UConn head coach Kevin Ollie helped lead USA Basketball’s under-18 team to a gold medal in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship July 19-23 in Valdivia, Chile. Ollie was assistant coach for the team, which was led by Shaka Smart, head coach at the University of Texas. Mark Turgeon, the University of Maryland head coach, was also an assistant coach.
The U.S. team beat Canada for the championship, 99-84, after rallying from a two-point lead (84-82) with just 3:57 remaining in the game. The 2016 gold medal is the fourth in a row for the USA Basketball under-18 team. The bronze medal was won by Brazil, after defeating Puerto Rico. The four finishing teams earn a qualifying berth in the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of USA Basketball,” Ollie said. “Any time you are asked to represent your country, especially in a worldwide competition, it comes with a tremendous sense of pride and responsibility.”
In 2015-16, Ollie led the Huskies to a 25-11 record, the American Athletic Conference Tournament title, and the NCAA Tournament second round. In four seasons overall as the Huskies head coach, he owns a 97-44 record (.688 winning percentage), including winning the 2014 NCAA National Championship.
