Coral Gables, FL –The USA Basketball Men’s AmeriCup Team was in town from February 15th to February 18th. They stopped in Miami to practice at the Watsco Center before getting ready for a pair of AmeriCup Qualifying Games. Team USA (3-1) is set to square off against Puerto Rico (2-2) in San Juan on Thursday, January 20th. They will also play against the Bahamas (1-3) in Nassau on Sunday, February 23rd.
Significance of AmeriCup Team Tournament
USA Basketball is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as well as the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). They select and train players to participate in FIBA-sponsored competitions. USA Basketball is made up of five member organizations. They include: Professional, Collegiate, Scholastic, Youth, and Associate. Their main goal is to promote, grow, and elevate the game while guaranteeing that every player can develop their basketball skills in an inclusive environment.
USA Basketball Roster
| #4 – Jalen Crutcher | #5 – Norris Cole | #6 – Javonte Smart |
| #7 – Ruben Nembhard Jr. | #8 – Jahmi’us Ramsey | #9 – Robert Covington |
| #10 – Miller Kopp | #11 – Nassir Little | #12 – Robert Baker |
| #13 – John Jenkins | #14 – Reggie Perry | #15 – Malik Williams |
| Head Coach: Stephen Silas | Assistant Coaches: Patrick Ewing | Ty Ellis |
| Assistant Coach/Scout: Mahmoud Abdelfattah | ||
Miami Heat fans will instantly recognize who #5 is thanks to his contributions to their last two championships. Norris Cole plays for the Osos de Manati, who play in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) in Manati, Puerto Rico. He was excited to return to the Magic City to prepare for the upcoming national games.
Norris Cole on the leadership he wants to provide for his teammates
“My role on the team is bringing my experience and leading these guys so they can have great habits.”@LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/6GFy8FXrXE
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) February 17, 2025
Ty Ellis is currently in his first season as assistant coach of the Las Vegas Aces. However, he’s been part of USA Basketball as an assistant coach since 2017. He knows what it takes to win and will do everything in his power to ensure that his team competes at its best.
Coach Ty Ellis on the culture he wants to instill in the locker room
“We have gold metal standards. Meaning everything we do has championships and excellence attached to it.” @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/QD2ng5pkpu
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) February 17, 2025
What’s at stake for Team USA?
The USA Men’s Basketball qualifies for the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup by being one of the top three teams in their group. They currently stand in first place in their group. The United States has a 3-1 record with seven points. Their group features Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
The 2025 FIBA AmeriCup will take place in Managua, Nicaragua from August 23rd to August 31st. Since Nicaragua is the host country, they automatically qualify. Brazil and Uruguay already have their tickets punched in to compete as well. Nine spots are still up for grabs to compete in this event.
More Stories
Canes Blown Out, Lose 82-42 to the Fighting Irish
Canes Succumb to FSU in 83-82 Loss
Micky Arison Selected as Finalist for Basketball Hall-of-Fame