Cougar guard Klay Thompson and forward DeAngelo Casto, both sophomores, were selected to represent the United States on the U19 national team. Remarkably, Washington State was one of only two teams to have multiple players selected to the team, the other being Butler University. This is a true testament that Washington State basketball may have finally turned the corner as a nationally prominent program. Prior to the arrival of former Head Coach Dick Bennett just five years ago, an achievement like this would have been perceived as a only a dream. However, coming off three consecutive postseason trips including a Sweet Sixteen appearance, this fantasy has turned into reality.

Thompson and Casto are eager for the opportunity to represent their country. “It means everything to make the team,” Casto said. “It was kind of emotional for me, a little hard for me a little bit too. Having been through so much, I got to a spot where basketball has been my outlet. So it means the world to make the team and it’s an honor to be able to put that jersey on with USA on your chest.”

Thompson added, “It feels great to make the team, it’s an honor especially playing at a national level against high level competition. It was tough competition throughout the trials, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to represent my country.”

Casto and Thompson will become the second duo in the last three years to represent Washington State at a national level. Three years ago in 2007, Cougar stars Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low also represented the United States on the Pan American team. The team lost its first two games with Derrick Low on the bench. It was only after Derrick Low was inserted into the starting lineup for the final three games, the team went undefeated with Low averaging 14.3 points per game during those games. The American team finished the games with a 3-2 record, with wins against Argentina, US Virgin Islands and Panama, and Losses to Panama and Uruguay. They finished fifth place in the tournament.

This year’s team is looking to finish better than the 2007 Pan American team as they go up against fifteen other countries all represented by the best players under nineteen years of age. The tryouts for the US team were held at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Seventeen players were invited to participate in the tryouts, with only twelve players being awarded a selection. The American team will be led by Pittsburgh University head coach Jamie Dixon. The team will remain in Colorado Springs for team workouts until June 25th.

The competition, held every other year, will take place July 2nd through July 12th. The US team will commence its tournament run with an opening round game against Iran on July 2nd. The Dixon coached Americans will then faceoff against France on July 3rd and Egypt on July 4th, with second round matchups taking place in the subsequent days.

Thompson and Casto will not be the only Cougar representatives in this competition. Incoming 6’9 Aussie forward Brock Motum has been selected to represent the Australian team. With the departure of five seniors, including center Aron Baynes and star point guard Taylor Rochestie, the Cougars will be in dire need of increased contributions from the younger players. The U19 world championships will give Thompson, Casto, and Motum much needed experience against world-class competition.