USA Players Impressing in McDonald's Practices

The 2009 McDonald's High School All-American Game is coming up fast and the teams are broken down by Rivals.com's Jerry Meyer here and here. Who should you look for in the game? Avery Bradley, DeMarcus Cousins, Abdul Gaddy, Xavier Henry, John Henson, Mason Plumlee, Renardo Sidney are all getting to know each other a little better before suiting up for the USA in the Nike Hoop Summit on April 11. Additionally, Ryan Kelly, Plumlee, Maalik Wayns, David Wear and Travis Wear all competed together on the 2008 USA U18 National Team that brought home the silver medal and qualified the U.S. for this summer's FIBA U19 World Championship.

University of Texas-bound Bradley won the 2009 McDonald's slam dunk contest, defeating Derrick Favors and Plumlee in the process; while Kelly took the 3-point contest with 20 points over Tommy Mason-Griffin's 18 points.

This will mark the last time, for a few years at least, that Kelly and Plumlee will be on opposing teams. Both are headed to Duke to play for 2008 Olympic head coach Mike Krzyzewski ...

Getting To Know The 2009 Nike Hoop Summit Team: Renardo Sidney

At 6-10, 260 Renardo Sidney is one of the biggest bodies on the 2009 USA roster, but don't expect slow play out of the big man. His high school coach is quick to clarify that "He's not one of those clumsy big men," and after just a few YouTube clips, it's obvious he is right. Before Sidney arrives in Portland, Ore., along with his 2009 USA Nike Hoop Summit teammates, USABasketball.com talked with Sidney about his focus, his family and his future.

Renardo Sidney Joins 2009 USA Nike Hoop Summit Team

USA Basketball today announced that 6-10, 270-pound prep standout Renardo Sidney will join the 2009 USA Basketball Men's Junior National Select Team roster following the withdrawal of Derrick Favors. Sidney and the 2009 USA squad will take on the World Select Team in the 12th Annual Nike Hoop Summit at 7 p.m. (PDT) on April 11, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.