For those of you who cannot wait to see the next generation of college basketball players, you are in luck. USA Basketball announced the finalists for its U-17 national team roster last weekend, which includes many high school stars with famous relatives like Beckham Black (brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony), NaVorro Bowman Jr. (son of former NFL All-Pro LB NaVorro), and Erick Dampier Jr. (son of 1996 NBA lottery pick Erick). 1 of the players who has been rocketing up the rankings this year is Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, whose father Ruben was 2001 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year at Georgetown and remains 1 of the best shot-blockers in Hoya history. Joaquim is hoping to head to Istanbul next week and try to win a gold medal, but earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with him about choosing Duke for college and his decision to reclassify from the Class of 2027.
You grew up in Florida and played AAU basketball there: why did you decide to move to Spain to join the FC Barcelona Youth Academy in 2023? I was born in Germany while my dad was playing abroad, but we later moved to Florida. My dad eventually got a job in Africa, which gave me a chance to play basketball outside the US, and Barcelona was a really good fit for me.
Last November you scored 29 PTS/8-11 3PM in a win over Real Madrid: how big is the rivalry for those who have never seen it in person? It is really big. Nobody on either team likes each other so it is a really intense rivalry.
Last March you helped lead Barcelona to a win in the EuroLeague NextGen tourney and were named tourney MVP: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It meant a lot. Very few players get to accomplish that so it was a great honor.
You were originally part of the Class of 2027 for high school players: why did you decide to reclassify to the Class of 2026? I was originally planning to go to high school before moving to Spain, and I felt that the best option for me next year was to play college basketball rather than high school basketball. I think it will benefit me more in the long run.
Last April you verbally committed to Duke: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The development program that Coach Jon Scheyer has. I really liked everything he said and he laid out a good plan for me to get better.
You are part of an incredible recruiting class including Bryson Howard/Maxime Meyer/Deron Rippey Jr./Cameron Williams: how well do you know any of your future teammates? I do not know any of them yet, but am excited to meet them later this year.
You are listed at 7”: what position do you play at Barcelona, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I am a PF and feel most comfortable at that position: I have more skills there than I do as a strict 5.
Your father Ruben played basketball at Georgetown and then spent a decade playing pro basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? Right now I would say me, but I do not know what he would say.
You turned 17 last month: how did you celebrate the big day? I hung out with some friends for the last time because I am moving back to the US and spent time with my family.
Earlier this week you were named a finalist for the U-17 National Team: what would it mean to you to represent your country as you try to win a gold medal in Istanbul? It would mean a lot. I will only have 1 chance at this so I will keep pushing for it because winning a gold medal is something I would remember for the rest of my life.
