Category Archives: NCAA

Sim Bhullar & Raptors A Perfect Marriage

Posted on by

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.

25 Canadians In March Madness

Posted on by

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

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

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

7’1″ Link Kabadyundi Sweeptakes 1.0

Posted on by

20140130-054311.jpg

2014 Canadian 7-footer Link Kabadyundi’s (Alma Academy) stock is on the rise. After a 2013 Nike Global Games invite last summer the towering young Montreal center has followed it up that with some fine form travelling on an American circuit with Alma Academy (QC).

Basketball runs deep in the Kabadyundi family. He has a father who played for Zaire (Rep.Dem. of Congo), an older brother who played D1 & now professionally abroad, a sister that just received a 2015 scholarship to Providence and little brother Jordy who is playing high school ball in New England poised to be a top 10 ranked 2016 talent by summer’s end.

When Link was reached by email and asked about who he models his game after the Montreal big man was willing to share his thoughts,

Link Kabadyundi

2014 7’1″ Link Kabadyundi native of Montreal, QC.

“When I think of the great big man in the game one of the players that I look up to is Andrew Bogut because not only he uses his size well but brings much to his team offensively and defensively which I find important playing both ends. He is also a great facilitator for his team. Also I like Kevin Garnett, like KG I’m trying to integrate the jumper into my offensive game alongside my post moves.” Link Kabadyundi wrote.

The seven footers stock started to rise after older brother Yannick began handling his recruiting. Yannick is a Boston native while his younger siblings reside in Montreal, Quebec.

“I’m in the loop now as far as where he can go and what he can do, I just want to be very clear and make sure things are done the right way…In this business, word can get spread around what is good or bad so quickly before you can catch it.”  Yannick told Hoops Hype Canada.

Link’s play has helped garner serious interest among the likes of  Buffalo, Minnesota, New Mexico State and Providence who’ve all been linked with Link’s recruiting sources told Hoops Hype Canada. Yannick would not confirm or deny reports.

Asked about why Link hasn’t regularly played for Team Canada and Yannick responded,

 “How come Canada isn’t talking with me about Link? I strongly believe after I’m done putting together this whole school package for Link, to have him in the right program and develop him as a big guy, Canada’s going to regret overlooking him.”  Yannick explained.

“I’m kind of disappointed what Canada as a whole has brought to the table. When I have Canadian AAU programs call me am I supposed to just jump and run to them because my brothers are Canadian? I have no disrespect to the folks in Canada but I have reason to question their ability to get the job done.” Added Yannick.

Link Kabadyundi

Kabadyundi in action for Alma

Despite skepticism from Yannick about Link’s development north of the border, Link did earn a Nike Global Games invite. Nike Representitives saw Link play in Montreal with Alma and with Canada in search for a big after Trey Lyles pulled out, Global Challenge staff discussed the possibility of Kabadyuni filling the roster and Link was given his shot.

Reviews from DC that weekend were that Link was a legit 7-footer who ran the floor well but struggled with foul trouble all weekend and played limited minutes as a result. Despite the honour to be invited older brother Yannick likes to look at the bigger picture,

Even though it’s pretty big to be there, kids get better when they get developed. I’m always into developing the kids. You don’t want to throw him out with the wolves without developing him. I feel Canada as a whole basketball community failed to maximize Link’s ability to develop. Nobody cared to find out who Link’s father was, because his Dad would’ve said ‘Hey, I got my son down there in the States. You guys need to contact him about this basketball situation’.

Elaborating on Link, older brother Yannik shot down any health concerns too,

“Let’s set the record straight, Link does not have any health problem. It’s all 100%. Only thing with Link is to continue developing and growing as a player. Now that I have him under my wing, our primary goal is to get him to a good Academic and athletic program. And after 4years of playing D1 ball, I believe Link will have enough tools to play Pro.

IMG_3564[1]

Yannick is concerned about Canadian basketball development but at the same token the thought of Link Kabadyundi the Olympian he is all for too,

“I would love for my brother to play for the National team. It would be an honor. Brazil 2016, he’ll be ready to earn it”  Yannick reiterated.

At the next level, with added strength Link should be able to establish deep post position with ease. If he develops a consistent mid-range jumper, he’ll be an above-average NCAA center who can impact the game on both sides of the ball.  Length and athleticism are in ABUNDANCE. With no shortage of bulk and shot blocking ability look out for Link Kabadyundi. The big man is a late-bloomer, but his combination of shot-blocking and offensive skills makes him an intriguing option for any coach south of the border.

FREE THROWS

‘Leaders Of Canadian Hoops’ North Pole Hoops a national recruiting service in Canada has Link rated 66th in Canada amongst his 2014 class. After Trey Lyles, Chris Egi & Jabari Carig we couldnt think of any other big fellas even in the same conversation.

Follow Link Kabadyundi on his journey on twitter at @Kabadyundi

Follow Hoops Hype Canada on twitter at @HoopsHypeCa

 

Egi: ‘Can Be Better, Will Be Better’

Posted on by


SPRINGFIELD, MA- Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a great day for Cliff Alexander [Curie (IL)] and for the reputation of Chicago basketball.

