UNLV freshman, Bishop Gorman teammates survive first Team USA cut

By Taylor Bern

Thursday, June 12, 2014 | 10:45 a.m.

Incoming UNLV freshman Dwayne Morgan and a couple of Rebel targets from Bishop Gorman High are among the 15 finalists for the Team USA Under-18 squad, it was announced today. Chase Jeter and Stephen Zimmerman are the only high school teammates on the roster.

Practice in Colorado Springs started Tuesday, and the trio survived the first cut from 24 down to 15. The final cut to 12 is expected to come Saturday morning, with competition running from June 20-24.

"Now that we've narrowed it down to 15 guys, we'll get a chance to practice with those guys," U18 and Florida coach Billy Donovan said in a statement. "As I've said, it's not necessarily about having the 12 best players but having the 12 best guys that will make up the best team."

Team USA will start in group play against Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina and then likely advance to compete for the title against another group of four teams (Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico). The top four teams qualify for the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships.

Another incoming Rebel was originally on the roster, but Findlay Prep product Rashad Vaughn had to pull out with a lower-leg injury. He was one of a trio of players who couldn’t make the trip, clearing the way for more additions right before camp started.

Jeter was a late addition because, as the only player still on the roster born in 1997, he could have chosen to compete on the U17 level. Instead he moved up and now he’s one step away from making the team.

Incoming Findlay Prep senior Allonzo Trier, who recently announced his transfer from Montrose Christian in Maryland, is also a finalist.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.