Month: October 2013

Ray Kasongo Sweepstakes: OREGON

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

After decomitting from the Oregon Ducks a morning after giving head coach Dana Altman a verbal, Friday night Montreal born, Toronto native Ray Kasongo re pledged his allegiance to the Ducks of Oregon.

A student athlete at Phase 1 AZ the highly touted Canadian said the real reason he decommitted from Oregon October 2nd, causing national recruiting shockwaves, was simple,

“First time I decommited it was just like a big rush. I was just unsure of a few things. I just needed more time for my family and my high school coach to you know really talk and settle things down.” Ray Kasongo told Hoops Hype Canada Friday evening from Phoenix, Arizona.

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“Once I did that it seemed like Oregon had the most to offer… my relationship with the coach is really great. I just really felt Oregon was the best fit for me and I’m happy to commit there.”

Many media members south of the border speculated a possibility the program from Eugene, Oregon “temporary” pulled their scholarship offer following a towel tossed in by the finalist UCONN Huskies. However Kasongo reiterated his relationship with the Ducks coaching staff is not a concern, especially with head coach Dana Altman.

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“He’s (Dana Altman) really happy to have me back. When I first decommited he was kind of disappointed a little but I explained to him I needed a bit more time, he understood and gave me all the time that I needed. Then yesterday when this was a sure thing I gave him a call and he was happy to hear me so were back on track. Our relationship has always been good but where ready to move forward now.”

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When asked what’s most exciting about Eugene and his future prospects the Canadian power forward mentioned a sophmore point guard,

“I’m looking forward to playing with Dominic Artis next year. From what I hear he should be back next year and I’m really looking forward to playing with him he’s a very good guard who has pro potential and it something special to play with a player like that” Artis a Findlay prep alumni averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 assists as freshman in 2012-13.

Last but not least Kasongo touched on the topic of education.

“Everything at PHASE 1 is going great. I’m getting along with the coaches just fine and the coaches are just here always having my back and always trying to help me and looking out for what’s best for me. It’s just a real blessing to be here with all these people that willing to help me just to see me succeed” Kasongo acknowledged.

Kasongo, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior, dropped 24 points, 15 rebounds and 7 blocks vs Americas #1 player in his class Jahlil Okafor and teammate #4 ranked Cliff Alexander. All this on AAU duty in Vegas this past August. Kasongo is the latest name of a long list of power forwards cooking in Canada. Tristan Thompson, Andrew Nicholson, Anthony Bennett, Kelly Olynyk, Trey Lyles and the tradition continues with Raynold Kasongo.

Marial Shayok Sweepstakes: Marquette

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

 

2014 Ottawa native Marial Shayok recently announced via his personal twitter account that next fall he plans on taking his talents to Milwaukee Wisconsin to embark on his collegiate career with the Marquette Golden Eagles. 

You name it Shayok has been there… done that!

NBA sponsored camps, check!

FIBA’s? FIBA U17 world championships, he helped lead Canada to a 5th place finish, averaging an impressive 12 points and 6 rebounds on a balanced Canadian team. Check!

AAU success? Shayok continued to improve his stock over that summer, and caught the attention of a couple big names school when he more than held his own against 2014 guard Rashad Vaughn playing with CIA Bounce at the Boo Williams Nike EYBL event. Check!

Has Super Marial rubbed shoulders with some of Americas stiffest HS competition? Check that off too. Shayok helped lead Blair HS to the finals of the New Jersey Prep A tournament, scoring 21 points in the team’s 64-45 semifinal win over Lawrenceville Academy.  Blair fell in the title game to St. Benedict’s Prep, which at the time featured Tyler Ennis (now a freshman at Syracuse) and Isaiah Briscoe (one of the top players in the 2015 class)

His high school head coach can even testify.

“Last year they (St.Benedicts) lost in a difficult HS nat’l championship at the buzzer and they were as good of a high school team at a talent standpoint last year as we’ve played against in my 15 years @ Blair.”  Blair Head coach Joe Montegna elaborated,

“Marial is one of the most versatile and efficient guards in American high school basketball today… After visiting UVA, Providence and Marquette, Marial had to make a very difficult decision between three very fine schools and basketball programs. I am not sure he could have made a bad decision. Our coaching staff and his teammates are very happy for him and ready to get on with the season without any recruiting distractions.” Said Montegna.

Despite several signature moments spread out across special stages in both grassroots and prep basketball, the buzz on Shayok seemed to have cooled off from last summer. Montegna calls the humble and hungry Canadian “underrated’.  As Shayok’s sweepstakes came down to the wire Montegna spoke about his prep stars lack of recognition reflected by media recruit rankings south of the border.