Kansas class of 2014 commit, Chicago native 6’9-240-pound Alexander was sensational in Curie’s 73-69 stunner of previously unbeaten Montverde (Fla.). A loss that ended a impressive two-year, 23-game winning streak for Montverde.

Alexander showed the nation he can shoot free throws (8-for-8) and pass out of double-teams while scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking five shots. He scored 13 points in the final five minutes and even made two clinching free throws with 17 seconds remaining.

Curie trailed by 12 points in the fourth quarter and still beat the nation’s No. 1 team. Condors came from behind with a 15-0 run after trailing 59-47 early in the fourth quarter.

Chris Egi vs Cliff Alexander

Among insiders entering this battle it was always a ‘David vs Goliath’ match up for Montverde’s lone Canadian Chris Egi. Markham, Ontario native Egi only scored 2 points despite being a double digit scoring threat all season long.

For example, Cliff Alexander entering Mondays showcase was a top-5 2014 class talent in America.

Egi was the 100th-best prospect and 11th-best center in the 2015 class. Recently Egi chose to reclassify into the class of 2014 and made himself eligible to play next season after commiting to Harvard.

In 2013-14 Egi has played well transitioning schools from north to south of the border. Coach Kevin Boyle recently mentioned Egi as the most improved player on his squad. One that consists of a collection of all-stars ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Today.

Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle giving Chris Egi instructions.

 

About the Monday performance, Egi told Hoops Hype Canada reporters via text,

“Yeah it was a tough one he [Cliff Alexander] played great (and) we didn’t I didn’t” Egi admitted.

Also reiterating nothing to be concerned about,

“I can be better I will be better.”

 

 

Rematch Different Story?

Do you think Curie would of beaten Montverde, or perhaps Egi and his Eagles would’ve had a better performance if they didnt play 4 games in the same weekend?

Egi protecting the Canadian rim vs Team USA at the 2013 U19 World Championships.

Some food for thought…

Montverde did play 4 games in 5 days and had to travel from Missouri (Bass Pro Shop Championships) to Massachusetts (Spalding Hoop Hall Classic). Fresh off lifting a crown, 36 hours they went down to the wire in a showcase game on national television.

NCAA scout on the specific Egi vs Alexander matchup,

“You put him [Chris Egi] up against Cliff (Alexander) in different circumstances I don’t think Alexander would of dominted like he did.”

Adding “One thing ill say about Egi he is a great defender and is one of the reasons Montverde has been great all year, yesterday was not him.”

Hmmm

The Marathon continues for Montverde & Egi.

Follow Chris Egi on twitter during his  journey to Harvard and beyond.

Follow Montverde Basketball on twitter on their quest to a national championship.

Follow Hoops Hype Canada on twitter for round-the-clock coverage of Canadian hoops.

McKnight Drops 13 Points At Hoop Hall

Posted on by

Admire his ambition.  Or at the very least his competitive juices.

Kamar McKnight

2015 6’3″ Southpaw Kamar McKnight in his St.Bens digs

2015 6’3” Kamar McKnight of St. Benedict’s is pissed off for greatness and with a new found home in Newark, New Jersey he’s ready to make himself a household name back in Canada.  Just ask Gray Bee’s assistant Art Pierson.

“Spirit wise he’s a high motor type of guy for us. Were very excited to have him and the most important part about Kamar to us at St. Benedicts is he is only a junior. We’re going to do some real good things with Kamar.” Said Coach Pierson in preparation for the Hoop Hall Classic.

Not even ranked by the so called ‘Leader of Canadian Basektball” North Pole Hoops, the Toronto native is looking beyond national rankings back home. Such as high school success that will take him to the next level. So far so good, after a eye opening AAU circuit, and a transition from St. Patrick’s to St. Benedict’s the Canadian southpaw is showing significant strides south of the border.

“ Combo guard and he’s a lefty. Defensively he knows where his rotations are. I guess when he came back from St. Patrick’s they did some good work with him. His defense on the ball is very, very impressive. Strong rebounder too ” Coach shared when asked to describe the play of Kamar McKnight.

Kamar McKnight with Gray Bee’s alumni New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith

With a game like James Harden standing 6’3’ sky is the limit. Only thing holding him back is optimal health. Something that is bound to some slowly but surely.

“He is coming back from the pre season injury so sometimes he get’s winded. He’s a solid young man. With that and missing the pre season because of injury he’s a bit behind and could be a bit step slower than usual. But thats the only downside to his game,” admitted Pierson.

At the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic McKnight and his Gray Bee’s went up against Arlington Country Day of Jacksonville, Florida who (ACD) boasts four senior commits. What does the caliber of competition and platform mean to Kamar? Hoops Hype Canada caught up with the south paw for a respsonse,

“Its great participating in such a great event where many great players have played in” “ Mcknight makes aware of the greats that have participated in the past (Durant, Irving etc).

2014 HoopHall Classic. St. Bens vs ACD.

After dropping 13 points in a tight loss to Arlington Country Day, an NCAA certfied scout watching Kamar told Hoops Hype Canada they approved of his ‘effective game, using his body to create space and draw contact in the lane.’

