Kenneth Speedy Smith: Local Star to Shine at FIBA AmeriCup 2025!

Kenneth Speedy Smith: Local Star to Shine at FIBA AmeriCup 2025!

Exciting news coming out of the basketball courts! Kenneth “Speedy” Smith, the former Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball sensation, is set to take the stage with USA Basketball at the 2025 FIBA Men’s AmeriCup. This prestigious tournament runs from August 22-31, 2025, in Managua, Nicaragua, and promises thrilling matchups for fans and players alike.

Smith’s entry into the AmeriCup marks a significant milestone, not just for him but for the USA team, which consists of 12 impressive athletes, including notable names like Zach Auguste and Jerian Grant. Smith, who wore the blue and red for Louisiana Tech from 2011 to 2015, led his team to three consecutive conference regular season titles and made a splash in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). His accolades are abundant, featuring a CUSA Player of the Year title and a shining place as an AP All-America Honorable Mention in 2015. His impressive track record doesn’t stop there; Smith also made headlines with the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014 and boasts remarkable school records for total assists (858) and steals (258) as reported by Lincoln Parish Journal.

An Overview of the AmeriCup

The FIBA Men’s AmeriCup is a highly regarded competition that features national teams from across the Americas, and it’s quite the event to behold! The tournament has a long-standing history, kicking off its inaugural edition in 1980 and being hosted biennially since 1993. The format includes 12 teams divided into three groups, from which the top two teams along with the two best third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage. The USA has won gold seven times and took home a bronze medal in 2022, solidifying its reputation in this arena.

National federations are busy finalizing their rosters, so fans can anticipate some exciting matchups. According to FIBA, the preliminary rosters already hint at some fierce competition from various countries. For instance, teams like the Bahamas, Brazil, and Argentina boast impressive lineups, featuring players such as Facundo Campazzo and Brais Angola.

Training and First Matches

But back to Team USA! Smith will embark on his journey starting with a training camp in Miami from August 12-18, 2025. It’s a crucial time for Smith and his teammates to gel before heading into competitive play. The USA will grease the gears in their first game against the Bahamas on August 23 at 5:40 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Uruguay on August 24 and one with Brazil on August 26. Don’t miss a minute of the action, as all games will stream live on Courtside 1891—free for viewers in the United States!

With the competition heating up and anticipation high, all eyes will surely be on Speedy Smith as he takes his place on the vibrant basketball stage of the AmeriCup. It’s a chance to shine and carry the legacy of American basketball forward while facing off against equally determined international teams.

Basketball enthusiasts, gear up! The FIBA AmeriCup 2025 promises to be a memorable display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, with Speedy Smith becoming a pivotal player to watch as the tournament unfolds.