MORE USA BBALL: Projecting the team
COLORADO SPRINGS – After USA Basketball cut the number of players competing for a spot on the U16 National Team to just 16 over the weekend, five-star big man Vernon Carey is still standing. There are no guarantees that the physical and skilled big man makes the team, but he appears to be in good shape.
"Since I came out here for the training camp in October I know the standards that they put in for us," Carey told Rivals.com. "What we need to know, what we need to do to make the team, I've learned all of that. Now I have to apply it."
Recently, Carey has added offers from Oklahoma State and UCLA and they join Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Miami and Louisville in making early offers. This spring, he's played in the 17U Division of Nike's EYBL with Nike Team Florida and he feels it has helped him get better.
"(Playing up) has really helped my game a lot," said Carey. "It's helped me play against stronger opponents and it's made me more mentally tough. I've gotten better at sealing my man down low and using my body."
Given that Carey's father, Vernon Carey Sr., played his college ball at Miami before playing for the Dolphins, there has always been a feeling that the Hurricanes will be tough to beat. Carey says he's under no pressure to stay home but the relationship is there.
"I have no internal pressure at home to go to Miami," Carey said. "I have a great relationship with the staff. I like everybody there like coach (Jim) Larrañaga and coach (Chris) Caputo."
Asked if any other programs have built a strong early relationship, Carey answered with another ACC program.
"Probably Louisville," he said. "They get their bigs involved and they play through them. I like the places that get their bigs involved."
Finally, Carey is focused on making the final cut at USA Basketball this week and doesn't seem to be in any hurry with his recruitment.
"It will probably be the beginning of my senior year when I commit," he said. "I'll look at the place that has the most interest in me and also the best interests of my family. Hopefully somewhere that can also prepare me for the next level."