On the 2013-14 season, the Toronto native is gaining confident as each game passes,

Kamar McKnight

Class of 2015 6’3″ Kamar McKnight pictured playing for Grassroots Canada this summer.

“With our season I see us getting better everytime we step on the floor. Individually I feel I’m becoming a great leader and scoring the ball great to help the team. Also happy to be shooting 80%+ from the line which is a big improvement for me”  the well spoken and motivated McKnight shared.

Entering Sunday’s fixture St. Benedict’s were 12-2. Not bad for team who lost four starters and only had one returning player. With players like Kamar arriving on the season and making contributions early and often he has fit quite nicely for the Gray Bee’s.

“I think that with Kamar’s work ethic and the way that his leadership skills are, his qualities and the way he shoots the ball were going to be fine against Arlington Country Day.” Said a confident coach.

“Were just happy, happy with our guys the way they’re coming around and understanding what Coach Taylor is demanding, and they’re starting to execute and were having fun.”

When asked if Kamar McKnight regularly starts Coach Pierson hesitated to say so but did give the notion that McKnight plays a large part to their success,

“All depends on our matchups, and how we prepared the last couple of days. But a player like Kamar  lfor example if he doesn’t start a lot of times, he still ends up at the end of the day leading our team in scoring. So not pre mature to say that he will be in our top six rotation”

Already on the table as a junior are offers from both VCU and Colorado. Two programs who’ve been in the Top 25 polls allready in 2013-14. The calibre of college programs knocking on Kamar’s door reflects the rise in his stock since he took his talents south. Keep an eye on man with a plan. You heard it here first. Kamar McKnight.

St. Bens Assistant: Ennis A Lottery Pick

Posted on by

No secret in grassroots basketball that St Benedict Prep produces top basketball talent. Located in Newark, New Jersey Head coach Mark Taylor, assistant coach Bob Farell and Art Pierson, have done another masterful coaching job at St. Benedict Prep.

Hoops Hype Canada casught up with Art Pierson the assistant at St.Benedicts who is ranked the # 1 prep basketball team in New York State and was  # 2 in the country in 2012-13.

Last year led by none other then Brampton, Ontario point guard Tyler Ennis. Who was accompanied by fellow Canadians Isaiah Watkins, Denzell Taylor and Tyrell Bellot Green. So is Pierson suprised with Ennis?  A freshman for Syracuse who facilitates the current 17-0 Orangemen ranked at the top of the NCAA ranks.

Syracuse Orangemen diper dandy Tyler Ennis

“Tyler to me looks the same way at Syracuse like he did at St.Benedicts. What I mean by that, you go from playing in a gym at St. Benedict’s in front of 50-100 people then to a gym with twenty thousand and he doesn’t get rattled. That’s Tyler. He’s a special, special young man and we are very, very proud of him.” Art Pierson shared via telephone.

The Toronto Star recently wrote a piece with a story Mark Taylor shared. It was two years ago, in Ennis’s junior year at St. Benedict’s preparatory school in Newark, N.J.. An opposing player stripped Ennis of the ball and scored. On his way back up court, the player clapped in Ennis’s face.

Ennis didn’t say a word — didn’t even react — his former coach recalled.

“Tyler speaks for himself, what he’s doing at Syracuse is no surprise to us. I spent alot of time with Tyler and it was a joy. Academically he was sound, athletically he was sound, and his demeanour on the floor has not changed.” Pierson added.

Ennis here as senior at St.Benedicts

When asked to compare Ennis to past point guards Pierson has coached, including Duke’s Jayson Williams the New York native assisstant to Mark Taylor offered this,

“2 different games.  But Tyler will definitely be a lottery pick. Maybe even this year and so was Jayson Williams.” 

Ennis was the first Canadian Pierson had the privilage to coach, then came Isaiah Watkins, Tyrell Bellot Green, Denzell Taylor and now this year Kamar McKnight. Asked for what the Canadian ballers all have in common and Pierson responded,

“I met Tyler two years ago, we had Denzell Taylor (ODU) Isaiah  Watkins (Duquense) Tyrell Bellot Green (Juco),  and now Kamar McKnight. For the five that we’ve had were very very pleased with. They come over and they’re willing to work. To do whatever it needs and takes.” sounds like some tunnel vision for the next level. Canadians playing competitive New York high school basketball and recieving compliments. You gotta love it.

Teki 13 & 9 vs Prime Prep

Posted on by

In a showdown of two top 25 teams in American HS basketball #24 Prime Prep (TX) & #25 Huntington Prep (WV), it was the boys from West Virginia who were victorious Saturday night in Springfield, MA.

Collage of Huntington Prep photos. Montague Gill Caeser photographed in the middle. Vaughan native is a Kentucky target for the class of 2014.

Tossing it up at the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Of Fame Classic, one of the marquee High School Basketball events in America, Huntington Prep knocked off Prime Prep 52-48. Prime Prep the only team from Texas to be ranked nationally in the top 25 is owned by Deion Sanders the former NFL/MLB star nicknamed Prime Time. They also boast one of the best guards in America. Emmanuel Mudiay the Southern Methodist Mustangs commit who will be coached next year by hall of fame coach Larry Brown.

