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FIBA Americas Championship: 2020 prospect Scottie Barnes sets U16 free throw record

By Daniel Benjamin

Apr 30, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Teams compete at Grand Park Fieldhouse in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Teams compete at Grand Park Fieldhouse in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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2020 prospect Scottie Barnes’ huge day leads USMNT into 2017 U16 FIBA Americas Championship gold medal game.

The USA U16 men’s national team advanced to the 2017 FIBA Americas gold medal game with a dominating 121-49 victory over Argentina. Top-10 2020  prospect Scottie Barnes scored a game-high 20 points to lead six players in double figures.

Barnes, who is ranked as the 10th best 2020 prospect by Futures 150, became the 14th player to score 20-plus points in USA U16 history. The 6’7″ forward knocked down 6-of-7 shots from the field and was 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. He set a program record for the highest free throw percentage, eclipsing Sterling Gibbs — who went 6-for-6 in 2009. The eight made free throws tied the American record for most in a game. Barnes also tied a 2017 tournament-high with six steals.

The U.S. (4-0), which has not trailed a single second in the tournament, scored the first six points of the game. After Argentina cut the lead to 6-5, the North American squad went on a 24-4 run to take control of the game. USA shot 60.0% from the floor and had 26 steals, setting program record.

Romeo Weems contributed 17 points for the red, white, and blue. In the meantime, De’Vion Harmon and Jeremy Roach tallied 12 points apiece. Jalen Green chipped in with 11 points and Vern Carey Jr., along with James Wiseman, had 10 points apiece.

The U.S. is now 24-0 all-time in the U16 FIBA Americas Championship. The Americans will face Canada (4-0) in the gold medal game at 8 p.m. (EDT) on June 19. This is the second straight tournament that the USA and Canada will meet in the gold medal game. The U.S. is 3-0 against Canada in the competition with the 2015 title game (77-60) being the closest of the matchups.

USA leads the competition in most statistical categories. The U.S. averages 113.0 points and is giving up just 53.8 a game. The Americans are a well balanced team with Carey leading four players producing double figures a game at 12.8. Weems tops the team with 7.3 boards a game.

Canada defeated Puerto Rico 81-66 in the other semifinal. The Canadians are averaging 78.8 points while surrendering up 60.2 a contest. Top college prospects Cashus McNeilly, Shemar Rathan-Mayes, and Luka Sakota lead the way for the Canadians.

Argentina (2-2) and Puerto Rico will meet in the bronze medal game. And the Dominican Republic (2-2) faces Mexico (1-3) for fifth place. The U.S., Canada, Argentina, as well as Puerto Rico, advance to the 2018 U17 World Championships. Since Argentina will host next year’s event, meaning they had already secured a spot. Therefore, the winner of the fifth place game will earn a berth in next year’s event.

Next: Hamidou Diallo among current college players trying out for U19 World Cup team

All four of Sunday’s games can be seen on YouTube.

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