EJ Dampier, a 6‑foot‑10 forward from Madison‑Ridgeland Academy, has been selected for the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U17 National Team, a 12‑player roster that will represent the United States at the FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey.
The announcement follows a rigorous training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Dampier competed against 36 of the nation’s top prospects. His inclusion marks the latest chapter in a rapid ascent that began last summer when he earned a spot on the Team USA U16 squad.
A Family Legacy
Dampier comes from a basketball‑rich lineage. His father, Erick Dampier, enjoyed a 16‑year NBA career after starring at Mississippi State and was part of the 1996 Final Four team. His mother, Yolanda Dampier, also excelled at Callaway High School before receiving a scholarship to Jackson State.
The Dampier household includes two sisters — Alyssa, who recently signed a volleyball scholarship with Southern Miss, and Ayanna, who will be an eighth‑grader at MRA — and a brother, Derick, who is entering fifth grade. Their cousin, Sam Funches, a former Germantown star, played at Gonzaga before turning professional.
Beyond genetics, Dampier’s on‑court résumé is equally impressive. Last season he averaged 15.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals, helping MRA to a 37‑2 record and the Overall title. The team was ranked No. 2 in Mississippi and No. 100 nationally by MaxPreps, and Dampier himself was named the third‑best player in the Class of 2028 by ESPN.
College recruiters have taken notice, extending offers from Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Jackson State, Alabama, Kentucky, Florida State, Purdue, USC and San Diego State. Such a list reflects both his potential and the confidence coaches have in his ability to contribute at the next level.
Aiming for Gold
The USA Basketball U17 team has captured gold at every FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup since 2010, a streak that adds pressure and prestige to each tournament. As the squad prepares for Istanbul, Dampier joins a tradition of excellence, hoping to extend the championship run.
With a blend of size, skill and basketball IQ, EJ Dampier is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage. His journey from a Mississippi private school to the world’s under‑17 elite illustrates the growing talent pipeline nurtured by grassroots programs and high‑level competition.