2017 Shakwon Barrett Is taking his his talents to Las Vegas (Findlay Prep)

Canadian talent Shakwon Barrett is on the move and he hopes to become the latest Grassroots Canada product to make his mark south of the border.

The 6-foot-3, point guard plans to play the 2014-15 high school basketball season at US powerhouse Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. Effective immediately.

He has played the past two seasons at Oakwood C.I. in Toronto, Ontario where he starred on the junior team and was also part of the roster that hoisted the 2014 OFSAA Boys “AAAA” Basketball Championship last March.

Barrett becomes the latest part of a new generation of Grassroots Canada players making a switch of school’s  south of the border. His AAU back court partner 2017 Lindell Wiggington enrolled at Oak Hill in September.

Even with this current high profile move, the floor general admits he still intends to improve his game. “Really want to improve on my defense, explosiveness, and strength.” Barrett told Hoops Hype Canada “I don’t plan to stop working anytime soon.”

(L to R) Young Cory Joseph & Myck Kabongo. Former Grassroots Canada point guards who played at Findlay Prep.

Barrett will be the first Grassroots Canada product to join the Pilots since NBA champion Corey Joseph, Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson and current free agent Myck Kabongo did in the late 2000’s.

Grassroots started the Canadian pipeline with Findlay back when Joseph went there as a sophomore.

Via email Grassroots Canada founder and coach Ro Russell reiterated the history between Grassroots & Findlay,

“We have a very good relationship with Findlay and they are a great model for elite HS academy programs.” He wrote. The illustrious Canadian AAU coach explained the significance of Shakwon’s switch of school’s,


“Going to a program like Findlay, Oak Hill or a Montverde could be a difference of a kid being ranked in the Top 50 or potentially becoming a McDonald’s All American,” Russell elaborated.

“One’s profile is raised immensely. A players potential and opportunities are maximized if they know how to take advantage of it.”

Grassroots Canada’s expertise in high school basketball has always been placement. In addition to the former Findlay trio the Toronto based development program has previously played a vital part in the career’s of a long list of Canadian talent, including Dwight Powell, Nik Stauskas & Brady Heslip. All of whom took their talents to America to finish their high school careers.

Why is Findlay a fit for Shakwon?

“There is a need for another elite guard and Shakwon can fill that role, timing is part of it too. He is a high major player and should benefit greatly, “ Russell wrote.

“Findlay has the support system, infrastructure and intangibles to help elite student athletes reach their goals, both academically and basketball wise. Their national schedule, developmental program, talent and private education financial backing give it the recipe for success.” Concluded Russell.

Barrett compares his game to Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley,

“In comparison to an NBA player, I think I play the most like a Mike Conley,” he said. “I like playing fast tempo, am good with finishing or finding players in transition. In half courts I’m good with getting paint touches, collapsing defenses and finding teammates. Also like the pick and roll game.”

Barrett now joins fellow Canadians; (UNLV letterman) 2016 Justin Jackson and recently appointed #1 2017 in Canada Oshae Brissett, both currently in the fold at Findlay. From winning tournament MVP’s and provincial championships on the Toronto high school scene – to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas – It’s official, Shakwon Barrett is taking his talent’s to Findlay Prep.