Washington, D.C. — USA Basketball has announced that Ravenscroft rising-senior Ryan Kelly will be on the U18 USA National Team when they travel to Argentina at the end of the week.

Kelly, who was named one of 14 finalists last week, was selected to the 12-member roster Tuesday morning. Another North Carolina prep star, and a Duke commit, Mason Plumlee was selected to the team.

The now five-star prospect according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com put up five-star numbers last season. Kelly almost averaged a double-double, pulling in 9 rebounds and scoring 24 points, but he also blocked four shots each time out. During his sophomore year at Ravenscroft, he averaged 9 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 14 points.

Kelly's list of offers is impressive.

According to Scout.com, Kelly has offers from: Davidson, Georgetown, North Carolina, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

Last season, the 6-foot-9, 205-pound power forward was an N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association All-State selection, and he was also the TISAC Conference Player of the Year.

Scout.com ranks Kelly as the No. 13 player in the Class of 2009, and the No. 4 power forward.

"It has been an incredible honor to be here in Washington, D.C., to tryout for the USA U18 National Team,” said Kelly in a Ravenscroft press release. “I have been surrounded by such talented players, coaches and USA support staff who are all driven to get better, have fun and play to win. I look forward to representing my family, Ravenscroft School, the City of Raleigh, North Carolina and most importantly the USA while we are in Argentina next week. Thanks to all who have continued to support my development."

Ironically, Davidson coach Bob McKillop will be the head coach of the U18 men's team, and Georgetown coach John Thompson III will be one of the assistants. The other assistant coach will be Anthony Grant of Virginia Commonwealth.

The roster was decided on by the USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee. The committee is chaired by Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, but also includes others like Duke assistant coach Steve Wojciehowski, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, and Kansas' Bill Self.

On the USA Basketball web site, McKillop discussed how the team was developing some continuity. “The coaching staff is so pleased with the way the team is developing a sense of chemistry, a sense of team and we’re also pleased with their willingness to work hard and get better each day,” McKillop said.

"“I like the fact that we’re getting better. I like the fact that we’re committed to having fun and playing to win," McKillop added. "When you add those three objectives together, having fun, playing to win and getting better, good things are going to happen to you. Especially when you have good kids and we have terrific kids.”

The team will continue to train in Washington, D.C., until July 10. After training, they will depart for the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Argentina.

The team will open on July 14 in Argentina against Venezuela at 1:30 p.m. The game against Venezuela will mark the first game in preliminary play. On July 15, at 2:00 p.m., Team USA will take on the Bahamas, followed by Puerto Rico at 6:00 p.m., on July 16.

The other group in attendance include Argentina, Canada, Mexico and Uruguay.

Following preliminary play, the top two teams from both groups will advance to play in the elimination rounds. The gold medal game will be played on July 18.

The United States will be defending the gold medal at the FIBA America's tournament. The team posts an overall record of 29-1 in the tournament, an impressive mark.

The top four teams in the tournament will qualify for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship in New Zealand. The World Championship will begin July 2, 2009.

Players that have played on the USA U18 Team in the past include Carmelo Anthony, Jerryd Bayless, Grant Hill, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Michael Beasley, Kyle Singler, and Dee Brown.