Additional Quotes: USA 95, France 52
• Game Story
• Box Score
USA head coach Don Showalter
What are your thoughts on the game?
I thought it was kind of a methodical win for us. We just stretched out the lead. There weren’t as many runs as we normally have, but we just extended the lead every quarter. I think we were really solid.
How do you think this team progressed over this tournament run?
Wow. This team, from day one, I knew they could be special, and they certainly ended up being a special group. They are probably as good as any U17 team that we have had, from a standpoint of how well they get along with one another. They are great teammates. They are very coachable. All of those things make a special team.
What does your fifth U17 gold medal mean to you?
It never gets old. You always enjoy the different kids each year and how they progress. It certainly means a lot. I’m very humbled and thankful to be a part of USA Basketball and coaching. I had great assistants this year in Scott Fitch and Stan Waterman, which really made everything come together.
Vernon Carey Jr. (University School/Southwest Ranches, Florida)
What does it mean to you to be named to the All-Tournament Team?
It means a lot, just knowing there were 16 teams here representing and they chose me as one of the five players. It means a lot.
What are your thoughts on the game?
We started off a little slower than we usually do, but we picked it up in the second half.
What does this overall experience mean to you?
The experience was really good. It was way different than last year (FIBA Americas U16 Championship). The location, the teammates, everything. It was great.
Jalen Green (San Joaquin Memorial H.S./Fresno, Calif.)
What does it mean to you to win Most Valuable Player?
It’s a great thing. Last year, we came down here, played together and Vernon (Carey Jr.) got the MVP. I came out here, showed off my hard work and it worked.
What are your thoughts on the game?
I think we played well. We came out and played defense. Coach was preaching defense, so that was the main thing. We stayed solid and were able to win the gold medal.
De’Vion Harmon (John Guyer H.S./Corinth, Texas)
What are your thoughts on the game?
I think we played really well. This was a long process. To end a tournament in a big way – I’m just so happy to be a part of this and be a part of this team. It was so much fun.