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Kentucky Basketball: Hamidou Diallo and PJ Washington make the final USA U19 cut

By Frank Spencer

Apr 30, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Teams compete at Grand Park Fieldhouse in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Teams compete at Grand Park Fieldhouse in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball coach John Calipari has made his finalized his roster for the 2017 USA U19 World Cup.

Kentucky Basketball incoming freshmen Hamidou Diallo and PJ Washington have made the final cuts. They will be a part of the USA U19 squad that Calipari will be taking to Cairo, Egypt for the FIBA World Cup.

Diallo and Washington were common names that impressed throughout the training camp. Kyle Tucker from SEC Country kept the Big Blue Nation updated along the way. From the sidelines, a lot of footage was captured to give fans the essence of the competition these individuals faced.

Kevin Knox, who was sent home due to a hamstring injury unfortunately could not be put on the team. But, if not for injury, he would have undoubtedly been considered for a spot on the 12 man roster.

The USA U19 team members according to USA Basketball are:

  • Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky
  • Carsen Edwards, Purdue
  • Kevin Huerter, Maryland
  • Louis King, High School
  • Romeo Langford, High School
  • Brandon McCoy, High School
  • Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech
  • Payton Pritchard, Oregon
  • Immanuel Quickley, High School
  • Cameron Reddish, High School
  • PJ Washington, Kentucky
  • Austin Wiley, Auburn

Kentucky Boys

The Kentucky boys had a great week. Hamidou Diallo was arguably the best player at the camp. Second in line might have been Kevin Knox. Had it not been for his unfortunate injury, Knox’s name would certainly be on this list. Knox and Diallo looked to have a great deal of chemistry between them.

Hami Diallo & Kevin Knox showing off that Kentucky connection

"Kevin KnoxHamidou DialloUSA Basketball4,604 ViewsVisit Overtime"

Hamidou Diallo and Kevin Knox will be doing this on repeat in the 2017 season.

"Kevin KnoxUSA Basketball265 ViewsVisit Overtime"

PJ Washington is good…real good.

Probably one of the more intriguing performances of the week belonged to PJ Washington. The Kentucky Basketball big man did it all during his time in Colorado. Playing on the perimeter as well as driving the basketball to the rim. The 6-foot-8 “power forward” will look to have many roles once he gets to campus. Some may call him a positionless player.

"PJ WashingtonUSA Basketball253 ViewsVisit Overtime"

"PJ WashingtonUSA Basketball75 ViewsVisit Overtime"

Washington is going to be a problem for the SEC. Things like this is part of the reason that we project him to be a first team all-SEC selection at the end of the season.

"PJ WashingtonUSA Basketball299 ViewsVisit Overtime"

Next: Building the perfect 2018 recruiting class

No Bol Bol

One of the notable departures from the team was Kentucky Basketball recruit Bol Bol. The 7-foot-1 big man was left off the roster. The reasoning is unknown but one would seem to think that Calipari will stay in touch with the top prospect. Bol is a great player that John Calipari is recruiting very hard. His time working with the young man may have helped in his recruitment.

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