Kentucky to Have Strong Presence at USA Basketball U19 Camp
Kentucky basketball will be well-represented at the upcoming USA Basketball U19 training camp, which takes place in Colorado Springs starting June 14. The camp is part of the selection process for the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Switzerland.
For the first time, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope will take part in the Team USA coaching setup. He joins other college coaches, including Nate Oats (Alabama) and Hubert Davis (North Carolina), under head coach Tommy Lloyd (Arizona). Pope’s role offers him a valuable opportunity to work with elite young players and strengthen ties with current and future recruits.
Two of Kentucky’s top incoming players—Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno—have been invited to the camp. Additionally, three major targets from the 2026 class—Taylen Kinney, Christian Collins, and Tyran Stokes—will also participate. These players will compete for a spot on the 12-man roster that will represent the United States when the tournament begins on June 27.
Breakdown of Camp Participants
College Players:
- LJ Cason
- Tony Duckett
- Daniel Jacobsen
- Morez Johnson Jr.
- Royce Parham
- Tyrone Riley IV
- Tyler Tanner
Top 2025 Prospects:
- Matt Able
- Mikel Brown Jr.
- Chris Cenac Jr.
- AJ Dybantsa
- Hudson Greer
- Isiah Harwell
- Jasper Johnson
- Nik Khamenia
- Nykolas Lewis
- JJ Mandaquit
- Malachi Moreno
- Koa Peat
- Sadiq White
2026 Rising Stars:
- Tajh Ariza
- Christian Collins
- Jason Crowe Jr.
- Caleb Gaskins
- Cameron Holmes
- Caleb Holt
- Taylen Kinney
- Brandon McCoy Jr.
- Jaxon Richardson
- Deron Rippey Jr.
- Jordan Smith Jr.
- Tyran Stokes
- Elijah Williams
The final roster will be announced before Team USA departs for Switzerland. The U.S. will compete in Group A alongside Cameroon, Australia, and France.
What This Means for Kentucky
Pope’s involvement reflects his rising status in the national coaching scene and gives Kentucky a valuable recruiting advantage. If Johnson or Moreno makes the final roster, it will further highlight the Wildcats’ presence on the international stage. This moment could be pivotal for the future of Kentucky basketball, as key recruits and future stars take center stage in Colorado Springs.
