James Bell Makes Initial Cut For USA U-19 Team

Villanova Wildcats sophomore James Bell is one of 13 finalists for the United States Under-19 team that will compete in the FIBA World Championships this summer. The team, which will be coached by new George Mason Patriots coach Paul Hewitt, will be participating in the tournament from June 30th-July 10th in Latvia.

Bell joins fellow Big East member Jeremy Lamb of UConn among those selected after the initial cuts. Jahii Carson was the lone high school player selected. Trevor Cooney, heading to Syracuse next season, was cut.

You can check out the initial 13-man roster here.

...Have to wonder if having Paul Hewitt, a former member of the Villanova coaching staff, helps Bell's cause at all...regardless, it's great to see him doing well over the summer and hopefully he'll make the team because that experience will greatly help the team next season...