adidas Nations – Miami :: Photo Gallery

The 2013 adidas Nations campaign continued this past weekend in Miami Florida with the second of three USA training camps! Team USA 2014 and Team USA 2015/16 began workouts Saturday morning (5/18/13) at Barry University in Miami Shores.

Thirty-six of the top ranked players (roster) in the nation, came to train and compete in the best grassroots environment available. With three training sessions over the weekend, most of the time was spent doing station work with individual player development as the primary focus.  The players responded with a great effort to adidas Nations’ NBA

experienced coaching staff including Eddie Johnson, Don McClean, “Satch” Sullinger, Joe Wootten, and Josh Oppenheimer.

With the top players in the country in attendance, expectations were high and the players did not disappoint. From the moment the players hit the court, they demonstrated why they are all top ranked with their elite athleticism, advanced skill base and coachability.

“From top to bottom, this may be the best group of players we have assembled at adidas Nations!” – Coach Don McClean

The focus of the weekend is to create an environment where players are given the tools and insight to compete at the professional level. The players were challenged to behave like the professionals they aspire too be, by being on time for meetings, following the nutrition recommendations presented by Athletes’ Performance, and learn to “love the game”  through being fully committed to the craft. The players received the message and pushed one another to the highest levels.

Jeff Robbins the adidas Nations Executive Director raved about the Miami session, “All of the elements for a great Nations camp came together this weekend! The players all have a reputation of being outstanding basketball players and this weekend not only did they prove the rankings, but the players also demonstrated that they are outstanding people. I look forward to watching the players continued development!”. The Miami session will be followed on June 15-16 in Las Vegas, NV with the final training session before the adidas Global Challenge August 1-5 in Los Angeles.

In its 7th year, the Nations program continues to grow and raise the standard for player development for elite college prospects. “adidas is committed to providing opportunities for athletes to be exposed to the best in basketball instruction, nutrition, footwear, and apparel” says Executive Director Jeff Robbins. As a brand adidas is committed towards building events and products that help athletes perform better.

adidas Nations alumni include: Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons), Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls). Robin Lopez (Phoenix Suns) and Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets). AND MORE

2014

USA 2015/2016

Twenty-four players (roster) from thirteen states came to compete and train with  the best  freshman and sophomores in the country. With Individual player development as the primary focus of the three training sessions over weekend most of the time was spent doing station work with the adidas Nations’ NBA experienced coaching staff. A staff that included Don McClean, Josh Oppenheimer, and Ed Shilling.

Throughout the session, all of the players demonstrated why they are the best in the country with their elite athleticism and strong skill base. As a group, this collection of young men showed that they have the desire to be great with their constant energy, willingness to learn, and competitiveness every moment on the court.  Off of the court the players behaved like the professionals they aspire to be, by being on time for meetings, following the nutrition recommendations presented by Athletes’ Performance, and being courteous and respectful to all of the hotel and event staff.

Nations Executive Director Jeff Robbins had this to say about the opening session for 2013, “The group of players we had this weekend exemplifies the type of  individual we look for when we created adidas Nations. How the players worked on the court and handled themselves off, was outstanding! I couldn’t be more pleased and look forward to watching these players develop in the program.”  This weekend’s session is the first of three training camps with the next event being held May 18-19 in Miami and June 15-16 in Las Vegas.

In its 7th year, the Nations program continues to grow and raise the standard for player development for elite college prospects. “adidas is committed to providing opportunities for athletes to be exposed to the best in basketball instruction, nutrition, footwear, and apparel” says Executive Director Jeff Robbins. As a brand we are committed towards building events and products that help athletes perform better.

adidas Nations alumni include: Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls). Robin Lopez (Phoenix Suns) and Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets).

Massachusetts forward sinks late 3-pointer to lift team of 2014 prospects to tournament title.

Monday, August 06, 2012

By Jason Hickman

LONG BEACH, Calif. – At the end of a grueling spring and summer grind for the nation’s top basketball prospects, young legs prevailed Monday night in the championship game of adidas Nations.

