Chasson Randle wanted his gold medal so bad that he wasn't about to take it off.

Randle, who was scoreless in 6 minutes in the Unites States' 101-87 win over host Argentina in the finals of the U16 FIBA Americas U16 Championship on Sunday, was still wearing the medal at dinner after the game.

"Man, it feels great," the Rock Island junior-to-be said. "I don't think it's hit me yet. I'll probably start feeling emotional tonight."

By advancing to the championship game, the Americans clinched a spot in the 2010 U17 FIBA World Championships in Germany.

"It was a great experience," Randle said. "I enjoyed everything about it. I'm looking forward to next year in Germany."

The Americans won five games in five days to win the gold medal.

The guard will return home Tuesday from Mendoza, Argentina, where he said he got little opportunity for sight-seeing.

"We walked around the city a little bit, but other than that it's all business," Randle said.

It also gave Randle the opportunity to step back from daily phone calls from college coaches looking for his verbal commitment.

"It was good to get away and be a 16-year-old and do things you like to do," Randle said.

"I just focused on basketball."