The lasting image of Kevin Huerter’s experience at the FIBA Americas under-18 championship in Chile earlier this month came after it was all over, with Huerter and his U.S. teammates smiling uncontrollably with gold medals around their necks. Everything to that point had been a grind for Huerter, who had clawed his way to one of the team’s 12 roster spots during tryouts in Colorado a few weeks before, which was followed by intensive practices in Houston in preparation for the games.
It was perhaps the first time in Huerter’s young career that he had to prove himself just to make a team, but he emerged from the tryout crucible showing why Maryland has high hopes for him during his upcoming freshman season.