By: Corey Evans @coreyevans_10

At the NY2LA Futures Camp, there was one name that kept being uttered by nearly observer in attendance. Whether it was through draining a few 3s off of the pick and pop, rim running for the fastbreak dunk, or mixing it up on the interior, Nolan Narain was a beast of sorts, producing each and every time that he stepped out onto the hardwood in Milwaukee.

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, the recent transfer to La Lumiere has the makings of a potential blowup recruit in the coming months. What all is this kid about? Why not let him fill you in! “My best assets is that I am 6’10 and versatile so I can shoot the 3, handle the ball a little, but also can rebound, block shots, defend the paint and score inside very effectively. I am a good inside and outside scorer.” His shortcomings; a bit more dependent on his physical maturation than anything else. “I need to keep working on my strength and bang more on the inside. I grew up tall and lanky and am just putting on muscle now. Also working on my handling of the ball.”

2016 Nolan Narain (La Lumiere) photograped on right along side other top Canadian prospects Jamal Murray (Orangeville Prep) in middle and Howard Washington (Montverde) on left.

After making the move south of the border from his native Canada, Narain seems pretty optimistic about his transition to the US. “I like it here a lot. The first couple of weeks were a little tough getting transitioned to since the school is a little tougher than back home, but everything is going well. I feel like I fit in well here. It has great people. I like everything, academically and community wise.”

About to compete in his first games as a Laker this weekend, the past several weeks have been focused on his body and physical makeup. “We have been lifting regularly and working on leg work, agility, and box jumps.” While just a few months into his tangible preparations, Narain is already seeing his hard work pay off. “I am feeling good and a lot stronger and faster. Since I’ve been here, I have gotten more explosive.”

While most of his attention has been on the hardwood and with the weights, the high energy junior has a good understanding of what he exactly wants when it comes time to select a college to attend in two years. “I want to be able to get a great education as it is big for my family and I. Also if the program graduates its basketball guys, that I can be comfortable at for four years, if necessary, coaches that will give freedom and work within reason in being a stretch-4, and a place that will develop me.” Currently maintaining a 3.7 GPA and potentially majoring in business marketing, Narain still is a ways off from selecting a school as he remains open to new programs to enter into the fold.

La Lumiere finished #3 in America last season and are currently ranked top 10 by USA Today.

The UPlay Canada Elite prospect has garnered heavy attention from Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, LSU, Oregon, and could land a close eye from UCLA, of whom is expected in to see the La Lumiere group in the coming weeks. However, Narain’s recruitment does not just boast differing amounts of interest as American, Illinois, Kansas State, Gonzaga, Xavier, Dayton, UNC-Charlotte, Miami, and San Diego State have already offered. Of all those in contact, Narain did note that he felt as if Gonzaga, Illinois, Miami, and San Diego State have done the very best in making the Canadian big man feel wanted and needed.

Other than taking the ACT exam in December, nothing else is planned in the coming months for Narain. He could potentially take official visits at the beginning of the next calendar year, but that still remains in question. Regardless of the case, one should expect a lot more schools and programs to get heavily involved with the 2016 recruit who continues to louden the volume of talent that hails from the country that its flag beholds the mighty Maple Leaf.

Corey Evans is the East Coast Contributing Editor for NY2LASPORTS.COM and he is the editor for the Roundball Rundown Report. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyevans_10.