Mike Boynton Helps Lead Team USA, and Top Recruiting Target, to Gold Medal at FIBA U18 Americas Championship

Mike Boynton’s first venture as an assistant coach for Team USA ended on Sunday in spectacular fashion as he and his squad with Team USA dominated Brazil in the U18 Americas Championship title game to take home the gold medal. Team USA defeated Brazil 102-60, allowing them for the sixth consecutive time at the event to take home gold medal honors.

Colorado coach Tad Boyle served as head coach for a staff that included several stars, ranging from Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd and Boise State head coach Leon Rice. (Lloyd, Rob Lanier and Matt Langel all served as court coaches; only Boynton, Rice and Boyle were coaches on the bench.)

For OSU and for Boynton, it was a great opportunity not just to expand the coaching acumen but also to rub elbows with some of the top prospects in the world. One name in particular pops if you’re a Pokes fan, and that’s Brandon Garrison, an elite big man from Del City, Oklahoma, who made the final roster.

Garrison came off the bench for Team USA but was able to provide a real spark on both ends of the floor as they marched to the gold medal. He averaged 6.0 points per game according to FIBA data but shot 81% (!!) from the field, easily the most efficient scorer of the event. Being in close proximity to Boynton, who was coaching him, certainly can’t hurt OSU’s chances.

OSU is in the mix to land Garrison but in a battle with several big-brand programs including Kansas, OU, Arkansas, Texas, Texas A&M and others.