According to a press release from Texassports.com, freshman point guard Javan Felix will participate in USA Basketball's U19 training camp this summer. The camp will be held from June 14-19, and 24 players will be in attendance. Of the 24 players, 12 will be chosen to represent Team USA in the FIBA U19 World Championship, held later this summer.
It's a bit of good news for a Texas Longhorns team that has recently seen hard times. Last season, Felix started the first 23 games at point guard, admirably filling in for the suspended Myck Kabongo. Felix finished the remainder of the season coming off the bench, backing up both guard spots. Felix ended the year averaging 6.8 PPG and 4.1 APG, and shooting 35.4% from the field.
Fellow Big 12 freshman Marcus Smart will also be in camp. Barring injury, Smart will take starting point guard duties going into the World Championship. Felix will be competing for a backup point guard spot. Also in camp are Ryan Arcidiacono (a freshman from Villanova), Kris Dunn (a freshman from Providence), Rodney Purvis (a freshman from Connecticut), James Robinson (a freshman from Pittsburgh), and Nigel Williams-Goss (a HS senior committed to Washington).
Team USA, led by Florida Gators Head Coach Billy Donovan, will be looking for one or two backup 1's. Two backups is an option, particularly if Donovan elects to go with a combo guard like Purvis who can man both guard positions. Purvis and Robinson have the leg up, as both participated (along with Smart) on Team USA's U-18 team last summer (which was coached by Donovan).
Even if Felix does not make the team, it will be a great experience to practice with some of the top players in his class at his position. Best of luck to him this June.