“Was great team effort on defense. Mudiay best guard in the country and it took everyone to make it difficult on him tonight.” Head coach Rob Fulford told HHC about the big win on a big stage.”  Emmanuel Mudiay finished with 20 points, for Prime Prep.

Huntington got a strong contribution from Vaughan, Ontario’s 2015 6’6″ SF Montague Gill Caeser who led Huntington with an efficient 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting in addition to 9 rebounds. Enhancing his reputation as an elite small forward in his class.

Huntington (W.Va.) Montaque Gill-Caesar doesn’t mind the comparisons to teammate Andrew Wiggins, but he has aspirations of being even better. / RD Phifer

“He played very well. Was great on the glass and on defense. Made open shots. He was solid as usual.” Coach Fulford added.

According to the Phenoms Hoops Report Gill Ceasar aka displayed a strong build to go along with his perimeter skill set. He made shots, mostly in the mid range and rebounded his position very well. Also appointing him MVP

Prime Prep (Tx) 48

Huntington Prep (WV) 52

Prime Prep Scoring
Emmanuel Mudiay 20, Terrence Ferguson 13, Micah Seaborn 11, Paul Washington 4

Huntington Prep Scoring
Montaque Gill-Caesar 13, JaQuan Lyle 11, Thomas Bryant 11, Miles Bridges 10, Josh Perkins 4, Jalen Lindsey

VIDEO Huntington Prep vs. Prime Prep highlights from HoopHall Classic 2014 

Next up for Huntington Prep they head to Dayton, Ohio, for a Monday matchup at Flyin’ To The Hoop against Cleveland Central Catholic. On January 25, the Irish play in the Dunk4Diabetes event at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, against Cleveland Shaker Heights.

Chris Egi Lift’s Crown: MVA 18-0

Posted on by

The Montverde Academy (Fla.) Eagles were not going to lose in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions title game two years in a row.

After losing to Paul VI 69-67 in an overtime thriller last year, the Eagles returned to Springfield in 2014 and left with the Tournament of Champions crown.

Chris Egi pictured in the semi final slamming it down. Photo Courtesy of Ozone.

Chris Egi and his Montverde Eagles extended their unbeaten record to 18-0 by adding another trophy to their allready loaded trophy case. MVA took down Memphis (Tenn.) White Station 73-60 in the T of C title game Saturday night, a matchup of two teams ranked in the top 15 nationally by MaxPreps.

10,065 fans were on hand at JQH Arena for the championship game. The 3-day total was around 25,000, according to Springfield Publics School athletics director and T of C director Mark Fisher.

Canadian Chris Egi collected 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting. Egi is that type of big man that beats everybody up the floor. Perfect on both ends of a press. 6’9″ athlete whose athleticism can handle the full court press fantasticly. His athleticism makes his switches, constant guarding and staying in front of his man on defense easy and as a end result a luxury for his team.

Head coach Kevin Boyle recently told American media he is proud of the 17 year old that transferred to Montverde Academy from St. Andrews College in the greater Toronto area.

Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle talks with Chris Egi.

Since arriving in Florida late last August, Coach Boyle has recently mentioned the Markham, Ontario native as the most improved player on his team.

News of a quick learning curve is music to the ears of Canadian supporters and the Harvard basketball brass. Harvard is where Egi will make contributions for the Crimson starting in September of 2014. Next stop for Egi and his Eagles is the 2014 HoopHall Classic.

The nations top ranked team has an early flight on Sunday to Springfield, MA where on Monday on ESPNU it will face no.6 Curie and its Mr.Basketball USA candidate center Cliff Alexander.

Montverde is great in transition but underneath doesn’t have the brute power defensively it did last season so it will be interesting to see how the Eagles slow down Alexander. Bets are Chris Egi will be instrumental. Either way they’ll also be playing against their second top 10 nationally ranked team in less then 36 hours half way across the country Has the makings of a intersting Monday.

Montverde 73, White Station 60

MV 19 13 17 24 — 73

WS 18 12 11 19 — 60

Zabo, Egi Represent 2014′s In Springfield

Posted on by

Only 2 of 10 Canadians participatong at the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic are 2014`s and both are committed to D1 schools next September. Ironiclly both are alumni’s and ambassadors for the Canadian power house AAU program CIA Bounce.

Meet Kevin Zabo & Chris Egi:

Name: Kevin Zabo aka General Of Gatineau
Ht: 6’2″ Position: Point Guard AAU: CIA Bounce
Hometown: Gatineau, QC
High School: Brewster Academy
Interested Colleges: Committed to San Diego State

 ”It’s always an honour to be invited to one of the best tournaments in the nation like Hoop Hall. This will be my third year going so i’ll have a little bit more experience and I know what to expect in terms of the level of competition.” - Kevin Zabo on Hoop Hall.

According to Rivals.com, Zabo committed to the Aztecs over offers from West Virginia, Iowa State, Illinois and George Washington and with high interest from Uconn and Villanova

“My season is going well so far. We are playong really well as a group. As for me I’ve been playing good. I’m mainly focusing on getting ready for college next year so there`s not a day where I dont work hard so I can be ready for the next level.” -Kevin Zabo on 2013-14 season 

Name: Chris Egi aka The Valedictorian
Ht: 6’9″ Position: Forward/Center
AAU: CIA Bounce
Hometown: Markham, ON
High School: Montverde Academy
Interested Colleges: Committed to Harvard

“Ì think its a blessing to be able to participate. Just to have a chance to go up against top notch talent from around the country. That competition is what the games all about and I love it. For me that`s fun.” Chris Egi on Hoop Hall.