Charlie V & Loul Deng attended Blair Academy

“Not enough people really take into the consideration the mental makeup of a guy and how competitive he is and what he’s willing to do to win. This is one of the most  competitive, tough kids I’ve ever been around…I’ve had 3 NBA guys, 30+ division 1 scholarship guys and I mean the kids makeup is of a champion, I think that’s where he gets a little underrated” Montegna told HHC.

Shayok who averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists this past season at Blair held offers from Boston College, Seton Hall, Villanova, Kansas State, Georgia, Texas A&M and even interest from Illinois, Texas, UConn, Northwestern, Michigan and Duke, among others Mantegna said before narrowing his choices to Marquette, Providence and Virginia.

“He hasn’t really played the politics game, he didn’t do a whole lot with [CIA] Bounce this summer, he didn’t choose to play with Team Canada because he was little nicked up and he’s been a kid that instead of winning the twitter wars and instead of trying to go to every single event that will get him out there on the internet he’s been here working on his game and he was home in Ottawa this summer working on his game… he’s a kid that’s been putting the hours in and he’s not really trying to chase the rankings and all that.” explained his coach.

Marial Shayok of Blair Academy has committed to play for Marquette University.

Coach Montegna  wouldn’t be surprised if that by the time Shayok is a sophomore in college, if Marial’s not better then tons of colleagues that are ranked ahead of him at the moment.

“He’s a kid that is going to continue to get better, out compete and out work people in practice. That is gonna show dividends at Blair this year and continue to show dividends. People are recruiting him to be a part of their high major programs as a freshman and I think he will be”  Montegna mentioned.

Wasting no time flashing his development during a recent off season tourney, Coach Montegna said Shayok perhaps played some of his best basketball since arriving in Blairstown, NJ this summer,

“In July we won a 64 team national summer tournament and he was unbelievable the best I’ve ever seen him play.” 

MARQUETTE

Buzz Williams may be be one of the more under appreciated coaches in all of college basketball. In turn, The Marquette Golden Eagles are possibly the most always under-the-radar programs in the entire nation.  Like the student athlete Shayok, Williams and essentially everything related to Marquette hoops is unappreciated.

Only Duke spends more than Marquette each season on the sport. And that is because Coach K is the most successful coach in the history of the game, earns about $4.7 million a year.

But Marquette spends more per scholarship basketball athlete than any school in America. Per year, Marquette invests about $286,000 in each of its basketball players.

The Golden Eagles practice facility, the Al McGuire Center, is among the finest in the country. The team plays in an NBA facility and, as a member of the new Big East, is about to reap the benefits of a long-term Fox TV contract that will pay the conference $500 million.

Head coach Buzz Williams, at 40, is also one of the most interesting self made coaches in a profession in which he takes a backseat to only a select few.

Although he did not play college basketball and attended a junior college, Williams in five years has built Marquette into an elite program. It is one of only four schools – the others are Florida, Kansas and Ohio State – to have made the Sweet 16 in each of the past three seasons.

Marquette’s academic standards are high and the school cannot be moved away from Midwestern winters, but Williams, given some of the challenges, has managed to recruit and develop players as well as any coach in the country and that bodes well for one of our nation capital’s top basketball talents.

Former Marquette players under Buzz Williams like Wesley Matthews, Jerel McNeal, Lazar Hayward, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom have all had varying degrees of success in the NBA, but many of them defied their initial pro expectations to forge an identity on their NBA team.

Some teams preach their culture and have a different identity every single season, or quickly lose focus of their culture within a season and unravel. But after five consecutive NCAA Tournament bids and multiple former players defying initial NBA expectations, it’s no doubt that Buzz Williams culture for Marquette men’s basketball is working.

Marquettes culture will be a big reason and now responsible for Shayoks continued success at the college level. With Blair Academy’s Head Coach Joe Montegna‘s body of work in producing d1 players it’s not far fetched Shayok could be prepared to contribute immediately as a freshman. Something Shayok feels is feasible,

“Yes, especially  since my game is very versatile.. I can play multiple positions but definitely coming in I hope to play a lot of minutes as a freshman…im working on all aspects of my game to produce at the next level.” Marial mentioned during a media conference call the following morning.

Shayok explained his excitement to move forward,

“Feels great. Now I can focus on school and Blair.  Just get better every day, I’m really excited about my decision, I can’t wait” a ecstatic Shayok shared.

FREE THROWS

Couretsy of Blair Academy, Marial was made available via a media conference call. So on behalf of the Canadian basketball family HHC took advantage of the opportunity to toss it up with Shayok. He began high school at St. Patrick’s in Ottawa, then spent the past couple of years at Blair Academy in New Jersey and is scheduled to graduate next spring.

