The United States Men's U17 National Team squad announcement has ignited a debate among fans because certain players, including Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James, aren't included.
The finalized 19-man roster includes standout performers from recent tournaments and training sessions. However, notable absences have sparked significant debate among fans.
Fans expressed their discontent over Anthony's snub on Instagram.
“Robust,” one fan commented.
“Kiyan robbed tbh,” another fan commented.
Bryce, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, and Anthony were both on the training camp roster but did not make the final cut. Despite not being selected, Anthony remains a highly regarded prospect. He's ranked No. 45 in ESPN's 2025 recruiting class and No. 35 in the updated 247 sports recruiting class.
The final roster for the 2024 USA Men’s U17 National Team, announced on Monday, features several familiar names. Selected from a pool of 34 participants, the team is set to compete in the 2024 FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Istanbul from June 29 to July 7. The USA Basketball Men’s Developmental National Team Committee oversaw the selection.
The team is composed of high school juniors and sophomores. It includes Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Chris Cenac Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Jalen Haralson, Caleb Holt, JJ Mandaquit, Brandon McCoy Jr., Koa Peat, Jordan Smith Jr., Tyran Stokes, and Jaden Toombs. Eight of these players have previous national team experience.
Head coach Sharman White and assistant coaches Scott Fitch and Chet Mason will lead the squad. The U.S. has won gold in every FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup since its inception in 2010, maintaining an unblemished 44-0 record.
The upcoming tournament will see 16 teams competing, advancing to the single-elimination stage after group play.
Kiyan Anthony's exemplary performance in the NBPA Top 100 Camp
Kiyan Anthony continues to excel at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. On June 10, he recorded an impressive 35 points against the nation's top high school players, including Abdul Aziz Olajuwon, son of Hakeem Olajuwon. Anthony led all scorers with 15-for-39 shooting in 37 minutes, outscoring the next-highest by 16 points.
Ranked as the No. 9 shooting guard in the class of 2025 by 247Sports, Anthony is also a four-star prospect, placed No. 57 overall. His father had praised him on X for a 42-point game earlier in the camp, which runs until June 13 in Orlando, Florida.
Anthony has received offers from several colleges, including Ohio State, Arizona State and his father's alma mater, Syracuse. He is planning summer visits to Auburn, Ohio State and Indiana.