17 year old Chris Egi chose the Crimson of Harvard for college. Perfect match for his 4.53 GPA and 97% average.

“We are having a great season as a team being number 1 in America and undefeated and we hope to continue that, Individually I just want to help win games!“ Chris Egi on 2013-14

Before Egi arrives in Hoops City he will have some business in Springfield, MO. Home of the Bass Pro Championships. The most attended tourment in high school basketball. Games wrap up on Saturday night.

Follow  Hoops Hype CA on twitter to be kept posted on how these two studs do.

Sunday 6:30 – Wilbarham & Monson vs Brewster Academy

followed by

Monday 3:30 – Curie vs Montverde Academy

Dozen Canadians Present At Hoop Hall

Posted on by

11 Canadians will have the privelage to particpiate in the 2014 Hoop Hall Classic held at the home of the Basketball Hall Of Fame in Springfield, ON.

Class of 2014:

6’2″ PG Kevin Zabo, Brewster
6’9″ C Chris Egi, Montverde
6’7″ F Connor Gilmore, Cushing Academy

Class of 2015:

6’6″ SF Montague Gill Caeser, Huntington Prep
6’3″ CG Kamar McKnight, St.Benedicts Prep
6’6″ SF Dillon Brooks, Findlay Prep
6’2″ PG Tyronn King, Arlington Country Day
6`0`PG Munis Tutu, La Lumiere

Class of 2016:

6’7″ G/F Justin Jackson, Findlay
6’2″ PG Nate Darling, DeMatha

Class of 2017:

6’6″ F Jerome Desrosiers, Northfield Mount Hermon
6’6″ F Oshae Brissett, Findlay

In 2012 , seven alumni of the high school invitational put on by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame were selected in the first round of the NBA draft. In 2013? Nine former Hoophall ballers were drafted in the first round, including the first and second picks.

No. 1 overall Anthony Bennett was injured and did not participate as a junior or senior when Findlay College Prep was present.

Like last year, the year before and the previous nine years before that, the 2014 Hoophall Classic, to be held Jan. 16-20, will feature many of the top teams and players in the country.

In a nutshell some top schools headed to the Hoophall Classic include Montverde Academy (Fla.), Findlay Prep (Nev.), Oak Hill (Va.), Prime Prep Academy (Texas), Mater Dei (Calif.) and St. Anthony (N.J.).

SCHEDULE

Saturday
12:00 – Putnam vs Woodstock Academy
1:30 – Springfield Central vs Albany Academy
3:00 – Bishop O’Connell vs Rainier Beach
4:30 – Lincoln vs Yates
6:00 – St. Frances Academy vs St. John Bosco
8:00 – Huntington Prep vs Prime Prep

Sunday
11:00 – Kimball Union vs Northfield Mount Hermon
12:30 – Cushing Academy vs Worcester Academy
2:00 – St. Benedict’s vs Arlington Country Day
3:30 – Our Savior New American vs LaLumiere School
5:00 – DeMatha vs St. Joseph
6:30 – Wilbarham & Monson vs Brewster Academy

Monday *ESPNU will broadcast four games on Monday from the Hoophall Classic*
9:45 – St. Anthony vs Paul VI
11:30 – Wesleyan Christian vs Findlay Prep
1:30 – Oak Hill vs Whitney Young
3:30 – Curie vs Montverde Academy 
5:30 – St. John Neumann-Maria Goretti vs Mater Dei

Quality Hoop Hall Reads:

Triano: I was Miserable in TO

Posted on by

Current Canadian Senior Mens National Team head coach Jay Triano, now an assistant with Portland recently opened up about his tenure in Toronto. More specifically time spent as head coach. In a feature posted on Blazers.com Triano told Casey Holdhal the Blazers beat writer “Right now I am at one of the happiest moments in my life,” said Triano. “I love Portland, I love my role here, I love this team, I love the people I work with. And when I look back to being a head coach, I didn’t feel like this. I love coming in here every single day. I know in Toronto it was a little bit of a different situation and I had been there for 10 years in different capacities. I look back and I was miserable as a head coach. A lot of it has to do with the pressure but a lot of it has to do with the fact that, when you’re a head coach, there’s a lot less basketball. That was the biggest difference. I did less basketball as a head coach than I do as an assistant.”

Jay Triano all smiles as assistant coach in Portland.

Makes you wonder how he feels about controlling the sideline with Team Canada. The Raptors have long struggled to shake off the ‘losing’ label that’s haunted them since Vince Carter departed in 2004. In other words nobody expects the Raptors to win a championship, 50 games let alone clinch a top 4 seed in the East. But Canada? Different story.