Experience on Prep in Blairstown NJ?:  -“really enjoyed the last past two years, I wouldn’t pick a different school. My game got a lot better. I feel that most players going across the border is good to an extent, just don’t rush it but I really feel that I picked a great school”

Any position preferred?: “Not really, I’m very versatile…I can play anywhere. playing basketball is it for me”

Relationship with Marquette coach Jamie McNielly? He was coaching me when I was 15 years old, so we built a relationship over the years. I knew if I went there he’d be sorta there to look over me and have my back… he was a big part too.

Raptors fan? Or favourite players growing up? I’m always been repping the Raptors, really hope they do well each year…im Raptors fan… I really liked Vince Carter obviously just really liked his game. I also liked Penny Hardaway and Michael Jordan.

Playing style reputation… Team Canada desire? Im gonna play hard, get better each year and play to win… Im honoured to play for my country and im gonna play hard and represent them well on and off the court.

Any shout outs back home? All my friends back home at St.Pats and Coach Matt hit me up there all really excited and proud of me and it’s an honour to do them proud.

AND 1

His older brother, Shayok Shayok, recently announced a transfer to the University of Missouri-Kansas City after spending two years on the basketball team at Bradley University in Illinois. Their sister, Yar Shayok, played for the University of Detroit-Mercy before graduating last spring.

 

Athlete Institute Invitational Draw

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

 

ATHLETE INSTITUTE INVITATIONAL FRI OCT 25th- SUN OCT 27th 2013

POOLS A & B
1 AI HS Alma Prep
2 Alma HS AI Prep
3 Bill Crothers Clarkson Secondary
4 SJK Thornlea S.S.
5 Outaouais Griffons Alma (3)
Time Court 1 Court 2
Friday 25th
4:30 PM Clarkson Secondary vs AI Prep Bill Crothers vs SJK
6:15 PM AI HS vs Alma HS Alma (3) vs Thornlea S.S.
8:00 PM AI prep vs Alma Prep Bill Crothers vs Outaouais
Saturday 26th
9:00 Alma HS vs Outaouais AI HS vs SJK
10:45 Alma Prep vs Clarkson Secondary AI prep vs Thornlea S.S.
12:30 Bill Crothers vs Alma HS AI Prep vs Alma (3)
2:15 Clarkson Secondary vs Thornlea S.S. AI HS vs Outaouais
4:00 Alma Prep vs Alma (3) Outaouais vs SJK
5:45 Alma Prep vs Thornlea AI HS vs Bill Crothers
7:30 Alma HS vs SJK Clarkson Secondary vs Alma (3)
Sunday 27th
8:00 Play-in Game Play-in Game
9:45 Quarterfinals Quarterfinals
11:30 Quarterfinals Quarterfinals
1:15 Semis Semis
3:00 Finals Finals

Anthony Bennett Breaks Ice

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Top overall pick Anthony Bennett had six points and four rebounds in the Cavaliers Wine & Gold Scrimmage before a crowd of 800 military members and their families. The annual scrimmage was closed to the public for the first time this season. Only military members and their families were ticketed for the event, which was held on the campus of Baldwin Wallace.

Anthony Bennett broke the ice Saturday in Ohio. Taking the floor in the Cavaliers annual Wine & Gold scrimmage.

The Gold team started Jarrett Jack, C.J. Miles, Earl Clark, Anthony Bennett and Tyler Zeller who looked impressive while putting up 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting and four rebounds in 27 minutes.

“It’s not even comparable,” Zeller said when asked how much more comfortable he is in his second NBA training camp. “Last year, they were throwing a million terms at you…I’m not going to claim I know what I’m doing,” he added, “but I’m getting a lot better.”

Zeller’s effort impressed coach Mike Brown, who really liked the fact the big man drew a charge. “He was active defensively,”  Brown said. “There were a couple times he blew defensive assignments, but I don’t know if anybody didn’t blow at least one.”  While Zeller impressed, No. 1 overall pick Bennett, looked a bit pudgy and outta shape.

Bennett air-balled his first two shots, but did throw down a dunk over Varejao in traffic while finishing with six points and four boards in 26 minutes.

Behind the arc Bennett missed all three of his 3-point attempts and was exhausted less than four minutes into the scrimmage.

Bennett missed most of the summer recovering from shoulder surgery and is clearly behind on his conditioning. The Cavs also held a physical workout prior to the start of the scrimmage, which might have contributed to Bennett’s early fatigue. But he was grabbing at his shorts and gasping after just a couple of trips down the floor.

“It’s hard just sitting out the whole summer and then trying to come back,” 20 year old Bennett said. “It’s something I’ve been working on the past couple weeks and I still need to get better at it.”

Bennett’s weight has come up a couple of times already in the first week. He said on Monday he weighed 255 pounds and said Saturday he weighed 250. Also mentioned to the Cleavland press last year at UNLV he played between 242 and 244 and insists he’s not concerned about his weight.

