USA - U17 world champs USA meets National Olympic Team

LAS VEGAS (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship/Olympics) – The United States team that won the gold medal at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship got the chance of a lifetime on their way home, visiting the USA's senior men’s team at their preparations for the 2012 Olympics in Las Vegas.

After going on another undefeated run in Kaunas, Lithuania to successfully defended their title from the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship, Don Showalter's team got to watch their NBA idols go at in practice in the build-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

“It’s just unbelievable being around the best players in the NBA. It’s an unbelievable experience and we’re very blessed. It’s a great opportunity to see their lives here, how crazy it is but how fun it is at the same time,” said U17 playmaker Tyus Jones.

“It’s great being up here with the pros and Olympians going to London 2012. They’re great guys,” added shooting guard Stanley Johnson.

Jabari Parker, one of the top high school players in the U.S, said: “I’m just a fan of basketball. I’m just a big fan of every one of these guys individually.”

Many of the U17 players took pictures with the NBA stars and posted them on Twitter and other social media.

Both teams came together afterward to listen to US Army Captain Scott Smiley talk about selfless service. Smiley became blind in both eyes during a striker attack in 2005 and is the Army’s first blind, active duty company commander.

The USA Olympic team will face off against Lithuania, France, Nigeria, Tunisia and Argentina in Group A of the 2012 Games in London.

The Americans will be looking to successfully defend their 2008 gold medal.

FIBA