by Alex Schwartz

I saw yesterday in an article on ZagsBlog that the USA Development Team has been announced, and features 19 of the best class of 2011 and 2012 ballers in America. Included on the list are some major superstars such as Marquis Teague '11 of Pike (IN), Brad Beal '11 of Chamindae Prep (MO), Johnny O'Bryant '11 of Eastside (MS), Tony Parker '11 of Miller Grove (GA), Chasson Randle '11 of Rock Island (IL), Perry Ellis '12 of Wichita Heights (KS). Yesterday I caught up with a few of the players on the team via text message to discuss their selection to this prestigious squad. I got in touch with Andre Drummond '11 of Capital Prep (CT), Quinn Cook '11 of DeMatha (MD), James McAdoo '11 of Norfolk Christian (VA),  and Sterling Gibbs '11 of Seton Hall Prep (NJ).

The players on . . .

What it means to have been selected to the USA Development Team:

"I mean, I think this may be a great opportunity for me to get even better and have a good time in another country." -A. Drummond

"It's a great honor. I [have] always dreamed of playing for my country. This is just the first step." -Q. Cook

"It's mostly just an honor to represent the US, [while] knowing that there are so many [people] who can't say that. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially being so young." -J. McAdoo

"It meant a lot, not just from a basketball standpoint, but just to have the chance to support my country is a once in a lifetime thing." -S. Gibbs

Which other players—if any—they already have a relationship with:

"No, not really, but I know Sterling Gibbs . . . and [have] heard of James McAdoo." -A. Drummond

"I'm very cool with Sterling Gibbs, Kyle Anderson, LJ Rose, . . . and Justin Anderson." -Q. Cook

"Justin Anderson." -J. McAdoo

"I'm real cool with Kyle Anderson and . . . [also] Tony Wroten because we're both being recruited by Seton Hall." -S. Gibbs

Whether they are worried at all about playing time, considering all the talent on the team:

"Not really because I'm going to work my way to a starting position, and if I don't start or get any playing time I'm going to be even more determined to work hard to get in the next game." -A. Drummond

"No, not really. I'm used to playing against the best competition, so it should be fun. I just want to enjoy the experience." -Q. Cook

"Not really, I'm just taking whatever [time] is given to me, but it all depends on the coach, you know." -J. McAdoo

"No, I'm not worried at all because I'm just going to go out there and play my game and play how I usually play, and everything will fall into place." -S. Gibbs

How they think it will feel to put on the USA jersey for the first time:

"I think it will feel great knowing that I'm representing my country, myself, my family, and my school." -A. Drummond

"Great. It will be a very special feeling." -Q. Cook

"Like nothing else, which is why I'm just looking forward to this whole experience of just being selected." -J. McAdoo

"I think it will be one of the best feeling that I've felt in a long time, just to know that I'm playing for my country. Representing the USA is something special." -S. Gibbs

Gibbs & McAdoo Recruiting Updates

Sterling Gibbs listed Seton Hall, Villanova, Pitt, Indiana, Louisville, St. John's, UConn, Florida, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Rutgers. The speedy point guard added, "Indiana, Pitt, Seton Hall, and Rutgers have offered." Even though Sterling's older brother, Ashton Gibbs, plays at Pitt, the Panthers are not his favorite. "At this point, Villanova is in the lead," stated Gibbs. Why is that? "Because I like the way their guards play free, and [Head] Coach Jay Wright is a great coach, so it's a win- situation." Regarding when he will narrow his list, the sophomore standout told me, "I hope to cut down my list soon, but I'm also open to everyone, and I hope for more schools to come into the mix." So Gibbs is not near committing, right? "Yeah, I'm going to take my time and work my way through the process."

James McAdoo's list was Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest,  Florida, UCLA, Texas, Georgetown, Syracuse, Kentucky, Ohio State, and UConn. McAdoo actually said "all of the ACC except Florida State," so I wrote the other 11 schools out alphabetically. "I'm looking to narrow it down soon," stated the athletic power forward, who told me "all but UNC and Duke [have offered]." James hopes to cut down the list "probably before Peach Jam," adding it will be sliced to "seven to 10" schools. Are there any schools that will definitely be included? "UNC and Florida." Does that mean the Tar Heels and Gators are McAdoo's leaders? "No, they have just been there the longest. It's too early to really say I have a leader."

Notes- photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/; information on the USA development—such as players included—is from ZagsBlog