“I’m still not worried about it. If I drop a couple pounds, it’ll be helpful, but at this point it’s good for me,” Bennett said. “It’s not too much. I need to get bigger in the NBA, but not so much where I lose my mobility.”

Cavaliers canceled their annual Wine & Gold scrimmage with 6:10 left in the third quarter due to a slick floor. Tyler Zeller strained his left hip when he slipped and fell following a free throw from Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao landed on top of him.

“It was warm in there and you could tell from the beginning that the floor was a little moist,” Mike Brown explained. “All it took was that for me to say, ‘Oh my gosh, no more.’”

Kyrie Irving had 17 points in the scrimmage and Coach Brown paired Irving and Varejao with Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson, who are expected to comprise four-fifths of the starting lineup. Alonzo Gee started with that quartet for the first half, then Earl Clark played with the starters in the abbreviated third quarter.

The Cavs are off Sunday and will resume practicing Monday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. They will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena in their first exhibition game.

BENNETT NBA READY & POTENTIAL

Panini became the first company to put Anthony on cardboard offering the first NBA-licensed Rookie Card of the historic Canadian selected first overall in the NBA draft.

June 27th, 2013 Toronto-born Anthony Bennett and UNLV Rebel became the first Canadian ever to be chosen first in the NBA draft. The 20-year-old Brampton, Ont. native made history by becoming the first Canadian ever drafted in the top spot, joining the ranks of other top-picked basketball legends that includes Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Magic Johnson.

That fact alone is enough to turn his rookie card into a collector’s item but the truth is, most fans of the NBA don’t really care about the precedence Bennett’s nationality creates.

One the 40 Rookie Cards rounding out the 300-card base set by Panini. Also one of the hottest in demand.

 

He will face high expectations now as an overall #1 pick. He will be mercilessly compared to other first pick phenoms the Cavs have acquired, fellas like Kyrie Irving or LeBron James.

So the real question becomes: Does Bennett have what it takes to fight through the hype and prove himself with ability and accomplishment?  The tools are there to justify a bright future and his draft pedigree.

You see, physically Bennett resembles something of a basketball Swiss Army knife. He is agile and has a great mid court game, perfect for playing small forward. At the same time he is powerful and carries a 7’1” wingspan on his shoulders, the unmistakable qualities of a power forward. When it comes to game time, matching up with him is going to be a nightmare for the opposing teams.  Many believe Bennett was underused at talent rich UNLV where he was productive, but perhaps not as productive as he could have been in a different system.

When Bennett’s head coach from high school Todd Simon at Findlay Prep, recently hired by UNLV as an assistant coach was asked about the Canadian power forwards post secondary tenure in Nevada he defended UNLV,

“Factually, Anthony put up as good of numbers of any freshman in the country and surpassed his peers through his production at UNLV. I don’t believe any place could have put him in a position to be drafted higher.  His long term potential is off the charts.” Simon said. Adding the fact Bennett was the perhaps the Rebels first option on offense when healthy. “Led team on field goal attempts. Not many freshmen get to do that.  Dave [Rice] (head coach @ UNLV) did a great job showing everything he can do even despite his late season injury.  Awesome kid and UNLV folks are extremely grateful for his time here”

Against the majority of small forwards, Bennett will easily overpower and outreach his opponent while still being able to keep up on the perimeter.

Against power forwards, Bennett loses nothing. He has the foot speed and explosiveness to escape other “big men” and find open pockets anywhere on the court, but he can still match up pound for pound while he battles in the paint.

Bennett’s versatility is what makes him an indispensable offensive weapon. So long as he is able to prove himself defensively, he will undoubtedly become an unstoppable basketball player. He has already done enough to make his native nation proud and earn the #1 pick overall.

Cleveland Cavaliers first round draft pick Anthony Bennett speaks at the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club in Toronto, Thursday, July 4, 2013.

As a #1 pick, Bennett can have a huge impact on the team if he develops sooner than later.

Chris Egi Sweepstakes: HARVARD

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

With just over a month and a half until the season begins, the Harvard men’s basketball team needed just about a day and a half to clinch commitments from two recruits this past weekend.

Shortly after the end of their official campus visits, Chris Egi and Andrew Chatfield both proverbially donned a Crimson jersey on Sunday in committing to Harvard.

2014 6’9′ Chris Egi committed to Harvard University. One of Canada’s brightest student athletes.

2014 6’9″ F/C Chris Egi’s announcement makes this the second consecutive year that Head Coach Tommy Amaker has drawn a top-100 prospect into the program, the other being freshman Zena Edosomwan. Despite the timing of their respective commitments, Chatfield said he and Egi didn’t discuss their impending decisions.

“We didn’t really talk about it,” Chatfield said. “Throughout the whole weekend, he was also having a good time. He enjoyed the environment and playing some five-on-five [with the team].”