Last Summer in Venezuela Canada failed to secure a ticket to the 2014 World Cup this September in Spain. A major set back for a nation who’s growing basketball prowess was starting to garner global attention. The failures at the FIBA Americas was devestating for supporters but is still salvageable if Canada can claim 1 of 4 wild card spots allocated in March later this year. A shady system FIBA uses that most experts think with a Andrew Wiggins verbal agreement to participate Canada is all but assured at this point to be taking their talents to Spain this September.

Coach Triano has decisions to make both in the front court and back court.

Up front Tristan Thompson and Andrew Nicholson patrolled the post in Venezuela. In addition to Anthony Bennett and Kelly Olynyk added to the mix now are:

In the back court the call get’s even tougher. Highly doubt Corey Joseph has the same back up corps as last summer. Pick your Phillip Scrubb & Junior Cadougan replacements.

At the wing spot is where Canada was critiscised most last summer. A position many back home thought belonged to Michigan sophmore Nik Stauskus. Consensus around basketball circles was Stauskus turned down the opportunity in early summer time to join Canada’s University squad that travelled to Russia. Stauskus wanted to meet personal goals of adding strength to his frame in order to improve his case as an NBA prospect but had the senior team stint a personal goal also. Triano following the last game in Venezuela said the non invite to participate with Team Canada late in the summer was something Michigan head coach Jim Beiliene and Triano agreeed on mutually and the late summer snub was not related at all to Stauskus’ personal decison to skip the  early summer tour of duty for the Canucks,

“Nik is part of our program. He was at our camp last year (2012). This year he had a couple of health things that he needed to take care of to get ready for his year at Michigan thats why he didnt participate on the student team that went to Russia or the team that went to China earlier this summer. He is definately in our plans and a guy we definately think can be part of this program.” reiterated Triano. When directly asked if he was invited to the Senior camp in August Triano spoke candid, “No he was not invited in August, he made it clear at the begginning of the summer that he would be staying the summer working with the coaches in Michigan. I had a great chance to speak with his coach John Beiliene who was coaching as an assitant for the U.S. team while we were in Russia. We spent alot of time talking about Nik and his future with the Canadian program. We both agreed this summer wasn’t a good summer for Nik as far as taking care of his bodyso he could play a injury free season next year at the University of Michigan.” 

Considering how scoring was an issue that plagued the programs success it was suprising that Stauskus was not invited. Moving forward Canadians can be optimistic and hopeful Stauskus and freshman phenom Andrew Wiggins can fill the scoring void on the international level at the wing.

Eagles Enter #1, Egi Ready For Alexander

Posted on by

Montverde has had a remarkably quick rise to the top of the high school basketball world under coach Kevin Boyle, now in his third year in Florida.

Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle talks with Chris Egi during the team’s practice on on Thursday Nov. 14, 2013.

Fresh off a crown at the Pro Bass Shop Tournament of Champions earlier this weekend the Eagles arrive in Springfield, MA 18-0-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today ahead of Monday’s marquee clash with  Curie (Illinois). MVA destroyed Oak Ridge (Orlando) in their last game, 93-57, behind Bend Simmons’ 22 points and seem poised to put up a strong effort in this one.

Eagles are led by 5-star junior Ben Simmons, who is considered one of the better players in the Class of 2015 and also feature Markham, Ontario native & Harvard bound big man Chris Egi. On Martin Luther King Day Monday Egi will have the tall task of slowing down the Currie Condors elite power forward Cliff Alexander. Who is the No.3 overall player in the class of 2014. His condors are 13-1 and Cliff has been the catalyst for their success.

Montverde Academy’s Chris Egi lets out a scream after dunking the ball during their game against Abraham Lincoln High School.

Alexander dropped 29 points and 17 rebounds in his last outing, a 75-59 shellacking of North Chicago. He’s been absolutely terrifying for defenders to try and stop, something that has rarely happened this season.

This weekend marks both a challenge Chris relishes and a playing stage he will cherish. Texting from Florida Tuesday night Egi explained,

“I think its a blessing to be able to participate. Just to have a chance to go up against top notch talent from around the country. That competition is what the games all about and I love it. For me thats fun” said the future Crimson Tide who commmited to Harvard this past fall.

“In terms of Cliff (Alexander) he’s a great player. I respect his game and I’m just going to go out there and compete. I know he’ll do the same” said the former St.Andrew’s College and CIA Bounce stand out.

“Individually I just want to help win games” Egi reiterated. “But the event is about the team and not any individual match ups. We are having a great season as team, are undefeated and we just hope to continue that”

As for his first season off the court in Florida? Nicknamed the “Valedictorian” amongst Canadian basketball fans, get this, the team player and model student athlete owns a stellar 4.53 gpa and 97 percent average. Moving forward to the next level he is a physical player who competes with a ton of energy on both sides of the court and should be able to make an immediate impact for Harvard in the Ivy League.

Since taking his talents South Egi has only enhaced his reputation of soft hands, quick feet with tremendous instincts around the basket. Keep on going Chris, sky is the limit.

Teki & H-Prep All Set For HHClassic

Posted on by

Huntington Prep head coach Rob Fulford returned to the sidelines Tuesday night after missing two games to be with his wife, Stephanie, in preparation for the birth of their daughter, Brooklyn.

In Fulford’s return to the bench Huntington Prep continued it’s winning ways at home by defeating Alice Lloyd College JV team 116-63.

