Another Canadian talent that you have to admire for his ambition is former Henry Carr Crusader phenom 2015 6’6″ Dillon Brooks.
Instead of staying home in the Toronto, ON area, the CIA Bounce athlete decided to take his talents to Findlay Prep.
Adding to a long list of Peel Region talent and former CIA Bounce athletes to have worn the Findlay shirt in the past (Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Naz Long, Madray etc).
He now rubs shoulders with the best high school talent in America. Traveling, tossing it up on one of the most difficult high school circuits in North America. Full well knowing nothing was guaranteed and nobody owed him anything Brooks still admirably accepted the challenge to attend high school in Las Vegas.
After joining an entire new team (9 new players at Findlay), a new head coach (Jerome Williams hired in Summer of 2013) Hoops Hype Canada caught up with the Mississauga, Ontario native and talked about his Findlay Prep experience.
“All I got to do is stay focused through out and kill. The team is great they accepted me as one of there brothers. Had a lot of bumps but we are good” Brooks explained through email.
Brooks spent his Canadian high school career with Canadian powerhouse Father Henry Carr. He touched on his improvements since departing Canada in August. Crusader coach Paul Melnyk told HHC last summer his “jump out of your seat” athletcism would be missed. Brooks arrived on campus in Nevada fresh off a 38-2 campaign last year with FHC.
“I’m more confident with the ball in my hand dribbling and more determined but overall I feel I’ve gotten better.” Said Brooks about his personal improvements this season.
Findlay Prep play on national television across America as they participate in the marquee 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic on Martin Luther King Monday.
Later in the year Findlay prep will travel to Toronto the weekend of March 2nd for a match versus Bill Crothers. The showcase game is scheduled to take place on the Toronto Raptors home floor and 2 hours prior to the Golden State Warriors & Toronto Raptors scheduled NBA game. The home coming and opportunity to play in front of family and friends is something Brooks is looking forward to.
“It’s going to be great playing there. I have never played there and it will be fun & good to be back in my city. Canadian love.” the 17 year old prospect wrote.
Brooks photographed at Findlay Prep practice earlier this fall.
At Findlay Brooks is under the tutelage of former Raptor and NBA professional Jerome Williams. Coach JYD the first year head coach of the Pilots also shared his thoughts on Brooks since his arrival in Vegas,
“Dillon “Bounce” Brooks has truly matured as a player this year. His defense at the beginning of the year wasn’t where it needed to be for the next level of competition and he has made a conscious effort to put the work in to improve that facet of his game.” Williams said of Dillon’s defence.
“Offensively, [Dillon Brooks] Bounce can score the basketball. He will only become more polished with time and attention to detail. He has been a joy to coach & mentor.” Coach Williams concluded.
Great news from Findlay on one our own. Energy, intensity, offense, defense, and ton of emotion…that’s the winner that Dillon Brooks is and Findlay Prep received.