout the first session.
► Linnae Harper of Kentucky is a professional pickpocket on the defensive side of the ball. Harper is an elite defender who can guard all three perimeter positions.
Around The Rim
► Class of 2015 guard Asia Durr of Douglasville, Ga., has yet to participate in trials. Durr is out with a groin injury but has been present.
► Class of 2015 wing Katie Lou Samuelson was not here for the first session but made her presence felt in the second session.
► Texas post Imani Stafford has elected not to participate in trials. Stafford will have surgery later this month.
Moore is the Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and international scouting report. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and has been a member of the women's basketball community for more than six years as a trainer and evaluator. He can be reached at keil@prospectsnation.com.
