Jul 2, 2009

Dixon, Gibbs lead U19 team


After one of the most successful seasons in Pitt history, Jamie Dixon has turned his attention towards coaching another team; no not USC. This off-season, Jamie is focusing on leading USA's Under 19 Team to a World Championship. Team USA started the tournament off with a bang by thrashing Iran by a final of 106-55. Dixon doesn't have any superstars, but a solid class of players who can work together. The team features former Liberty star Seth Curry, Butler's Gordon Hayward, Kansas Sophomore Tyshawn Taylor, Washington State Sophomore Klay Thompson, and Big East 3 point % leader Ashton Gibbs. The team showed balance in their first game with seven guys in double figures, led by Taylor with 13. Team USA has two more games in this round against France (Friday) and Egypt (Saturday). The second round begins Monday, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals from July 10th-12th. This team has talent, butit's no "Redeem Team." There is no LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Dwight Howard. This team is led by a great coach that doesn't whine about every call but instead preaches playing defense and limiting turnovers. If this version of Team USA adheres to Dixon's coaching strategies and plays hard team ball, then this should be a championship team.



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