Month: March 2014

Sim Bhullar & Raptors A Perfect Marriage

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Toronto’s 7-foot-5 native son Sim Bhullar, a New Mexico State sophmore will ‘prepare for the NBA draft’ over the next couple of months according to Hoops Hype Canada sources.

It was 2011 when Bhullar was featured in a New York Times Interview for drawing comparisons to former first overall pick Yao Ming. Yao and his monstrous presence in the NBA positively effected the popularizing Chinese basketball market in China. Many close to NBA circles feel Sim Bhullar could do the same for a nation like India. A country with a population well over a billion.

Experts in 2011 suggested that it would take two years at the very least for Bhullar to become a bonafide NBA draft prospect. His time has arrived. Back to back college seasons later and the young man now has back to back Western Athletic Conference Tournament MVP’s on his resume along with some sexy statistics.

Sim as a sophmore averaged 10.4 points and 7.8 boards in addidition to 3.4 blocks per game. Including 14 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in his final four games.

During his AAU career he rose to prominence after a 12-point, eight-rebound performance when he was matched against 76′ers Nerlens Noel.

Bhullar becoming an NBA player next season via the NBA entry draft is not far fetched,

“He could get drafted, because he is massive, but not sure he plays.” Basketball Insiders Steve Kyler told Hoops Hype Canada Saturday morning.

“65 FG% and better than 7 boards a game, he’s an interesting project for a big. I think he’s bigger than the listed 355lbs.” Kyler added.

For Sim Bhullar to forego his junior and senior seasons it means one of two things.

One, Bhullar is worried about his shelf life, for example Yao Ming also 7-foot-5 was drafted at age 21 and in July 2011, at 27 years old Yao announced his retirement from professional basketball due to a series of foot and ankle injuries which forced him to miss 250 games in his last six seasons.

Sim allready 21 years old will turn 22 in December.

In Las Cruces, New Mexico where Sim attends University a Men’s Basketball beat writer told Hoops Hype Canada Bhullar hasn’t declared for the draft but also didn’t deny the possibility despite adding some skepticism,

“Shelf life should be a factor. Injured two of three last year’s here. My opinion is he’s further away from even getting drafted” Sun News writer Jason Groves wrote via dialogue online.

“Yao was a lock. Sim would be a flyer” Groves added.

New Mexico State assistant coach Paul Weir also is a native of Toronto and last summer recruited Sim’s younger brother Tanveer to New Mexico State. At 7-foot-3 Tanveer is more of a face up big who enjoys knocking down twelve footers operating primarily in the high post contrary to older brother Sim who tends to dominate down low.

Weir in an interview with Hoops Hype Canada had this to say about Sim last August,

“Most exciting part about Sim is that so many of his abilities you can’t teach. Size, hands, IQ, passing and vision, etc. If he ever gets the things you can change down – stamina, speed, strength – he can be special” Coach Weir answered.

About Bhullar’s pending draft status Coach Weir like Sim also refrained from commenting on the situation. A situation similar to when younger brother Tanveer was expected to redshirt this past 2013-14 season (which he did), Weir with writing on the wall vehemently denied commenting on the obvious.

Second reason to leave Las Cruces before graduating would be if the Canadian back to the basket shot blocker has been rest assured that he will be drafted by an NBA franchise and their draft day brass.

“Raptors hold what looks like a pick at 58 – so real possible.” Steve Kyler concluded.

Could the Toronto Raptors who next season will celebrate their anniversary for twenty years of existence have giant plans?

Allready appointed the hosts of the 2016 All Star Game, the franchise recently appointed Hip Hop mogul Drake to be their ‘Global Ambassador’.

If all plans fall accordingly the 7-foot-5 Bhullar could not only become the second Canadian baller (Toronto, ON’s Jamal Magloire) to dress for the lone Canadian franchise but also its second Global Ambassador.

