Rising star Texas A&M freshman invited to Team USA training camp

Incoming Texas A&M freshman big man Josh Irving has been invited to the 2026 USA Men's U18 National Team Training Camp, selected alongside 34 other rising stars to compete for a chance to represent their country in the upcoming 2026 FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup held in Mexico from June 1-7.

Irving's stock has soared over the past calendar year. Irving was ranked 61st in the 2026 high school class by 247Sports, fueled by an AAU championship season in the Pro16 League and winning the Pacific League Co-Player of the Year. In his AAU run, Irving averaged 8.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks a night as a dangerous two-way big man.

While he may be a four-star ranked outside the top-50 by the major recruiting sites, he was one of just 18 members of the 2026 high school class invited by Team USA, perhaps indicating his meteoric rise may not be done yet.

The training camp will be the ultimate proving ground for Irving. He will face off against the best competition in America, including future NBA All-Stars and NCAA legends, but he will also be observed by the top scouts in the country.

If he can make the cut for the U18 team, Irving could solidify his path to the NBA draft over the next couple of seasons. He is an incredible athlete at 6'11 who possesses the vertical pop, lateral quickness, and motor to be an elite finisher and defender. His combination of rim protection and mobility makes him the perfect defensive big for head coach Bucky McMillan.

Irving only recently began shooting the three pointer, but his 76% FT% and 38% 3PT% over his AAU season certainly give reason to believe he can develop in this area. However, he attempted only 13 shots from beyond the arc; don't expect Irving to be bombing away from deep on day 1.

Irving has a relatively skinny frame for an SEC big man, which is understandable given he turns 18 next week, but this could be mitigated on next year's Texas A&M team. His mobility is an excellent fit for the signature aggressive defense, and forwards Mackenzie Mgbako and Jalen Shelley can provide physicality from the wing to help with rebounding and in post situations.