32, 24, 16, 12. Since October 2016, players accepted invites and arrived at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the chance to make the 2017 U16 National Team. Starting at 32 players that were eligible infor the team n October, to 24 in March and 16 to the final 12 in June.
From Bradley Beal, Aaron Gordon to Houston native Jarred Vanderbilt, two players from the state of Texas joined this company and made the team of 12 to play in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
2019 De’Vion Harmon and 2020 RJ Hampton talked to texasboysbasketball.com on their experience and reactions to making the final cut.
“When I heard my name called, I was at a lost for words. I was speechless. So much excitement built up inside of me, and after about 5 minutes… I just had to let it all out,” Harmon said.
“Making the final cut was a dream come true. When I found out I just thanked God and called my mom!” Hampton said.
The last time the staff saw both players on the same court was on Dec. 3 when Harmon’s Denton Guyer’s squad defeated Little Elm with Hampton in a shootout where both player accumulated over 25 points. Both players credit their skill set and mentality on excelling in Colorado.
“Everyone there is elite but I do think my skill set made me stand out. My mentality is always to compete no matter what happens, just compete on offense and defense,” Hampton said. “My mentality has been to do all the little things, and really just compete at a very high level and I’m glad I got to show that,” Harmon said.
We may not have the chance to see the matchup again during the school year as Hampton will be attending Montverde Academy in Florida next school season.
“The school has such a tradition that I can’t wait to get to school and get in their system. They have great players and a great coach. I want to get better everyday!”
So whats next? The FIBA Americas will be held in Argentina from June 14-18 as Hampton and Harmon plan to come back with a gold medal.
“What’s next for De’Vion Harmon… For my guys and I to go down to Argentina and be ready to win the gold medal,” Harmon said. Then when I get back home to Texas, going to take a few days to rest my body and see my people I haven’t seen in a few weeks.”
“Well the next step is USA basketball. I am so honored and blessed to make the team. I want a gold medal.,” Hampton said. I’m also looking forward to Adidas nations and the next live periods. I’m just gonna continue to get better and stay in the gym and the recruiting will take care itself. I’m just going to be a sophomore and I still got some time to go but I just need to stay hungry and don’t ever get satisfied.”
Jersey Facts
De’Vion Harmon will wear #6 which was worn by:
Deandre Jordan (2016)
Derrick Rose (2014, 2010)
Lebron James(2012, 2008, 2006)
Bill Russell (1956)
RJ Hampton will wear #8 which has been worn by:
Harrison Barnes (2016)
Deron Williams (2012)
Carmelo Anthony (2004)
Scottie Pippen (1992)