Americans win Gold medal in 2006 FIBA Americas Championship

[Da Coach]

Washington-bound Spencer Hawes led all scorers with 24 points, leading the United States under-18 men's team to a 104-82 triumph over Argentina in the gold medal game of the 2006 FIBA Americas under-18 Championship at Bill Greehy Arena, St. Mary's University (San Antonio).

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/070206aac.html

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/070206aaa.html

The team was made up of high school players. Here are articles about the tryouts and the team's roster--

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA061906.9D.FIBA-CutDay.f4c4c5.html

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/5642884

[tornado]

But this is what always happens.
The US gets no argument that we have the best talent among the kids. Any time a team of US 16-18 years olds plays in
worldwide competition we slaughter them.
Then if you look at the talent at the collegiate level, the US is still right up there although the difference isn't so impressive.
But by the time we send our top adult/pro talent, then the rest of the world has apparently "caught up".
Or have they?
Could is just be that our top talent just doesn't continue to get better because as soon as they get past a year or so of
college, they are made into instant multimillionaires, and don't really have the incentive to work that hard any more?