Okafor has been a force down low for the USA.
The USA U-17 National Team tuned up for the World Championship at the Gran Canaria International Invitational in Las Palmas, Canary Islands. The USA posted a couple victories behind the MVP performance of Jahlil Okafor.
In a 108-72 win over Latvia and an 89-64 win over Australia, Okafor averaged 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
"I was surprised," Okafor told usabasketball.com. "I didn't know they were going to do an MVP. I thought if it wasn't me, it would be Tyus (Jones), because he controls the team. He controls the tempo. I think he's the person who deserves it."
In the latest win over Australia, Jones scored eight points and added a game high five assists. Stanley Johnson scored 15 points and Dakari Johnson had a game high 10 rebounds. Stephen Domingo and Kendrick Nunn contributed 10 points each.
In the win over Latvia Jones had 10 assists to just two turnovers and also snagged five steals. Both were game highs. As for was the case in both games, Okafor was top scorer with 26 points and top rebounder with 15 boards. Dakari Johnson contributed 17 points while Domingo had 15 points. Justise Winslow put up a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. Stanley Johnson and Johnathan Williams both scored in double figures as well.
Jabari Parker and Joel Berry missed both games with injuries- a toe injury for Parker and concussion symptoms for Berry. Both are expected to play in the World Championships.
The USA will face Australia again in its first game of the World Championships June 29 in Lithuania.
- Jerry Meyer
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports