Sixteen-year-old Olivia Jones from Bay Shore has a hoop-filled summer ahead. First up, a prestigious assignment with USA Basketball as part of the USA Women’s U16 National Team in Irapuato, Mexico this week playing in the 2025 FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup. “I’m really excited; it’s been something I’ve obviously wanted to do,” she said.
Earning a spot on the team was a journey for Jones who deftly navigated the task this spring. First, she attended the USA Basketball junior national team minicamp held in Tampa during the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Her performance there earned her an invitation to tryouts for the team and finally a spot on the roster.
“It’s definitely been a process,” Jones said. “It doesn’t stop at the minicamp, it doesn’t stop at the trials, it doesn’t stop here. I would say that I’m working out really hard and making sure my IQ is up because USA Basketball is all about really putting your mind into the game. I’ve been training on that front too.”
The tryouts and the training camp before leaving for Mexico took place in Colorado Springs, so Jones had to be in top form to deal with altitude, which meant extra cardio work. Preparation also involved getting used to FIBA lines and shooting deeper three-pointers. There is also mental preparation.
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“They care about your skills, but they also care about how you move with the team,” said Jones. “So, I did a lot of different training to make sure my game adjusts to the team game.” Bonding with new teammates happens both on the court and off the court. Jones and her teammates are taking time getting to know each other. They’re also honing their communication skills in game situations.
Once home from Mexico, Jones’ busy schedule continues with summer basketball. For her, that is playing with Exodus NYC, which is part of EYBL (Nike Elite Youth Basketball League). Her senior year at Long Island Lutheran High School is also on the horizon, and Jones will start focusing on where to go to college. Being with other high level players helps prepare her. For now, the international game is on.
“The coaches hold us to a high standard, but as players of a high level, we also hold ourselves to a high standard,” she said. “We want to make sure that every time we step on the floor, we’re…getting what we need to get done, done.”
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