HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Reigning champions United States are providing a clear example at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship that a team's youngest players can also be their leaders.

The trio of Harry Giles (14.2 points), Jayson Tatum (14.0) and Josh Jackson (12.5) have been three of the USA's top four scorers - Jalen Brunson’s 14.0 points per game being the other.

But Giles, Tatum and Jackson are also three of their team's five youngest players.

The trio, however, is shooting for a second straight youth World Championship title after helping their country to the 2014 FIBA U17 Worlds crown. 

"We've learnt to follow the lead of Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles and Josh Jackson," United States head coach Sean Miller said.

Also on last summer's U17 team and the U19 squad in Greece are Caleb Swanigan and Terrance Ferguson.

They were leaders for their team so they are a leader here also. - Brunson

When asked what the personality of the team is, Miller said: "Very confident. And that may surprise you because of our youth. But it's youthfulness that in some way they don't know any better. That's a good thing."

Tatum said it's fair to call him and his U17 world champions teammates leaders: "It doesn't matter how old you are."

The quintet's experience together last summer in Dubai has played a big role in the Americans' success in Heraklion.

"It's huge because we have already built the chemistry. Playing before together helps us with other guys who haven't been here before, helping them to get through it," said Swanigan. 

That certainly sounds like a leader.

FIBA