It’s time for the NBA to tap into the Indian market which has one of the globes largest population in the world. Sim Bhullar can be the first with Indian blood to do it based on feedback amongst NBA executives and word in Toronto is he is now ready to break the ice.

Over the weekend while in attendence at the Celtics-Raptors NBA game inside the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Hoops Hype Canada sources say Bhullar while exchanging pleasantries with a good friend, invited the friend to work out with him uptown during the upcoming summer. Bhullar reportedly mentioned ‘preparing for the NBA draft’ during the conversation.

Bhullar when reached online to confirm or deny reports declined comment.

Bhullar like Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Ennis and 2013 first overall NBA pick Anthony Bennett came up the ranks with a Brampton, Ontario based development program CIA Bounce. Representatives from the club when reached would not confirm nor deny the report. Pre mature was the consensus among the club directors that Hoops Hype Canada could reach over the weekend.

With the NBA draft under three months away things can change quickly in this process.

Bhullar has untill April 27th to declare for the 2014 NBA draft.

Before Drake was given court side seats with customized OVO seat covers within arm’s reach of Raptors head coach Dwane Casey, it was Raptors super fan and season ticket holder since day one Nav Bhattia who held the Raptors Spike Lee reputation in Toronto.

Despite Drake’s arrival Bhattia is still holding down his foldable court side seats under the Front Street net. Vince Carter invited Bhattia to his wedding, rookie Kelly Olynyk only 50 games into his career acknowledges Bhattia before every C’s game in Toronto. Even the volatile DeMarcus Cousins last January amidst a 30/20 performance complimented Bhattia on his wrist jewelry. Regarded as a face of the franchise Bhattia a Indo-Canadian like Bhullar is very well liked and respected across NBA circles including within the Toronto Raptor organization.

“Masai Ujiri is an astute evaluator of talent and Super fan is close to the Bhullar’s” Reliable sources told Hoops Hype Canada.

“10% of Toronto’s population are East Indian. Over half a million people in Toronto total. Over a billion in India, Bhullar a Raptor could easily earn more from endorsements then he does from a second round salary”

“With a budding 7-foot all star allready in place [Jonas Valanciunas] and a former all-star center in Jamal Magloire as part of the [Raptors] coaching staff is there really a better NBA landscape then Toronto, Canada to introduce Sim Bhullar to the world and develop him along the way?” Source added.

Sim’s last high school coach while playing in Canad was Paul Melnyk of the Father Henry Carr Crusaders. Melnyk has faith the former Crusader will eventually make the best decision,

“Sim is a tremendous big man. A very unique player. His family and support group will make an educated decision about the draft.” Melnyk mentioned via twitter direct messaging.

“I think if the Raptors could pick him it would be a great situation for Sim & the Raptors. I would hope Canada Basketball would have Sim in their plans as well.”

What does Sim’s last head coach in America think of the situation? Hoops Hype Canada reached out to Huntington Prep head coach Rob Fulford via text and Bhullar’s former coach, who also coached Andrew Wiggins responded,

“As long as he’s in shape and healthy, there’s no doubt he can help an NBA team” coach Fulford texted.

For now, it’s about just getting better and refining his game before the ultimate decision to declare or not.

Adding fuel to the fire is the fact CIA Bounce allready have arguably the top prospect overall (Wiggins) and top point guard prospect (Ennis) entering the upcoming 2014 draft. Except the CIA Bounce draft day party doesn’t stop there. Big 12 Conference Player Of The Year and Iowa State Cyclone senior Melvin Ejim and UNLV shot blocker junior Khem Birch, both CIA Bounce products, are also thought of as potential NBA prospects.

Wiggins, Ennis, Ejim, Birch & Bhullar.

Could CIA Bounce have a whopping five NBA draft picks? Why not?

It would be likely be a benchmark for developmental programs on both sides of the border and valuable for Canada basketball who allready on the rise flopped in their World Cup qualifiers last September.

Canada may set a record for NBA draft picks this June but NBA offices and the Toronto Raptors have a real thirst for one. Sim Bhullar.

