Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

United States reaches final

USA Basketball’s Under 18 national team downed Canada, 82-66, on Thursday in the semifinals of the FIBA Americas U-18 championships in Formosa, Argentina.

KU freshman guard Travis Releford scored five points off 2-of-7 shooting with two steals and two assists.

The U.S. (4-0) will meet 4-0 Argentina tonight for the gold medal.

“For sure,” Releford said, asked if the U.S. was ready for the title contest.

“Every game we’ve come out focused and that’s what we try to do. I can’t wait. We’re ready.”

Releford has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing for his country this summer.

“Off the court we’re always having fun, laughing and joking all day long,” he said.

Simien hobbled

Former KU power forward Wayne Simien suffered a hamstring injury at Atlanta Hawks training camp on Wednesday. The free agent will miss next week’s Rocky Mountain Review, according to nba.com. Simien will host a camp for youths on July 29-31 at Free State High. Information is available at iamctg.org.

No ESPY for KU

Kansas University’s basketball team, which was nominated for a pair of ESPY’s (Best Team and Best Game), did not win either category at the TV network’s annual awards ceremony on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The Boston Celtics were tapped best team and the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory over New England deemed best game. The ceremony will be shown at 8 p.m. Sunday, on ESPN. KU coach Bill Self and guard Mario Chalmers attended.

Miles scores 14

Former KU point guard Aaron Miles scored 14 points off 5-of-8 shooting with three assists and two turnovers in Dallas’ 79-74 victory over Detroit on Thursday in Las Vegas summer-league action.