In 2011, when 2015 PG 6’0 Nevell Provo joined some elite class of Canadian HS players taking their talents to West Virginia, Nova Scotia basketball was officially back on the map. 2 years later Provo is returning to his native land and will be a focal point of a newly assembled prep program north of the border, Athlete’s Institute in Orangeville, Ontario.

Class of 2015 6’0″ G Nevell Provo of Preston, Nova Scotia.

“Basically I sat down with my family and weighed my options… we decided this was the best move for me. Huntington is a great program with lots of exposure, competitiveness in practice, and all the perks of a high profile prep school. However, Orangeville was better for me because Im able to gain that in-game experience, and become a leader of a team; something I need to take my game to the next level”

Provo pictured in 2012 on a star studded CIA bounce squad. This summer he played with the 16U squad.

Provo refuses to view his return to the native land as any step backwards.

“Doing all this I don’t lose much of the perks that came with Huntington other than the high profile name. Orangeville, has a great academic background, great facility, and we play a pretty big schedule. On top of all this im closer to my family, so it’s a great situation.”

When Coach Fulford was reached for comment he explained his story behind the transfer,

“He has been a pleasure to have in Huntington. Nevell is a great kid and I wish him nothing but the best. My job as a coach is to get guys prepared for the next level. Not only on the court, but off. It’s also to be honest with them…. Nevell had been here 2 years and had not really seen minutes. With another 5 star PG coming in this year, I made sure Nevell knew where he stood. He was obviously welcomed back to compete, but was honest with him to try and find an opportunity where he could see more game time.”

As for the Athlete Institute, the prep program will have strong ties to the powerhouse Canadian AAU program CIA Bounce. Much like when Nevell joined Huntington Prep in 2011. At the time Provo became the 6th Canadian on H Preps roster. All CIA Bounce products and highly touted Canadian prospects such as Negus Webster-Chan (Hawaii), Andrew Wiggins (Kansas ), Stefan Jankovic (Missouri), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (Florida State), and Tanveer Bhullar (New Mexico St) who were in the fold.

Nevell Provo with former team Huntington Prep in 2012-13. Roster included fellow Canadians Andrew Wiggins and Xavier Mayes

As Provo joins Athlete’s Institute he leaves behind only 2015 6’5″ SF Montaque Gill Caeser. Who some say was also on the fence for a possible return to Canada. Despite speculation Fulford confirmed Gill-Caeser will return and reiterated he will always be a supporter of his former pupil Provo.

“Hopefully, the project they have started up there will work out for them. I am happy for Nevell and will continue to support him.”

As for Nevell’s own thoughts of his tenure in West Virginia, the proud point guard from Preston, Nova Scotia recollected

“I had a great experience at Huntington, I became not only a better basketball player but a better man. I learned what it was like to be away from family and friends, how to sacrifice, and just WORK hard.”

Provo also returned back some love to his former coach,

“Coach Rob is a good coach, he did a good job keeping guys together and building a family. He always got us motivated to work and pull our way through tough games. He’s also very hard working so we always had great scouting reports on other teams”.

 

Huntington Prep in 2011 featured six Canadians. Wiggins, Webster-Chan, Bhullar, Jankovic, Mayes and Provo.

When highlighting Huntington Prep one of the programs biggest assets is the strength and conditioning program led by Coach Chris Lane. Provo approved,

“Coach Chris is an absolute MONSTER. You can look at him and see. He really helped with the strength and conditioning. That’s something that’s really big to me, because im a bit undersized so i need to be stronger, quicker, and have more endurance than other guards. He helped us get that, giving us the proper workouts and meal plans to eat properly. “

Moving forward Provo will resume playing for his AAU bench boss coach Larry Blunt of the Athlete’s Institute. Provo shared his thoughts on his productive summer and his experience traveling with CIA Bounce’s 16U squad.

“We had a great summer, accomplished some big things. Finished top 4 in Peach Jam, and some finals in a few other big tournaments. Played well throughout the summer, Live in AC and the Caribana classic I feel I had my best showings.”

Scrappy point guard who will look to lead his team, and do whatever it takes to win is what you get in Nevell Provo. On the court expect lots of energy, leadership, making players around him better, hard nose defense, high IQ and a guard that can get in the lane, find teammates and knock down shots. Off the court is an area however where Provo is proud to admit he really tries hard to shine in.

“Life is bigger than ball. One day the ball has to stop bouncing. I feel a lot of basketball players get the mentality where they’re on top of the world and treat others like they’re below them. I’m a child of god, always trying to help others. A 4.0 student, always keep my grades first. Always happy, and smiling and trying to brighten someones day.” Provo’s comments cement his status as part of a dying breed, both a Canadian baller & scholar.

Shades of a well balanced, hardworking, young man trying to make the most out of life while enjoying every moment. Nevell returns home with interest from Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico St, San Diego St, Virginia Tech, St. Bonaventure, Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.

Marshall & Iowa offers are just scratching the surface for Provo offers.

Marshall & Iowa offers have just scratched the surface scholarship offers.

He confirmed outstanding offers from two schools already, “Most love from Iowa and Marshall, offers from both.” As for a timetable for his decision,”No date in mind yet, hopefully sometime in the fall of my senior year”

Provo left us entering the fall with one final thought. His satisfaction with his current AAU program CIA Bounce.

“It’s been a great journey with the program, I’ve been with them for 2 years now. The family they’ve built is unbreakable, I’ve met some brothers from this program. Everyone knows the level of basketball, we bring a team of Canadians and compete with the Americans every year.”

Yes they do, and now starting this fall on a prep school level, his brothers and him will continue the journey year round. Final rosters and schedules are yet to be announced for the Orangeville program but rest assured Nevell Provo will be a high level ball handler with a great deal of experience headlining the back court for Athlete’s Institute.