Eighteen athletes have earned invitations to a week‑long training camp in Colorado Springs, where they will compete for a spot on the 12‑member roster that will represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Istanbul.
Since 2010 the American squad has captured gold at every edition of the tournament, a streak that adds extra pressure and pride to the upcoming competition.
Among the finalists is EJ Dampier, a 6‑foot‑7 forward from Madison‑Ridgeland Academy who averaged 15.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals last season, shooting a scorching 69.6 percent from the field.
A Family Legacy Fuels Ambition
Dampier’s father, Erick Dampier, spent 16 seasons in the NBA before returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, while his mother Yolanda starred at Jackson State. The Dampier household blends basketball grit with academic ambition.
His sisters Alyssa and Ayanna are already committed to Southern Miss, where Alyssa will play both volleyball and basketball, and Ayanna will follow in her brother’s footsteps in eighth grade. A younger brother, Derick, is gearing up for fifth‑grade competition at the same school.
The family’s athletic pedigree extends to a first cousin, Sam Funches, who once wore a Gonzaga jersey and earned All‑Metro Jackson honors, providing an additional benchmark of excellence.
Recruitment circles have taken notice, with power‑house programs such as Alabama, Kentucky, Florida State, Purdue, Southern California, San Diego State, Mississippi State, Southern Miss and the University of Alabama all extending scholarship offers.
Ranked third nationally in the Class of 2028 by ESPN, Dampier’s combination of size, shooting efficiency and defensive presence makes him a coveted prospect as the USA Basketball pipeline continues to churn out future stars.