Some call it tampering, others call it destiny. What we do know is arranged or not that the city and organization in Toronto, Sim Bhullar and the NBA would be a perfect marriage.

Munis Tutu’s LaLu Lakers Update

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Windsor, ON’s Munis Tutu (La Lumiere) many have pegged as the No.1-ranked point guard in the 2015 class.

It was an AAU game versus New Heights where Alan Huss, head coach of La Lumiere discovered the Windsor, Ontario point guard holding his own,

“Heard somebody knew a point guard from Windsor, when I heard Windsor it was intriguing to us being so close. From a geographical stand point we thought he would be a nice fit.” Huss told Hoops Hype Canada.

Two years later 2015 Munis Tutu next week will lead La Lumiere’s basketball team in to New York City to compete in the Dick’s Sporting Goods High School National Tournament. It marks the third consecutive season the Lakers will compete in the prestige tourney. This years Laker edition with two seniors who helped seal some deals were extremely skilled on the perimeter and guard play helped carry them to a top 10 finish in the nation.

This season along side starting point guard Tutu, LaLu is led by sharpshooter Jalen Coleman, and versatile forward Sam Logwood. Coleman is averaging 19 points per game, and shooting 51 percent from deep. Logwood averages almost 17 points per game, and shoots over 50 percent from the field.

DICKS NATIONALS

The Lakers will face Huntington Prep on April 3 at 10 a.m. EST on ESPNU. Huntington Prep is led by JaQuan Lyle, a top-25 prospect that’s headed to Oregon.

Last year, the Lakers lost to a St. Benedict’s Prep (New Jersey) team that featured Tyler Ennis (Syracuse) in the first round. In 2012, they fell to a loaded Montverde Academy squad that consisted of Joel Embiid (Kansas), Dakari Johnson (Kentucky), Michael Frazier and Kasey Hill (Florida).

Versus Huntington Prep: The programs met last year, with La Lumiere holding Huntington to 35 points and Andrew Wiggins to nine. Even though they don’t have a singular talent like Wiggins, Huntington are actually more balanced this season. Preventing 2014 JaQuan Lyle (17.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.7 apg, 4.2spg), a stat-stuffer and great all-around player and fellow Canadian 2015 Montaque Gill-Ceasar (16.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg) from going off will be a priority for Huss’ staff. La Lumiere will also need an answer for bruising big man Thomas Bryant (14.1 ppg, 13.1 rpg) who is well known for his physicality.

MONEY TIME FOR MUNIS & LAKERS

For Munis Tutu the National Tournament presents an opportunity for our top ranked point guard in the 2015 Canadian class to solidify his status as a top point guard in America. Being at the National tournament two times in a row, Last season as a back up, now this time a starter is a step in the right direction for Tutu.

Tutu who oozes potential along with La Lumiere must advance to really take that next step to where people really think of La Lumiere in the same breath as some of the other teams in the tournament. Lakers have made tremendous strides over the past two years to put themselves in the national rankings conversation. In 2012, La Lumiere handed Findlay Prep its only loss of the season. Last year, the Lakers had a big win over Oak Hill Academy, but they went into a tailspin to close the season. La Lumiere dropped four of its last five, including a setback to No. 2 St. Benedict’s in the quarterfinals of the NHSI.

The 6-foot Tutu is a crafty playmaker off the bounce who owns a body of work to be a steal at the mid-major level. Speaking with Tutu via telephone the Canadian guard touched on his LaLumiere tenure.

“Coming here [La Lumiere] was a great decision for me. Basketball in America is very different. La Lumiere and Coach Huss have really pushed me to be the great player I’m trying to become.”

Asked about any college or professional point guards Tutu models his game after, Munis said he likes watching Indiana University sophomore Yogi Ferrell and in the NBA he follows both Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo.

