Taylen Kinney, a 6‑foot‑2 point guard from Newport, Kentucky, has earned a place on the United States’ under‑18 national men’s basketball team that will compete in the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico. The selection follows a rigorous evaluation process that began with a 32‑player camp at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
A Historic Path to the Tournament
Kinney arrives as one of the older prospects on the roster, having turned 18 on Jan. 19. He brings a blend of scoring and playmaking that helped him average 18.8 points and 6.1 assists during his senior season at Overtime Elite, where he was recognized as a McDonald’s All‑American. His ranking among the top point guards in the class of 2026 underscores the anticipation surrounding his international debut.
The squad will be guided by head coach Anthony Grant, with assistance from Nate Oats and Matt Langel. Grant, who previously coached at Dayton, brings a championship pedigree, while Oats and Langel add complementary expertise. The team’s depth was evident when forward Davion Adkins from Arlington, Texas, made the initial cut to 19 before being trimmed to the final 12.
Competing in Leon, Mexico, the United States will face a field that includes the top four nations whose performances will determine qualification for the under‑19 World Cup in Czechia next year. Historically, the U.S. has captured 11 of the 13 editions of this competition, a testament to its consistent dominance.
Beyond the men’s side, Cydnee Bryant, a Kansas women’s basketball and volleyball athlete, is vying for a spot on the women’s under‑18 team. Her participation would mark another milestone for KU talent on the international stage.