FAIRPORT, N.Y. — Scott Fitch has served on the Team USA board for years. When it came time to appoint an assistant coach for the nation's U17 team, Fitch found himself on a short list for the job.

"To be in a position to represent your country, it doesn't come around much. So when they called I couldn't say no," said Fitch.

Even though that 'yes' meant time away from his wife and children during this summer's International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup.

"They actually came down for the last seven days of the competition so they got to see our medal run, which was really cool to share that with them," said Fitch.

The team's selection process began back in June at training camp in Colorado, where 30 of the nation's best tried out for 12 roster spots.

One player who made the final roster happened to be former McQuaid star Isaiah Stewart. The two Rochester natives formed a close relationship during the tournament.

"His personality is magnetic, he's a leader," Fitch said of Stewart. "When we stepped into practice you could hear his voice. He impacted practice every day. Those are some of those intangibles that are hard to compare."

Fitch says he plans to keep in touch with the team as most of them make their college commitments. But he isn't giving away any clues as to Stewart's decision.

"I will say this, I think he's being extremely thoughtful through the process," Fitch said. "It's not someone that's just looking at one thing and that's it, it's not that he wants to just go to the biggest school. He is extremely thoughtful, he appreciates strong relationships and I think he's looking for that at his next step."

Now that the globe trotting has wrapped up for Fitch, he plans to keep his focus a little closer to home working with his Fairport team and other Section V standouts during his summer camps.