Shabe Heirman in his second season as Assistant Director of Athletics and Associate Head Basketball Coach at La Lumiere School has played a pivotal part in Tutu’s development. Coach Heirman played collegiate basketball at the University of Tulsa also as a point guard. He has been a mentor for Tutu Head coach Alan Huss told Hoops Hype Canada in late January,

” He [Heirman] has spent a lot of time, with D1 point guard experience by Munis’ side. I think he has done a really nice job helping Munis, Not so much the feel part of it which is very natural for Munis but more with just how to be a leader, how to play the position all the time. With a lot of kids the consistency of everything is something Munis had to learn, which he’s done a nice job getting better at here the last year.” said Huss.

HUSS NO STRANGER TO TORONTO

Munis is the fourth Canadian to attend La Lumiere since Huss took over four years ago. He follows Western Mustang Adam Djukic (Oakwood), JUCO talent Jake Hill (Eastern Commerce) and Missouri S&T’s Aaron Emmanuel (Henry Carr) who started two years for the Lakers. All three Huss inherited when he arrived on the job. Other names that nearly commited to La Lumiere were Canisius bound Cassidy Ryan & Marquette bound Marial Shayok. Both were very close calls.

Heavily linked with La Lumiere has been 2016 Nolan Narain. It is widely believed that if and when the 6’9″ member of Canada’s Cadet team takes his talents to America La Lumiere is high on his list and according to Coach Huss the feelings are mutual.

“We’ve been actively pursuing Nolan Narain for some time now. I really think Nolan has a chance to be something special if he really commits and wants to work at it.” Coach Huss shared.

As for Toronto talent very few coaches from America have a pulse on it like the former 6’9″ center from Creighton Alan Huss does,

“I’ve been going up there a long time, almost 10 years now. I really got to watch the progression of the different AAU programs like Grassroots who dominated for so many years. I know Ro [Russell] and have a lot of respect for them. Then watching Mike [George] and Tony [McIntyre] do their thing. Now some of the new guys like YAAACE coming up..Northern Kings, I got a good handle on the club scene and kind of know a lot of the high school coaches up there. I think I got a good idea what’s going on and try to always follow it. From a geographical stand point whether its the Greater Toronto Area or Windsor the geography makes sense. Munis can take a three and a half hour train ride home anytime he wants to go back. It just makes sense from a logistics stand point being close to Ontario kids and being in tuned with what’s going on there” Coach Huss explained.

Following is a look at Coach Huss’ tenure with La Lumiere. Very impressive stability and success under head coach Huss.

2013-14 (Alan Huss) 22-2 as of April 1st, 2014
2012-13 (Alan Huss) – 26-6, No. 7 final Academy Top 10 national ranking
2011-12 (Alan Huss) – 25-3, No. 7 final Academy Top 10 national ranking
2010-11 (Alan Huss) – 21-4
2009-10 (Delray Brooks) – 10-11
2008-09 (Delray Brooks) – 14-9

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25 Canadians In March Madness

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Dyshawn Pierre – Dayton

Tyler Ennis – Syracuse

Andrew Wiggins – Kansas

Agunwa Okolie – Harvard

Melvin Ejim – Iowa State

Naz Long – Iowa State

Dylan Ennis – Villanova

Kenny Cherry – Baylor

Brady Heslip – Baylor

Jahenns Manigat – Creighton

Jason Caliste – Oregon

Nick Wiggins – Wichita State

Chadrack Lufile – Wichita State

Justin Edwards – Kansas State

Grandy Glaze – St Louis

Nik Stauskas – Michigan

Sim Bhullar – New Mexico State

Tanveer Bhullar – New Mexico State

Matthew Taylor – New Mexico State

Jalen Pennie – New Mexico State

Stefan Nastic – Stanford

Dwight Powell – Stanford

Kevin Pangos – Gonzaga

Kyle Wiltjer – Gonzaga

Jordan Bachinski – Arizona State

Olivier Hanlan Talks 2013-14

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Only way Canadians will be able to witness super sophmore Olivier Hanlan dancing next week during March Madness is if Hanlan and his Boston College squad win the ACC tourney. That said speculation of his future at BC and of leap frogging into the NBA continues to arise. Following are qoutes from Hanlan after his final regular season game last Saturday. Should
he stay or go?

