Arizona State University’s basketball program has cause for celebration as one of its standout recruits, Jayden Quaintance, has been selected to join the USA Basketball U18 camp roster. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 230 pounds, this highly skilled centre had initially committed to playing for Kentucky before ultimately opting to join head coach Bobby Hurley at Arizona State University. His official commitment to the university was made on April 29. Notably, Quaintance had originally intended to graduate in 2025, but he made the decision to reclassify to 2024 in order to commence his college basketball career a year ahead of schedule.
As a five-star recruit and the No. 2 centre prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Quaintance’s exceptional talent and skill were further showcased by his representation of USA Basketball in FIBA’s U16 USA basketball tournament last summer. His inclusion in the prestigious USA Basketball U18 camp roster reflects the high regard in which he is held within the basketball community.
In addition to Jayden Quaintance, the Arizona connections to the U18 national team extend to the coaching staff, with University of Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd serving as the head coach. Lloyd, who has enjoyed a successful tenure as head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, boasts an impressive combined record of 88-20 over three years and has led the Wildcats to three consecutive Pac-12 Tournament championships. His coaching prowess was further demonstrated this past season as he guided the team to the Sweet 16.
Furthermore, the House twins from Desert Mountain High School, Kaden and Kalek House, are making a mark as they join the training camp alongside other promising prospects. Their decision to transfer to AZ Compass Prep, where they will join forces with fellow USA Basketball camper Jeremiah Fears, holds promise for an exciting future in basketball for the talented twins. Sons of former Arizona State guard Eddie House and brothers of New Mexico guard Jaelen House, the twins have garnered attention from GCU and Washington State.
The participation of these exceptional athletes in the USA Basketball U18 camp not only serves as a testament to their individual talent, but it also highlights the prominence of Arizona’s basketball program on the national stage. As these young athletes continue to refine their skills and demonstrate their potential, their presence in the U18 camp roster augurs well for the future of basketball in Arizona and beyond.