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Mikel Brown Jr. USA Basketball U19

Mikel Brown Jr., Image Courtesy of USA Basketball

Grind Session Stars Shine at FIBA U19 World Cup as USA and Canada Go Undefeated

The stars of the Grind Session are taking center stage on the global basketball stage this week, as the FIBA U19 World Cup unfolds in Switzerland. With standout performances from Team USA, Team Canada, and now Cameroon, it’s clear that the Grind Session has become an international pipeline of elite talent.

Team USA: Five Grind Session Alums Fuel Dominance

Team USA is off to a 2–0 start in group play, powered by five elite Grind Session alumni:

In the opener, the U.S. handled Australia with an 88–73 victory, led by a complete performance from AJ Dybantsa, who posted 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block — showcasing his all-around game and elite potential.

In Game 2, it was Mikel Brown Jr. who took over, pouring in 25 points in a 108–77 win over France. The Louisville commit earned Game MVP honors and continued to build hype around his arrival in the ACC.

Next up for Team USA: a Tuesday showdown with Cameroon.

FIBA u19 basketball world cup game schedule

Franck Belibi Jr. – Cameroon’s Rising Star from Colorado Prep

Grind Session product Franck Belibi Jr. is putting Cameroon on the map in their historic first appearance at the U19 World Cup.

  • School: Colorado Prep (Aurora, CO)
  • Club: Team Griffin
  • Class of 2026 | 6’4” Shooting Guard
  • DOB: November 1, 2008

Belibi, one of the youngest players in the tournament, is averaging 22.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 53.6% from the field through the group stage.

Standout Performances:

  • vs. Australia (Double OT Thriller):
    29 points | 5-9 from 3PT | 3 rebounds | 58.8% FG in 42 minutes
  • vs. France:
    15 points | 45.5% FG | 4-for-4 FT in just 22 minutes

Belibi has quickly emerged as Cameroon’s go-to scorer. A 4-star recruit, he was named to the EIBC League 2nd Team and continues to rise up recruiting boards with his explosive athleticism and fearless play.

Team Canada: Beckford & Charles Lead Undefeated Effort

Canada’s U19 squad also sits at 2–0, backed by another standout from the Grind Session:

In their opening win over China (80–72), Beckford chipped in 8 points with steady play and hustle. Against Slovenia, Charles exploded for 27 points, flashing his scoring ability and leadership in an 82–63 blowout.

Canada will face Germany on Tuesday to close out group play.

July 6: North American Collision Course?

As both the USA and Canada remain undefeated, momentum is building toward a potential championship showdown on July 6 — one that could feature Grind Session alums all over the court.

Imagine a gold medal matchup headlined by Dybantsa, Brown, Mandaquit, Holt, and Stokes vs. Beckford and Charles. Add in Franck Belibi’s rising stardom for Cameroon, and the Grind Session’s global reach has never been more evident.

The Grind Session Legacy on the World Stage

This year’s FIBA U19 World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a spotlight on the Grind Session’s global impact. From gyms across North America to the world’s biggest international stage, Grind Session athletes are not just participating — they’re leading.

As the competition heats up, stay locked in for more highlights, breakout moments, and stories of Grind Session athletes chasing gold, glory, and greatness.

Stay tuned for updates through the July 6 championship game.

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FIBA World Cup
USA Basketball
Grind Session

The Grind Session

The Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 300 action-packed games will be played. The Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.

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