Egi said he only discussed committing with Chatfield, a 6-foot-5 guard, Sunday morning.

“We were actually at breakfast together,” Egi said.

Egi reportedly has a 4.0 GPA, said Harvard’s mix of basketball and the important stuff.

“I though it was the best place for me in terms of both basketball and academics” Chris Egi told Hoops Hype Canada via text message the night he pledged allegiance to the Crimson.

On the heels of Harvard’s most successful season in program history, they land a four-star prospect like Egi. His AAU coach Tony McIntyre was quoted by American media as to what the IVY League program can expect in the Canadian power forward.

“He’s a tremendous shot-blocker and gritty competitor, not to mention a tremendous student. It’s possible he may be the top academic athlete there when it’s done”

1 year ago, Tommy Amaker’s Harvard Crimson were written off after two starters — arguably the team’s top two players — had to withdraw from school after an academic scandal that hit more than 100 students.

Now, Amaker has Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry back and they will integrate themselves into a team that shocked just about everyone by winning the Ivy League and notching the program’s first NCAA tournament win last season.

Photo of a smiling Tommy Amaker with his four star, and two three star recruits.

Although this season could be the program’s most successful and be the most hyped in the program’s history the Crimson won just eight games in Amaker’s first season,. Now steady progression on the court and in recruiting have them on the verge of becoming the first team in Ivy League history to win at least 20 games in five consecutive seasons.

Question begs, Is Harvard the new mid magor power? HHC will be keeping tabs.

CIA BOUNCE

Chris Egi’s exposure while playing AAU basketball no doubt increased his stock value for both both the NCAA ranks and National team landscape. Chris had a terrific circuit with Canadian powerhouse program CIA Bounce. It helped him earn a selection on Team Canada at the NIKE DC Global Games and also the U19 FIBA World Championships with the Canadian Junior Mens National Team. Egi was the youngest talent in the tournament and played major minutes with most kids who were a full two years older then him. A whirlwind summer also saw him take his talents to one of the globes most reputable student athlete prep programs in Montverde Academy FL

MVA  gives Chris a chance to consistently compete against high level talent in his final high school year. Over the summer, Egi on the circuit with CIA Bounce ranked third in the EYBL in shot blocking at 2.6 BPG behind Ivan Rabb & Thon Maker.

Buffalo native and Harvard assistant coach Adam Cohen on behalf of the Crimson was seen late July in attendence at the annual CIA Bounce Caribana Classic camp  epitomizing the commitment the Crimson showed in securing Egis signature for post secondary basketball.

The Harvard program continues to incline under Head Coach Tommy Amaker, evidenced by two straight NCAA tournament appearances in the last two seasons. The only other time the Crimson made a trip to the dance was back in 1946.

“I think I can be a part of something special, trying to help build the program, as it’s heading in a great

FREE THROWS

How exactly does one “reclassify”? We asked HHC NCAA certified recruiting analyst Mark Bairos his take.

“It’s usually more of the not going to a post grad year. It often has to do with being a little young for the age to start, so the prospect will opt to reclassify into a later class to essentially “rejoin” the correct age class, while still retaining the option to move forward to the class that he left.

It happens frequently when Canadian players go to the US – upon entering the States they reclassify into a later year at their new HS. Andrew Wiggins is the most notable example of this, but there are plenty of others. If I remember correctly, he did two years in Canada before transferring to the US in 2011, and reclassified to 2014 upon starting here. Then, he reclassified back into his original class during what would have been that class’s peak recruiting season”

Also Bairos take on Egi choosing Harvard over the likes of Florida, Stanford, Marquette, Vanderbilt, California etc?

“Harvard is a rare breed this day and age. A Ivy League program that plays a competitive schedule, competing against high major programs. Egi at Harvard will still be in position to play on the big stage, it’s not your typical ivy league experience.” adding “Match made in heaven”.

 

PHASE 1 Director Wayne Dawkins Speaks

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

In early September Kern Carter on behalf of Hoops Hype Canada wrote a exclusive on Wayne Dawkins the Canadian basketball pioneer. On the cusp of the PHASE 1 program`s inaguaral season on the American Prep School scene, Wayne Dawkins Director of PHASE 1 Academy now based in Phoenix Arizona spoke one-on-one with Hoops Hype Canada correspondents via telephone.

Q. First and foremost PHASE 1 Academy. How did the program earn some reported first class facilities and become rumored to have such strong community support in the Phoenix area?

A. Hard to make a long story short but the work being done by PHASE 1 in Canada was recognized by people here in Phoenix and the offer to come here was presented to me. After much prayer and speaking to my wife we decided to explore it. Once we were here it was clear from the connections we made that God wanted us to stay. The rest is the hard work, diligence and perseverance that goes into building anything.

PHASE 1 Academy Player pool.

