James McAdoo Named 2009 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2009) -- After helping the USA capture the gold medal in the inaugural FIBA Americas U16 Championship and participating in two USA Developmental National Team training camps in 2009, Norfolk Christian High School (Va.) forward James McAdoo today was announced as the 2009 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. At 16 years old, McAdoo is the youngest recipient in the 30-year history of the award.

"At first it was an overwhelming experience," McAdoo said. "It really didn't hit home until I received the letter from USA Basketball that had the names of some of the past recipients, like Michael Jordan and the Dream Team. Just to see my name mentioned in the same sentence as them shows me the potential I have and what could come in the future. It was just an overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy.

"It is a very humbling experience to travel and see different cultures, to get away from home and do what I love to do most, which is play ball and kick it with some of my best friends," McAdoo continued. "The people you play with can definitely make you better, and playing in Argentina, I think that was probably the best ball I have ever played in my whole life. Getting to practice with pretty much the best 16-year-olds in the world with great coaches really helped us all hone our skills. The competition was top of the line every day."

McAdoo averaged team second-bests of 16.8 ppg. and 8.6 rpg. and a team-leading 2.0 bpg. to help the USA to a perfect, 5-0 record in the inaugural FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mendoza, Argentina. Perhaps most importantly, the finish qualified the USA for next summer's 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship.

"James was one of our team captains and a leader for us on and off the court as the U16 team dominated the competition in Argentina," said Don Showalter, 2009-10 USA Men's Developmental National Team head coach and the 2009 USA Basketball Developmental Coach of the Year. "James was a quiet leader who drew the respect of teammates and opposing players with his energy and hard work. He is one of those elite players that has the ability to make everyone around him a better player."

McAdoo will be submitted for the U.S. Olympic Committee's 2010 SportsMan of the Year Award, which is expected to be announced in January. The selection was made by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.

"James displayed not only tremendous skill during the USA's training and at the U16 Championship in Argentina, but also tremendous character," said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball Executive Director/CEO. "Without a doubt he was crucial to our success in the inaugural zone qualifier, and we look forward to his participation on future USA Basketball teams."