Grind Session alum and former Prolific Prep standout Derrion Reid recently helped the United States win its seventh consecutive FIBA U18 AmeriCup gold medal and 11th title in the history of the event.
Team USA dominated the competition, winning six games in seven days by an average margin of 43 points, including a bruising 150-54 win over Belize in group stage. The Americans routed host country Argentina 110-70 on Sunday in the championship game.
Reid came off the bench in all six games, finishing the tournament averaging 10.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in 16.7 minutes per game.
“Congratulations to Derrion and the entire team,” said Grind Session CEO Scott Waldrop. “AmeriCup is the most important regional tournament in the America’s continent and shows the next generation of FIBA rising stars. We couldn’t be prouder of them, and they should all be very proud of themselves.”
A consensus five-star prospect – ranked nationally by ESPN (No. 11), 247 Sports (No. 16) and Rivals (No. 15) – Reid played his senior year at Prolific Prep, where he was a big part of the team’s historic season that saw them win their second consecutive Grind Session championship and become the first to ever finish the season without a loss. Prolific Prep were 20-0 in Grind Session play this season.
At the conclusion of his senior campaign, Reid was named to the All-Grind Session team, as well as selected to participate in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American game.
After considering offers from Georgia and Florida State, Reid committed to play college basketball at Alabama. He signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Crimson Tide in January.
Reid was one of seven Grind Session players who represented their respective national teams at this year’s U18 AmeriCup. The others included:
CANADA
• Marial Akuentok (Ft. Erie International)
• Justus Haseley (Royal Crown School)
• Ramogi Nyagudi (St. John’s DME)
• Jaion Pitt (Dream City Christian)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
• Fernando De Los Santos (Balboa School)
PUERTO RICO
• Alejandro Aviles (Dream City Christian)
“Each of our boys who took part in AmeriCup are tremendously talented,” added Waldrop. “It was fun watching them compete over the past week and proudly representing their countries and the Grind Session.”
Canada finished 3rd after defeating Dominican Republic (89-67) to win bronze.
The United States, Argentina, Canada and Dominican Republic will now go on to represent the Americas at the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
Final standings:
1. United States
2. Argentina
3. Canada
4. Dominican Republic
5. Brazil
6. Venezuela
7. Puerto Rico
8. Belize
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