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“Generation of miracles” “2026 draft finna be crazy” - Fans amazed by Team USA U17’s triumphant win against New Zealand

Modified Jul 07, 2024 18:11 GMT

The USA U17 national basketball team continued their dominant performance at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup with a staggering 145-65 victory over New Zealand in the quarterfinals, securing a spot in the semis.

The Americans have been unstoppable throughout the tournament, winning over China by 95 points and the Philippines by 96. They firmly established themselves as the favorites for the gold medal, with their latest victory extending their perfect record at the U17 World Cup to an impressive 50-0.

Their overwhelming performance prompted humorous fan reactions, with some suggesting to have them "drug tested" because they have "been winning too much." Meanwhile, others are expecting an exceptional future draft class from this squad.

Here are more reactions from fans expressing their excitement on Instagram:

Team USA's U17 team has been a defensive powerhouse, amassing 27 steals with Brandon McCoy Jr. and Jalen Haralson leading the charge with six each.

Offensively, nine of the twelve players scored in double figures. McCoy Jr. and Koa Peat led with 19 points each, followed by JJ Mandaquit and Cameron Boozer who each scored 18 points. Boozer also recorded his fourth double-double of the tournament, adding 11 rebounds and two blocks.

USA U17 has set a new record for the most points scored in a semifinal game, surpassing their previous record with 145 points. Their 80-point margin of victory also set a new semifinal record, eclipsing the previous 51-point win.

The team's size and athleticism were on full display as they scored 98 points in the paint and 74 fast break points. Their exceptional ball movement resulted in 44 assists, with Cayden Boozer, Mandaquit, and McCoy Jr. leading the way.

USA U17 aims for seventh undefeated title against Italy in FIBA U17 world cup final

The USA U17 team is on the brink of securing their seventh undefeated title at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, with only Italy standing in their way. Their average winning margin of 68.2 points surpassed the previous record of 53.7 points set in 2018.

On the other hand, Italy has made history by reaching their first U17 World Cup final and securing their first-ever medal in the competition. Their journey included a historic semifinal victory over Türkiye. They previously finished ninth in 2014 and reached the quarterfinals this year, following a second-place finish at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2023—their first cadet final since 1991.

USA U17 currently tops the charts in points per game with a grand 128.5 field goal efficiency where they have 56.5%, two-point shooting with a whopping 64.8%, assists at 39.7, offensive rebounds at 20.5, steals at 24.0, and turnovers at 33.5.

The two nations have never met in the U17 World Cup, but the USA holds a 9-0 record against Italy in youth FIBA events; most recently in the group stage of the 2017 U19 World Cup.