James Bell Makes USA U-19 Team

Villanova Wildcats sophomore guard James Bell has officially made the United States Under-19 team that will compete in the FIBA World Championships this summer in Latvia. Bell previously made the 1st of 2 planned cuts. Buffalo Bulls forward Javon McCrae was the final cut.

New George Mason Patriots coach Paul Hewitt will lead the team and he's excited by the group of players he'll be taking to Europe.

I like the depth and versatility of this team, in particular our big guys. I think our big guys are a great presence around the basket and do an excellent job of screening," said Hewitt. "Defense will have to be a staple for this team and we have work to do. I'm not happy with where we are defensively. I think we made steps, we're doing some good things, but in order to compete for the gold medal we have to get better."

The US team will complete its training Thursday at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and then head to Europe on June 24th. The team will train June 25-28th in Lithuania where they will face the Lithuania U-20 National Team in an exhibition game on June 26 in Panevrzys, Lithuania, and then meet the Lithuania U-19 National Team on June 28 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Men is being held June 30-July 10 in Valmiera, Liepaja and Riga, Latvia.