PHASE 1 Academy Player pool.

Q. Facilities are they first class as reported?

A. Yes. Our school is small and did not have the facilities to fully accommodate our program, so we were blessed to form a partnership with the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army in South Phoenix. It is a world class facility with 3 NBA courts, fitness center, indoor track, etc. The partnership also gives our athletes an opportunity to give back to the community through the volunteering we do for their many youth programs.

Q. How is PHASE 1 establishing a presence in the community and already garnering strong support from the Arizona community?

A. Our presence has grown because we entered the community with a mission to give back through volunteering and involvement with our local church Faith Christian Center. We have also established a reputation for running a discipline program that focuses on education, character and player development.

Q. Canadians are reportedly involved with the support staff surrounding the players day to day? Any names in the fold that have been pivotal preparing Phase 1 for the American prep level?

A. Several Canadians both here and in Canada are involved; however, this is not a one man or all Canadian effort! My wife, Kim Dawkins get’s the most credit because she is the true organizational and creative talent behind PHASE 1 and our great start. Amanda Davidson is one of my former Alumni and lends her many talents to the program including, her masters in education which gives us the strong in house academic support.  Her 10 years of training with PHASE 1 means we have someone who is well equipped to support the player development as well. After contemplating several other offers I was able to convince my long time friend Ro Russell, that his experience both good and bad was vital to building a great program on a consulting level then most recently as a head coach of our high school national team. Clive Daniel is my right hand with overall operations of the Academy and maintaining the academy mission. The Canadians at home are our athletes parents and families that trust us to do right by their children and provide as much hands on support and encouragement for PHASE 1 Academy as possible.

Super Trooper: Wife Kim Dawkins and Wayne photogrphed on the Air Canada court.

Wayne and wife Kim Dawkins photographed on home court of the Toronto Raptors, Air Canada Center. Former home of the All Canada Classic.

Q We must ask, what calibre of education does PHASE 1 Academy offer aspiring international ballers?

A. We chose Faith Christian School as our educational partner for the high academic standard and the fact they are fully state and NCAA accredited. As of last week our school progress report indicated that our team GPA is a 3.2. We have an in house Academic Director and several student tutors through a partnership with Arizona State U. and Grand Canyon U; also I have a Bachelors Degree in Secondary education with a concentration in Sociology. I have been a teacher for 17 years and would not compromise education for our athletes when I know how valuable it has been to me, and the many students I have taught.

Q. Caliber of competition? Word is Findlay and Oak Hill are on your schedule already and a possible Canadian tour, any truth to that?

A. All true and a credit to Coach Ro Russell because it is his tremendous relationship with these programs that allowed us to be able to put together such a great schedule in a short time span. The Canadian tour is important for our athletes to get an opportunity to play in front of family and friends while showcasing the development of these athletes.

Kim Dawkins and Amanda Davidson measure Senaglese 2014 6`11 C Boubacar Toure`s wing span.

Kim and Amanda measure Senaglese 2014 6`11 C Boubacar Toure`s wing span.

Q. X’s and O’s. What kind of sysytems, culture will student athletes 

A. I respect a Head Coaches need to control his team because I have been there myself. Our head coach will control the games however as a staff, collectively we are implementing the overall academy coaching system.  Our focus is to create a culture to better integrate our younger players that may play up for bigger games. 

Q. Player pool. Strong Canadian contingent….Especially from the Canadian hotbed city of Brampton, ON. Any coincidence of that? 

A. Brampton is loaded with talent and that can’t be denied. We have a great mix of players from other parts of the G.T.A. as well. For year one we focused on athletes where we have a close relationship with their families. It is a major decision to send your child all the way to Phoenix so screening parents and child was very important. Our athletes come from all over the world, Germany, Belgium, Argentina, Senegal, Nigeria and Australia so we really needed to make sure we chose Canadian athletes of good character that can deal with people from different cultures and adjust to a new environment. We also looked closely at the positions that had to be filled and building for the future.

PHASE 1 Academy located in Phoenix, AZ

Q. Canadian basketball. You are a basketball mogul in the country. How do you feel about the current state. Genuine growth or still hype?

A. I am happy for the growth of Canadian basketball and excited for the future. I don’t feel we are utilising our best talent in positions of leadership and that has caused a talent drain at every level. Right now America has firmly taken over the development of our top talent at and early age and we do not have the coaches, facilities, level of competition or corporate support to pull it back anytime soon. I am here because America recognized my value to the greater basketball community. I would have preferred to stay home to continue to help build Canadian basketball but that opportunity was not going to come. Hopefully many others who are taking their talent to the U.S. will one day have a more opportunities to impact Canadian basketball at the higher levels.

Q. Any relationship with Steve Nash and or the brass from Canada Basketball have they ever reached out to you or PHASE 1?

