June 1, 1999
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern freshman forward Steve Lepore (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Edward) has been named one of 16 finalists for the 1999 USA Basketball Men's Junior World Championship Team following last weekend's team trials in Colorado Springs.
The 16 finalists head to training camp July 2-11 in Tempe, Ariz. Twelve of the 16 will earn a spot on the team and compete at the 1999 FIBA Men's Junior World Championships in Portugal on July 15-25.
"This is one of my greatest basketball accomplishments," said Lepore. "Last year, playing on USA Basketball's Junior World Championship team was one of the greatest things I've ever experienced. To get the chance to come back this year and do it again is a dream come true."
As a freshman last season, Lepore averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in helping the Wildcats earn an NIT berth. Last summer, he started all six games at the FIBA Junior World Championships, averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game in leading the U.S. to a perfect 6-0 mark and the gold medal.