2015 6’6″ F Montague Gill Caeser (Huntington Prep) also plays on the AAU circuit for CIA Bounce.

Undeclared Canadian 2015 6’6″ F Montague Gill Caeser aka Teki from Vaughn, Ontario registered 18 points 10 rebounds. meanwhile his counterpart a top five 2014 class point guard Josh Perkins collected 10 points and 15 assists.

Coach Fulford approved Gill Caeser’s performance, “He was good, Missed some in the paint not going through contact but overall played very well.” head coach of Huntington told Hoops Hype Canada.

Up next the Irish head to the Spalding Hoop Hall Classic, played at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

Huntington Prep will meet up with Prime Prep (Texas). Last season the teams met at the Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling and Prime Prep’s 59-46 victory knocked the then-No. 1 team nationally from the unbeaten ranks.

In the latest XCellent 25 released by MaxPreps, Prime Prep is No. 24 while Huntington Prep is No. 25.

“We are both in the same situation,” Fulford told the Herald Dispatch during preparation “We’ve both had tough schedules and have dropped some games. This becomes a huge game.” Coach Fulford also reiterated his squad remembered last years defeat “And there’s no question it’s a revenge game for us. It’s a different season and different group, but we don’t get to create rivalries very often because of the nature of showcases and scheduling. This one had that type of feel last year with all the talk surrounding it.”

As for the Gill Caeser the Kentucky Wildcat target whom John Calapari has encouraged to reclassify for next fall (2014) has also drawn Duke’s interest according to his head coach. That said he will participate in his second consecutive Hoop Hall Classic with his Huntington squad and its something he cherishes.

“I’m excited to play in it for the second year in a row.” The Vaughan, Ontario native shared Tuesday night with HHC “The Hoop Hall tourney is really fun. All the best talent in high school is there so it makes it a very competitive atmosphere which is what you need as a player”  explained Teki.

Gill-Caesar’s spotlight last summer grew because of stellar play. For example he was named International Co-MVP at the 2013 Nike Global Challenge, sharing the honors with fellow Canadian Chris Egi. Gill-Caesar went for 18 points and 11 rebounds in the fifth-place game against Pan Africa.

As for his current 16-4-0 campaign in West Virginia, Teki talks candidly. “Our season is going well just a few losses that we could’ve taken care of. Individually its going well…I’m getting the shots that I want and am playing better defense”. said the former Vaughan Secondary School OFSAA champion.

Scouting Report on Montague Gill Caeser:

Gill-Caesar is a big wing guard that cam finish on the break and knock down open shots with three point range. He rebounds well for a perimeter player and does a good job on the defensive end with his ability to defend both wing positions given his good size. -ESPN

Consensus on College:

Gill-Caeser will likely attempt to reclassify to 2014 and join fellow Canadian Trey Lyles and the likes of 7 footer Karl Towns making up the 2014 Wildcats recruiting class or return back to the Canada. Speculation in September was he seriously contemplated a return home and the opportunity to play with the revamped Athlete Institute Prep program in Orangeville, Ontario. -HoopsHypeCA

 

Battle Of Future Canada PG’s

Posted on by

BOSTON- Tonight marks a highly anticipated point guard battle between two Canadian floor generals. QC’s Olivier Hanlan and his Boston College Eagles challenge ON’s Tyler Ennis & his undefeated Syracuse Orangemen.

Not only has Syracuse not dropped a decision in 16 games this season, but it has also made quite an entrance into the ACC with a 3-0 league ledger, after stifling traditional power North Carolina for a 57-45 win on Saturday. This is just the third true road test of the season for the Orange, who return to the comforts of the Carrier Dome next to take on Pittsburgh.

Boston College will be trying to build upon a 62-59 road triumph over Virginia Tech from this past Saturday. The victory ended a four-game losing streak for the Eagles, who are just 5-14 overall.

Olivier Hanlan (left) vs Tyler Ennis (right) Round 1 tonight. Round 2 at Syracuse is Feb.19

Tyler Ennis (11.6 ppg, 5.7 apg, 2.6 spg) leads the ACC in steals while ranking third in assists.

Normally, Olivier Hanlan (19.5 ppg) is the player pushing the pace for Boston College, as the sophomore guard ranks second in the ACC in scoring, and after netting 14 points against Virginia Tech, has scored in double figures in all but one game this season

Tonight’s Hanlan – Ennis showdown is a reflection of point guard excellence Canadians continue to produce.

Last summer’s point guard crop for Team Canada was Spurs PG Cory Joseph, Carelton University’s Phill Scrubb & Marquette graduate now playing in Europe Junior Cadougan.

Left to Right: Cory Joseph, Phillip Scrubb, Junior Cadougan.

Left to Right: Kenny Chery, Kevin Pangos, Kevin Zabo

If Canada can claim a Wildcard for the 2014 World Cup hosted by Spain this September many have both Hanlan & Ennis arguably 2nd & 3rd on the depth charts. Not far behind chomping the bid are Baylor’s Kenny Chery (10.9 ppg, 5.6 apg), Gonzaga’s Kevin Pangos (17.2 ppg, 4 apg) & San Diego State bound/ CIA Bounce stand out Kevin Zabo. It’s safe to say that the Canadian PG situation is looking very bright.