A. I have a past relationship but I have never heard from him.

Q. All Canada Classic. Gone but not forgotten. It seems though media outlets are quick to forget about its existence? At all frustrating for you?

A. To work hard for 12 straight years; to build and maintain a major event like the All Canada Classic with such a great history and tradition; it is disappointing to feel the basketball community does not value it enough to help keep it going. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to help so many of Canada’s best player celebrate their high school career on a national stage.

Q. NPSAA received mixed feedback from programs, parents and players both positive and negative. Your thoughts looking back on it what do you think was it’s demise? Can NPSAA co exist in Canada or even America one day?

A. Unfortunately when you’re a pioneer and trying to build anything with limited resources it is difficult. The fact that several leagues that are following an almost identical format and have sprung up, is a reflection that it was something people felt is needed for Canada. My focus for PHASE 1 is building PHASE 1 Academy and making sure we do right by everyone involved. The NPSAA, like the All Canada Classic and the many other of PHASE 1’s programs I will leave it up God to decide if they are gone for good or maybe rebirthed here in America.

Q. Your thoughts on AAU it’s been a long time since you have been affiliated with an AAU program. Are you against it or support players desire to take their talents on the circuit?

A. AAU in theory is great and I am again grateful to have been a part of it in the late 90’s when it was relatively unknown in Canada. The challenge now is educating people on how to use the AAU experience to the best interest of the athletes involved. 

Q. Minus social media and all the virtual hoopla, how were you recruited back in your day? Also how do you feel as program director of your players & personnel using social media?

A. I was recruited by a combination of 1. good old-fashioned taping games, contacting schools and sending out the footage and 2. being written about in the newspapers for being one of the top basketball players in the city. Back then print media exposure was very crucial to validating our level of talent. I am also very grateful to my high school coaches at York Memorial C.I. Richard Ward and Mike Katz who were the driving force behind my recruitment.

 I personally feel young athletes need to be better educated on their use of social media. It is great for creating instant hype or a buzz but often times athletes are sharing emotional moments that need to be thought out or discussed before being posted. This has proven to be very detrimental to their own reputation and the programs they represent. We work continuously with our athletes to teach them how to use social media responsibly.

Thank you Wayne good luck with your latest basketball journey in Phoenix Arizona, Hoops Hype Canada wishes you all the best and looks forward to tracking the development of both our Canadians donning the PHASE 1 jersey and the entire roster this fall and winter season.

Dawkins Demonstrates Dedication

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Special by Kern Carter

Teacher. Motivator. Mentor. Trainer. Coach. Pioneer…

These are just some of the many descriptive titles for community activist and basketball enthusiast Wayne Dawkins.  His contribution to a number of hoops programs and charities throughout the greater Toronto area (GTA), alongside his love for coaching basketball to youth has awarded him with a great place of leadership in the Canadian basketball community.

TEACHER.

Wayne Dawkins demonstrates drills with Senior Mens National Team member Orlando Magic PF/C Andrew Nicholson.

Having spent more than 10 years as a high school educator for the Toronto district school board (TDSB), Dawkins’ teaching approach surpassed standard expectations for motivating students to succeed.  His ambitious efforts of encouraging youth to realize their potential, has assisted hundreds of student-athletes in earning scholarships. He states, “My numerous years as a teacher and coach have allowed me to grow immensely in my ability to manage and motivate young athletes.”

MOTIVATOR & MENTOR.

Dawkins’ passion for coaching, leading, and teaching youth life skills extended far beyond the classroom.  Whether students obtained an NCAA scholarship or acceptance into a Canadian post-secondary institution, Dawkins’ goal is to elevate youth progress athletically, socially, and academically.

No stranger to being a student-athlete himself, Dawkins had received numerous accolades prior to his college career, which included two Metro All-Star team selections, and a gold medal as captain of the Ontario Provincial team. Dawkins then pursued a degree in Secondary Education while attended Eastern Michigan University (EMU) on a full four-year basketball scholarship. He later transferred to American International College (AIC) where he played as the starting point-guard, and completed his degree in ‘95.

Dawkins, who is of Jamaican-Canadian descent, has lived in many places, which include Jamaica, various Canadian provinces and the United States of America; he currently resides in Scarborough, Ontario with his wife, Kim, and their daughter Toni. Also a devout Christian, Dawkins applies his Christian teachings and values to all areas of his life, no matter what the cause, whether it is family, his profession, or helping others.

TRAINER & COACH.

Throughout his vast career, Dawkins has spearheaded and co-founded several basketball-focused projects in the community that has developed basketball training centres, National College Exposure Camps, and many other initiatives. He has also pioneered a series of coaching clinics, Canadian AAU travel teams, tournaments, and house leagues that were facilitated within local inner-city community centres.

