Grundy High School graduate Ethan McClanahan added another international chapter to his basketball career earlier this month, helping lead Team USA to a gold medal at the Euro Youth Basketball Cup along Spain’s northern coast.
McClanahan, representing PhD Hoops USA, competed in the U18 division of the tournament held June 19–21 in Blanes, near Barcelona. The event featured teams from 27 countries, with 12 teams in the U18 boys bracket alone.
The opportunity came together quickly. While attending orientation at Bluefield University on June 12, McClanahan received a call from PhD Hoops founder Richie Sheuler, who needed a last-minute addition to the roster.
Two days later, McClanahan and his mother Angie were on a flight to Spain.
“I want to thank God for allowing me to be in this position,” McClanahan said. “To win a second gold medal was surreal… to put on a USA jersey again with a different group of guys from all over the country who had one common goal, which we achieved, was truly unforgettable.”
After several days of practices and cultural tours in Barcelona, Team USA opened tournament play with a dominant 92-53 win over Sweden’s Sollentuna White team. The Americans continued their strong run with victories over Ireland’s Bantry BC (94-30) and Great Britain’s Surrey Rams (75-55).
In the championship game, Team USA defeated Sweden’s Sollentuna Blue team 76-54 to secure the gold medal.
McClanahan contributed across the board during the tournament, finishing with 28 points, six steals, six assists, two blocks, and 11 total rebounds. Team USA’s defensive effort proved decisive, particularly in key wins over Great Britain and Sweden.
“The gold medal game was the best one out of all of them,” McClanahan said. “The gym was packed and louder than any high school game I’ve been a part of.”
This marked McClanahan’s second international gold medal with PhD Hoops, having previously competed in Barbados. Despite the unfamiliar roster, he said the team quickly developed strong chemistry.
“These guys were all super athletic, and we all went to Spain with one common goal and weren’t leaving without it,” he said.
Off the court, McClanahan said the experience of traveling abroad — including touring Barcelona and learning about its culture — made the trip even more meaningful.
He also expressed appreciation for the support from home.
“I truly cannot thank them enough,” McClanahan said, noting messages from friends, recognition on social media, and family members who woke up early to follow games despite the time difference. “It makes me proud to represent Buchanan County.”
Team USA brought five teams to the Euro Youth Basketball Cup — three boys and two girls squads — and returned home with four gold medals and one silver.
For McClanahan, the whirlwind trip was both unexpected and unforgettable.
“It felt so good to be able to do it again,” he said, “knowing that I was able to represent not only my country but Buchanan County as well.”
McClanahan had an impressive high school career at Grundy High, surpassing 1,000 career points and earning the title of Black Diamond District Player of the Year as a senior. He will continue both his academic and basketball pursuits at Bluefield University this fall.
