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Gonzaga Prep’s Anton Watson misses final cut at U18 Team USA tryout camp

Gonzaga Prep’s Anton Watson Prep slams one down against Post Falls on Dec. 7, 2017. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441
Gonzaga Prep’s Anton Watson Prep slams one down against Post Falls on Dec. 7, 2017. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga Prep’s Anton Watson was not among the 12 names revealed on Tuesday to represent the United States at this summer’s FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men.

The tournament is June 10-16 in St. Catharines, Canada.

Watson made the first cut from 33 to 18, announced on Sunday. The 18 finalists had an additional five practices together prior to the team announcement.

Watson led G-Prep to an undefeated season (27-0) and a state 4A title as a junior in 2017-18. He was named Greater Spokane League MVP, the Associated Press and Seattle Times all-state boys player of the year and was MVP of the state tournament.

Watson averaged 21.9 points and 8.2 rebounds last season.

“It was tough getting it to 12,” said Bill Self, USA U18 and University of Kansas head coach, via press release. “It was tough getting it from 33 to 18, but even with the 18 we’ve had a couple of extra days with and know how committed they all are to trying to make the team, knowing that different guys look better on different days and in different situations, it was tough getting to 12 because there are a lot of interchangeable parts.

The 12-member roster includes: Cole Anthony (Archbishop Molloy H.S./Briarwood, N.Y.); Armando Bacot (Trinity Episcopal School/Richmond, Va.); Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park H.S./Chicago, Ill.); Quentin Grimes (College Park H.S./The Woodlands, Texas); Kamaka Hepa (Jefferson H.S./Barrow, Alaska); Matthew Hurt (John Marshall H.S./Rochester, Minn.); Trayce Jackson-Davis (Center Grove H.S./Greenwood, Ind.); Josiah James (Porter-Gaud School/Charleston, S.C.); Tyrese Maxey (South Garland H.S./Dallas, Texas); Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Bishop Miege H.S./Shawnee Mission, Kan.); Mark Watts Jr. (Old Redford Academy/Detroit, Mich.); and Coby White (Greenfield H.S./Goldsboro, N.C.).

The team will continue training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, until June 7, when it departs for the tournament. The team was selected by the USA Basketball Junior National Team Committee.