Preview: Nike World Basketball Festival

Sports U., Global Challenge highlight schedule

Just as it did in New York City two summers ago, the World Basketball Festival will touch down in Washington, D.C. this week, with several of NIKE's prime events are on tab.

Beginning Wednesday night, the inaugural Skills U. will occur. The event fields 80 of the nation’s finest recruits, including Jaylen Brantley, Isaiah Briscoe, Davon Reed, Rene Castro and Jamel Artis. 

Skills workouts each morning will be led by Fran Fraschilla and Dino Guadio of ESPN as well as Lake Clifton High School's (MD) Herman Harried.

The Nike Global Challenge tips-off on Thursday. The USA will field teams from the east, west and midwest regions of the nation. Other countries in the event include Canada, Brazil, Puerto Rico, China and Lithuania. 

While Beejay Anya, Wayne Selden and James Young lead the way for the United States, one of the nation's prized recruits, Andrew Wiggins, will be competing for Canada.

In addition, the USA Men's National team will be training in DC following their stint in Las Vegas. With the London Olympics only weeks away, the team will prepare with an exhibition game against Brazil on Monday night at the Verizon Center.