Hanlan on entering NBA draft:

“I feel those are types of things I’m going to talk about after the ACC tournament,I don’t really like to focus my attention on that, because that sometimes can distract a lot of players, So I’ll take these next few days and focus on this tournament coming up and after that we’ll see what happens.’’

Hanlan on if his scoring prowess is necessary to win conference title:

“Whenever I’m aggressive, and I don’t think the game too much, I feel like I play pretty good. I think we’ll have other guys step up, it’s a five-game tournament and anything can happen. We’ve seen a lot of upsets in the past week with top teams falling, so whoever shows up and whoever is making shots is going to win.’’

Hanlan overall thoughts on season and entering conference tournament:

“It has been a tough year, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of close losses. Obviously, it’s not the season we were expecting, but we just have to look at this ACC tournament as a new season, It’s a five-game tournament and we just have to take it step by step and anything can happen, so we just have to stay positive.’’

Draft Express Olivier Hanlan profile

NBA Draft Net Olivier Hanlan profile

Murray’s Father On Michigan Visit

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

After a previous visit to Ann Arbor was postponed due to some car trouble, 2016 Jamal Murray (Athlete Institute) made it to Michigan’s final regular season game against Indiana on Saturday evening.

Coming along with Murray on the trip were both of his parents, they enjoyed watching Michigan celebrate a Big Ten regular season championship at Crisler Center.

“Overall it was a great visit,” Murray’s father said. “It was a great facility. Their fans were really good. Their facilities (were the best part).”

Standing 6’4″ Murray plays the role of point guard for his high school team but could project at either guard position at the next level. With the opportunity to watch Michigan’s guards and the Wolverines offensive system up close, the Murray’s came away impressed.

“They have a good team and good rotation right now,” Murray’s father said. “Their communication is a strength even just looking at the bench.”

Talking with his son following the visit, Murray says it was a positive experience.

“His reaction was he enjoyed the game,” Murray’s father said. “It was really good. Michigan came back and hit a couple big shots. I think Jamal, he was happy to see it up close and see the facility as well. It was a good game. Overall it was a good experience.”

Once the Big Ten championship celebration came to a close following Michigan’s 84-80 win over Indiana, the Wolverines’ coaching staff had a chance to interact with the Murray’s, making a favorable impression.

“Everybody was great” Murray’s father said. “Again we’re going (on these visits) to try to see everything like the facilities but we got a good feel from it.”

“They’re really good people and they like what they do and it was nice of them to spend so much time walking around. It’s hard to get everything done in a couple hours though.”

Unable to get a better feel for the rest of what Michigan has to offer academically, the Murray’s plan to be back to find out more about the Wolverines.

“Yeah,” Murray’s father said when asked if they’ll make a return trip. “We want to see more of the University. Overall, it was good.”

Murray’s father adding, “We’ll go back and see (more). It was a good experience and great opportunity.”

For more information on the 2016 Jamal Murray Sweepstakes, tune in at HoopsHype.Ca

2016 Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 2.0
2016 Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 1.0

Montaque Gill-Caeser Sweepstakes 2.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Huntington Prep head coach Rob Fulford thinks that Vaughan Ontario native, Montaque Gill-Caeser is ready for college ,

“Teki can definitely make an impact [if he reclassifies to 2014] as a Freshman. The extent of it will be based on where he chooses to play, the fit and what role they need him in. He is a high level shooter and physical wing that can impose his will on other wings.” Texted Fulford to HHC counterparts.

With growing speculation that Montague reclassifies, it’s beggining to look more and more like a two way race.

Michigan State

Michigan State appears to be a frontrunner for “Teki” who is technically still a member of the 2015 class and it is widely believed that he’ll take the opportunity to reclassify to the 2014 class and enter college next fall.

