Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum call teaming up in college a ‘pretty strong possibility’

Every college basketball program in the country would love to have Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles. One lucky school might get them both.

After leading USA Basketball’s U19 team to gold at the FIBA World Championship, Giles and Tatum confirmed a package deal has been discussed. Tatum told SI’s Luke Winn there’s a “pretty strong possibility” he and Giles suit up for the same school during the 2016-17 college season.

Giles said the possibility of package deal is “most definitely what we talk about.” The pair share three schools in common on their final lists: Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina.

Giles and Tatum were two of four high school players in the class of 2016 to make the cut for the U19 championship in Greece. Giles and Tatum were among the youngest players on the team, but they were also among the most productive. Giles’ 98 points in seven games tied for the team lead, and he also finished second in the tournament in rebounding with 10.6 rebounds per game. Tatum scored 97 points and averaged 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Giles and Tatum -- along with fellow U19 member Josh Jackson -- are considered two of the three elite prospects in the class of 2016. Tatum, a 6’8 wing from St. Louis, is choosing between Duke, UNC, Kentucky and Saint Louis. Giles, a 6’10 big man from North Carolina, is considering eight schools.

Giles and Tatum left little doubt each has a bright long-term future in the sport during the U19 tournament. Tatum’s ferocious one-handed slam over a Greek defender in the semifinals might have been the best highlight of the tournament:

Giles was so impressive scouts are already talking about him as the front-runner for the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft. Here’s a dunk he slammed home off a feed from Tatum against Croatia in the gold medal game:

Tatum’s decision could reportedly come soon. Giles has yet to hint at a timetable for his commitment.