Dawkins has made it his mission to inspire and motivate youth through the medium of basketball. Influencing youth by encouraging confidence-building and achieving success external to the game of hoops had reshaped the image of a student “athlete”. Mentoring and coaching youth showed progression within the basketball community, this in turn, continued to expand Dawkins’ own brand.

“I have a deeply rooted passion for coaching and working with youth in varying capacities. Equally important is my enthusiasm for elevating the game of basketball.”

PIONEER.

In 2000, Dawkins founded and established PHASE 1 Basketball, an organization committed to athlete development.  His initiative extends beyond basketball, and the classroom setting, with programs being based around personal development, community engagement and education. PHASE 1 prepares youth on the basketball court, but most importantly for their futures by guiding and sending hundreds of athletes to school to pursue post-secondary studies.

All Canada Classic  one of the greatest Canadian amateur basketball events in Canada.

By growing different basketball programs across the GTA, Dawkins’ has been more than a coach, but a mentor to hundreds of student-athletes, many of whom have earned success in their collegiate careers (i.e Denham Brown [UCONN] and Jevohn Shepherd [Michigan]). Dawkins’ knows the importance of finding great mentors:

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside, and be mentored by some of North America’s greatest coaches including Mike Katz, U. Of Toronto, Roy Rana, Eastern Commmerce C.I., Ben Braun, U. California, Gary Waters, Cleveland State U. and many more. Each of these talented and successful coaches has shaped my coaching ability.”

A glimps at the PHASE 1 player pool from Phoenix, Arizona.

A glimpse at the PHASE 1 player pool from Phoenix, Arizona.

PHASE 1 Basketball includes several other basketball programs that are highly recognized by the basketball community. Some initiatives include the All Canada Classic (2000), a national high-school all-star game played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, and the All Canada Prospect Camp (2000). PHASE 1 also has the Lady Elite 1’s, the Elite Semi-Pro team, the Rising Star Showcase,and so much more.

Dawkins’ has transferred his passion for coaching and inspiring youth by shaping PHASE 1 basketball to be more than a basketball academy, but a project focussed on enhancing the development of successful young citizens.  His tenacity, drive, determination and faith have helped him root his vision to help others within the basketball community. Dawkins’ vision is still growing, and he is continuously developing projects to further enhance what the PHASE 1 basketball brand represents.

Dawkins is formerly the head coach of the men’s basketball team at Seneca College, where he was awarded the “2010 OCAA Coach of the Year” award.

SWNT CAPTURE FIBA AMERICAS SILVER

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Xalapa, Mexico – The Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT) has captured the silver medal at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women following a hard-fought 79-71 loss to Cuba in the gold medal game. The result is Canada’s highest at the competition since capturing the gold in 1995 in Hamilton, Ont. By reaching the finale, Team Canada had already secured a berth to the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women – the team’s third straight qualification to the tournament.

The two sides played a very tight opening quarter, exchanging defensive stops and offensive chances at both ends of the court. The first 10 minutes of the game saw six lead-changes and two ties. A late 9-2 run by Cuba helped them build a 20-15 lead after the first. The back-and-forth play continued through the beginning of the second. With Canada behind by four points at 28-24, Cuba put together another solid stretch to enter halftime with a 45-30 advantage.

Team Canada emerged in the second half with a more concerted effort to trim the deficit. Timely scoring and strong defence limited the Cuban attack during a 13-4 run midway through the period, but Cuba maintained an 11 point lead after 30 minutes of play. The fourth frame opened with even play on both ends as the Canadian side continued to press. Canada cut the lead to four points with three minutes remaining, but accurate shooting at the free-throw line secured the victory for Cuba.

Brampton, Ont. native Tamara Tatham led the SWNT with a game-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 77 per cent to accompany a team-high nine rebounds. London, Ont. native Miranda Ayim registered 13 points to go with six rebounds. Kim Gaucher of Mission, B.C. and Kia Nurse of Hamilton, Ont. each added nine points on the evening. The game’s statistics are available here.

Head coach Lisa Thomaidis spoke to the development of her team and the play of their opponent when asked about the match. “I’m so proud of this group and the progress that these players have made over the summer to reach the FIBA Americas gold medal game. I’m proud of how hard they competed tonight – right down to the final minutes, we were in a position to win, but Cuba deserves full credit for a tremendous game.”

In looking ahead, she added that, “we’re going to draw from this experience and grow from it. The lessons we have learned here will be invaluable as we set our sights on next year’s World Championship.”

The cities of Ankara and Istanbul will stage the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey. The seventeenth edition of the event will be held from September 27 to October 5, 2014. By capturing the bronze medal, Brazil will join Canada and Cuba as qualifiers from the FIBA Americas zone.

Images from the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women are available via the FIBA Americas Photo Gallery. Please note that all photos must be credited to FIBA Americas.