Growing consensus is that he’ll pick MSU over Kentucky, Memphis, and the other suitors because of the golden opportunity of stepping in immediately for NBA-bound Gary Harris.

Kentucky

John Calipari is in hot pursuit & Gill-Caesar has also been rumored to be very high on Kentucky. Which would also include to reclassify for 2014.

Gill Caesar’s reclassifying time table will most likely depend on what happens with Kentucky’s current crop of freshman guards Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison and James Young. NBA executives are projecting perhaps both Harrison twins will remain behind after being so highly touted for the NBA lottery when the season started and now a days both are struggling to increase their stocks.

Coach Cal reportedly visited Huntington shows how serious UK is. Wildcats could put in a strong challenge for MSU.

We’ll probably know a lot more about the ‘Teki’ sweepstakes after the high school basketball season ends when it’s time for Gill-Caesar to decide on a spring visit schedule.

“Right now I got nothing new. Might visit MSU but not exactly sure when. I have no date on when or if im reclassifying either.” The top-20 recruit in USA Gill-Caeser wrote via email.

Current Form

Gill Caeser a junior small forward at Huntington Prep in VA and on duty at the LG Big House Shootout in Charleston, W. Va. collected 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Irish in a walloping (137-60) of Wesley Christian and had five points against Riverside Christian.

Followed that up with what may have been his last home game at Huntington, WV if indeed he does reclassify.

Gill-Caesar finished with 27 points and nine rebounds to lead HPREP in a 71-61 win over Legacy Charter (S.C.) on Senior Day at Huntington St. Joe this past weekend.

“I just wanted to leave everything on the court really because it is possible my last game in this gym and in Huntington,” Gill-Caesar said. “This place has become a second home to me, so playing in this game, you don’t want to take it for granted.”

Also In Mix

Gill Caeser for the Class of 2014 has offers from Alabama, Baylor, Kansas, Memphis, Missouri, Providence and West Virginia.

For the Class of 2015 MGC also has offers from Illinois and Ohio State too.

Montaque Gill-Caeser Sweepstakes 1.0 click here

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5 Question Inbound With Diaper Dandy Danilo Djuricic

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

18 teams and ninety starting jobs at the 2014 OFSAA championships being held March 3rd through 5th in Mississauga, Ontario. Only one starting freshman (grade 9 student) in the whole field. He is #1 seed St. Michael’s Blue Raider Danilo Djuricic. A 2018 talent standing 6’6″ tall who ‘rebounds and blocks shots above average for being so young’ according to CIA Bounce boss Tony McIntyre.

Before St. Michael’s College begins there quest for back-to-back OFSAA titles, HHC counterparts caught up with the promising young talent from Brampton, Ontario.

HHC: For your freshman season in high school you decided to take your talents to St. Michael’s College. Not only hockey but it’l is notorious for all sports. 2013 defending OFSAA champions & this years #1 seed. What separates SMC not only to become provincial contenders but also able to recruit top notch talent like yourself?

DD: The coaches especially coach Zownir are incredible coaches, they push you everyday in practice and are great to learn from. The discipline and structure that they have in basketball are great to have. Our reputation at this school was a great factor, being top for academics and athletics was a big factor in coming here. The academics at this school are a great prep for later on… there is lots of work to do. Also just looking at the SMC team the last couple years, they have been great, looking at the talent that they had, it just keeps going up. Now that I’m here I have great mentors from everyone on the team being the young boy. The coaches and seniors give me great advice and have been a huge help throughout the year, especially from Coach Zownir, and Godwin [Boahen], and Nelson [Kaputo] they took me under their wing and they’ve been my biggest mentors in my first year here.

HHC: About yourself. Earlier this season caught peoples attention for a willingness to rub shoulders in the paint with opposing front courts which is rare for a freshman, towards season end your outside shot is noticeably improving. Any players pro or collegiately you compare your game too? Which position or role do you vision yourself playing at the next level?