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Over the past five days, Orange County, CA has played host to the World’s premiere high school prospects. The prestigious adidas Nations event fielded nine teams, including representatives from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. Forty of the most sought-after American recruits were divided into four teams (2013 Blue, 2013 Red, 2014 Blue, 2014 Red). 

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by Nima Zarrabi / @NZbeFree

Noah Vonleh didn’t even have time to wipe the blood off his lip.

The rising junior from New Hampton (NH) Prep just led his squad to an overtime victory in the championship game of the adidas Nations tourney with an impressive 25-point, 16-rebound showcase, earning him co-MVP honors with guard Emmanuel Mudiay. After posing for a few pictures with the gold basketball trophy in hand, Vonleh transitioned right into his interviews, blood still fresh on his lower lip from 37 minutes of battle in the paint. No big deal.

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Day 5:

Final Day saw heated action in the closing rounds.   The top players separated themselves and displayed the toughness and skill to make the cut as one of the members of the 2012 adidas Nations Asia Team.  In all the camp provided excellent competition, skill development, and cultural bonding that will continue on for years to come.

The camaraderie was on display at the final selection ceremony and closing dinner.   Many of the Chinese players posed for photos with all of the USA coaches and NBA player Quincy Pondexter, thanking them for a great week in Shanghai.

Chinese basketball is making strides and adidas nations is assisting in the development of these young players.  Everyone at adidas would like to thank all of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) associates who made the camp a special experience.  We look forward to returning the favor in August at the adidas nations Finals August 2-6 in Orange County, CA.

Here’s a look at the 13 players nominated for the adidas Nations Asia team, roster is subject to change.

Xu Wang                 5’11″
Kailun Guo              6’3″
Minghui Sun             6’2″
Dehao Yu                6’3″
Qilogn Zheng            6’7″
Tong Wang              6’8″
Yang Wu                 6’6″
Yiwen Lu                6’7″
Guancan Liu             6’6″
Mingxin Hu              6’8″
Lixing Lin              6’8″
Zhengxian Wei         6’7″
Zhongda He             6’8″

Camp Photo Gallery

The competition was tough throughout the day.  As the games went into the afternoon, the players started to show some signs of fatigue, however the addition of Quincy Pondexter into the games picked up the energy level.  Quincy immediately had players making the extra pass, boxing out, and driving to the basket for easy buckets.   He encouraged his squad as they made a comeback and took the lead.   He sat out the second half and coached from the bench.

Between sessions, the US coaches hosted the annual Coaches Clinic for CBA coaches and staff members.  The clinic focused on basic principles of execution and highlighted several play sets from the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.   Coaches Tony Brown, LaSalle Thompson, Oronde Taliaferro and Chris Rivers provided detailed breakdowns and walk thru examples of the various plays, counters and options.   The CBA Coaches had several questions and enjoyed the session immensely.

The selection of 12 players for the Los Angeles Nations squad is coming into focus.  The next sessions will bring the semifinals and championship round.   Although they may not be as talented as some of the other nations teams in the past, the Asia team will play hard and compete until the final buzzer.  We’ll report back with the championship squad and team selections.

Camp Photo Gallery

Day 2:

Another spirited day began with intense station work led by the NBA Coaches.  It was obvious from the enthusiasm on display, the Asia players love drilling hard and improving on their fundamentals.   Whether it was communication, crisp passes, being strong with the ball or proper box out technique…the campers worked hard and listened.

One obvious thing among the US coaches is that the players are getting better.   It’s truly a matter of repetition and correcting improper habits, once that is accomplished improvement is in the cards.

The highlight of the day was the arrival of Kenneth Faried aka the Manimal.  Two seconds around this guy and his energy is contagious.  The campers fired up for the “Manimal Challenge”, a timed drill session of pushups, quick jumps, rebounding, taking a charge and finishing at the rim.   It’s safe to say the Manimal plays “All In” and the campers did their best to play the part as well.   We have some great shots and short clips on the contest…more to come on that.

Day 3 will bring tournament and selections winding down.  Check back for more.

Camp Photo Gallery