The weekend in college hoops

Good morning! Team USA’s U19 team fared much better than the U.S. did in the Gold Cup final. Can’t win ‘em all.

Let's get to the college hoops news.

1. Team USA golden (again), but did Brown get overlooked?

For the ninth time and first since 2021, USA Basketball won the FIBA 19 World Cup. And it was never in doubt.

At least not over the weekend.

The U.S. crushed New Zealand, 120-64, in Saturday’s semifinal, then followed that was a 109-76 victory over Germany for gold. The U.S. turned a 56-47 halftime lead into a rout thanks to an 11-3 run to start the third quarter. Germany never closed to within single digits again.

Team USA scored at least 100 points in six consecutive games, and averaged 114.6 points a game. Both set new records for all countries.

The only matchup that was close was Friday’s 108-102 quarterfinal win over Canada. A.J. Dybantsa (22 points) and Mikel Brown Jr. (20 points, 8 assists) ensured the U.S. simply made more plays down the stretch.

Those two and forward Koa Peat (12 points, 9 boards vs. Germany) were the three consistent stars for the U.S., while Morez Johnson, Jordan Smith Jr., and J.J. Mandaquit all were terrific in supporting roles.

In fact, the only thing that wasn’t for certain was who would be the tournament MVP. Most figured it’d be Brown, who led the team in points (15.3), assists (6.5) and shot 47.6% from deep. But MVP went to Dybantsa, who shot 50% from the field (he was just 2-of-18 from 3-point range) and scored in just about every conceivable way during the tourney.

But he was most effective getting to the free-throw line. Dybantsa was 42-of-50 over seven games. No other U.S. player even attempted 35 free throws. Another factor was Dybantsa was the best player during the Canada win, which was essentially the deciding game of the tournament.

Brown, on the other hand, ran the offense, was a more efficient scorer (because of his 3-point shooting) and led all players team in +/- (151). Maybe voters held this missed dunk against Brown?

Regardless, Brown showed out as a player who’ll thrive this season in Louisville’s up-tempo spread offense, especially alongside other guards who can shot off the catch or the bounce.

Finally, an important note on Peat: he became the most decorated player in U.S. men’s junior national team history. Sunday was his fourth junior gold medal. No other player has more than three. Tommy Lloyd’s going to love him as a rim-running big man.

2. Texas Tech might have two All-Big 12 players

J.T. Toppin’s a second-team All-American and the reigning Big 12 POY, but if we learned anything from the FIBA U19 World Cup it’s that he’ll have quite the running mate next season.

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