DD: I think my game models Chandler Parsons with a inside game and still working on my outside game. Even though it’s too early because I’m in grade 9 my goal is playing D1 university, and wherever that takes me, I mean it’s every ballers dream to go to the NBA, just school first then basketball, and you never know.

DIAPER DANDY: Danilo Djuricic with #1 seed St.Michael’s will be the only starting grade nine at the 2014 OFSAA basketball championships.

HHC: For those that don’t know your a Brampton, Ontario native, you also play AAU ball for Brampton based CIA Bounce. For folks across the country and coaches reading can you try to explain why Brampton has become such a hot bed for D1 talent?

DD: Brampton has been slept on a lot lately, if you look at the talent pool that has come out of Brampton the last couple years, Just to name a few, Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis, just naming a few I know there are many more. These guys are guys that us kids in Brampton look up to knowing they’ve been in the same area, we’re just trying to make it like they are. And a club like CIA Bounce’s focus is nothing but development and is everything for us players. CIA Bounce gives us players a great opportunity to achieve our goals, it’s great playing for them.

HHC: About your CIA Bounce team… You look at what Grassroots (Tristan Thompson & Cory Joseph) did ath the 17U level, what CIA Bounce (Bennett, Wiggins, Ennis) 16U did, even what YAAACE 15U (Justin Jackson & co) accomplished last summer it seems like Canadian teams travelling AAU are finding more success now at earlier ages. When you talk to Canadian recruitment & scouting experts the consensus is that your 2018 class may be the best class ever when it’s all said and done. Allready the accolades are accumulating south of the border with your squad, any team mates we should keep an eye out for in terms of 2018 talent?

DD: Looking at the 2018 class there are lots of high caliber players. If you look at our 2018 Bounce team, everyone of us are top talent players, that’s why we are so successful together, everyone should keep an eye on our team, Simi, Jonathon, KeShaun, John, just to name a few, our whole team are top notch players.

HHC: Before AAU OFSAA 2014! Your Blue Raiders enter as the #1 seed and incredible feat considering your starting 5 are all underclassmen. What kind of basketball does St.Michaels hang their hat on and what will it take to become back to back provincial champions starting with #12 seed Mother Teresa Monday?

DD: Takes our determination, and our drive for the back to back. We have been working for the date of March 5th 8:00pm all year, we’ve had it down on our calendars all year, that will be the night. We just have to play together how we’ve been playing and that’s all that matters.

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Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 2.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Recent sound bites coming from 2016 Jamal Murray’s camp are indicating he is now determined to be a point guard in college.

The Kitchener, Ontario native Murray who is unselfish and standing close to 6’5″ has great size at the point guard spot. For his high school team Athlete Institute (Orangeville, ON) it wasn’t always the case,

“Early in the year we had him off the ball and he was really scoring at the clip you got a chance to see on Friday night” Athlete Institute Head Coach Larry Blunt said. “We moved him back to the point guard which is his natural position and the position he would be.”

Some argue Murray at the one is not what grew his legacy. Murray made a name for himself for his flat out scoring mentality. Instead of becoming one dimensional, Murray feels he has the intangibles and poise to play point guard.

“From his perspective, he really wants to get his teammates involved and do what it takes to win. I think he’s continuing to grow and develop as a point guard and as he gets more comfortable I think you can see when he turns it on he’s special.” Coach Blunt told Scouts.com

Regardless where Murray is slotted in any line up, college coaches are beginning to line up for his post secondary services. He has allready attended a Syracuse game and others according to his high school coach.

“We may go back to Syracuse, the problem is right now for us in our first season we’ve traveled a ton. We’ve been to Georgetown, we’ve been down to NC State to see a game while we were on the road.” Blunt concluded.

Colleges are already taking notice of the qualities Jamal Murray possesses, regularly hearing from Syracuse, Kansas State, Illinois, N.C. State, and Michigan, among others. His sweepstakes continues…

Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 1.0

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