After Team USA secured Olympic gold for the fifth time in a row with a thrilling 98-87 victory over host France in Paris, let’s delve into the background of each player from their high school days. It’s remarkable to think back to high school and consider that Steph Curry, who made four incredible 3-pointers in the final 2:43 of the Gold Medal game, would become a global sensation. Curry’s performance, finishing with 24 points and shooting 17-of-27 from 3-point range in Team USA’s final two wins, was truly unforgettable.
Curry’s mesmerizing display solidified his reputation as the greatest long-range shooter of all time and as one of the game’s legends. His exceptional career, including this Olympic triumph, was something no one could have foreseen, not even during his high school days as an outstanding player, let alone as the Golden State Warriors’ standout.
No one.
Prior to the Gold Medal game, discussions revolved around how to enhance the development process of USA Basketball in selecting Olympians and nurturing future stars. Now that USA has clinched gold, let’s reflect on the humble beginnings of each of the 13 players. All 13 players (including selected but unavailable Kawhi Leonard) were not necessarily top-tier high school athletes or All-Americans, each carving out a distinctive path to professional and Olympic success.
Below, we outline Team USA’s roster based on our initial and lasting impressions of them during their high school years. Embedded within each impression lies a valuable lesson that continues to guide our assessment of emerging players today – a framework we’ll uphold in the years to come.
Bam Adebayo, High Point Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 2016Demonstrated unwavering dedication in each evaluation and delivered a remarkable senior season, securing the No. 7 spot in the HOOP SCOOP’s final 2016 rankings. A prime example of embracing and excelling in one’s role to establish a successful career.