Ennis Brothers Collide

Posted on by

Special to Hoops Hype Canada by Adam Zagoria.

Tony McIntyre still remembers the day that his 7-year-old son, Dylan Ennis, was winning a blowout basketball game for the Brampton (Ontario) Blue Devils and one of the officials jokingly suggested they “put the little kid in.”

The “little kid” was 5-year-old Tyler Ennis.

“We put him in and he subbed into the game and kind of watched and played along,” recalled McIntyre, the boys’ father and longtime coach with the CIA Bounce AAU program. “It started out as a joke and then it was like, ‘Hey, he can actually play here.’”

The Ennis boys’ basketball careers have now progressed to the point where each will play for an undefeated team on Saturday at 2 p.m. when Dylan and No. 8 Villanova (11-0) visit Tyler and No. 2 Syracuse (11-0). That game will precede No. 6 Louisville visiting No. 18 Kentucky at 4 p.m. Both games are on CBS.

“They never played each other, so this is the first time,” McIntyre said with a laugh of the Tyler vs. Dylan showdown.

So how does it feel to be the father of two sons who are a combined 22-0 with the calendar about to turn to 2014?

“It’s amazing,” he said. “It’s just a testament to those teams’ hard work and those guys’ ability to fit into what their teams expect of them.”

McIntyre said so many family and friends were interested in attending that game that he would have to somehow score 30-50 tickets.

And those folks won’t be seeing benchwarmers, either.

A 19-year-old freshman point guard, Tyler is averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds for the No. 2 Orange.

A sophomore guard, Dylan, who turns 22 on Thursday, is averaging 9.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the No. 8 Wildcats.

Each has been a major reason for his team’s success.

After Tyler went for 21 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds in Syracuse’s 68-63 win over St. John’s last Sunday, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said:

“He’s a very, very smart player. As a freshman point guard, he’s playing better than anybody I’ve ever had and I’ve had just a few pretty good freshman point guards [Pearl Washington, Adrian Autry, Jason Hart and Gerry McNamara].

“He’s really been unbelievable. If he played like a normal freshman, we’d be about 7-3 probably right now.”

Dylan, meantime, averaged 12 points when Villanova won the Battle 4 Atlantis, knocking off Kansas and Andrew Wiggins, Tyler’s former CIA Bounce teammate, and Iowa en route to the title.

“Dylan gives us more of the type of guard that we had in the past,” Wildcats coach Jay Wright told Jon Rothstein of CBSSports.com. “He’s quick, bouncy, and jet-like. It’s not that the other guys we have aren’t good. Dylan’s just a little different, and more in the mold of what we’ve had here before.”

The Ennis brothers are part of a larger wave of ascendant Canadian talent that includes Tristan Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and a former Brampton Blue Devils teammate of the Ennis brothers.

“It was kind of a three-headed approach with those guys where each of them brought something different,” McIntyre said.

Of course, the Canadian wave also includes Anthony Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Wiggins, the potential No. 1 pick in 2014, Gonzaga junior guard Kevin Pangos, Boston College sophomore guard Olivier Hanlan, UNLV junior forward Khem Birch and others.

“It’s just amazing that they’re able to work on their game here and develop and then be able to walk in and be able to be major contributors at these top universities down in the States,” McIntyre said.

Dylan and Tyler are home in Canada this week for Christmas — and unavailable to the media until later this week.

Still, the brothers are living, eating and training together this week. When they attended the CIA Bounce holiday party Monday night at a banquet center in Toronto, McIntyre said there were a lot of questions for the brothers.

“Basically everyone’s just asking them, ‘Who’s gonna win? Who’s got the better team? Are you guys gonna guard each other? How are you gonna guard each other?” he said.

As for the breakfast and dinner conversation around the household this week, the Ennis brothers each have a message for the other.

“They’re each telling the other it’s unfortunate you’re going to lose,” McIntyre said.

As for their father, he can’t lose. No matter who wins the Syracuse-Villanova game, the family comes out on top.

“Hey, I’m in a situation where I’m just proud of them for getting to where they are and proud of the teams that they both play for,” McIntyre said. “I’m just going to sit there and enjoy it.”

Hello America: My Name is Kenny

Posted on by

Friday night in Dallas, Montreal native and Baylor Bears starting point guard Kenny Chery enjoyed a coming out party on national television across the United States.

Kenny Chery led his Baylor Bears to a resounding victory over the Kentucky Wildcats

Aired on ESPN Chery was DOMINANT, especially when it mattered most, late in the fourth quarter.

Chery scored 18 points, including six late as No. 20 Baylor bullied No. 3 Kentucky 67-62 on Friday evening in the same arena where the Final Four will be played in April. Baylor outscored Kentucky in the paint 38-26 and out rebounded the Wildcats 41-25. Bears are 8-1 for the 6th time in the last 7 years. 4-0 this season in games decided by 5 points or less, some significant strides from 2012-13 where the Bears went 2-8 in that same scenario.

Chery (18) reached double figures for the 6th time in his first 9 games with the program. It marked the third time this season that Chery has led the Bears in scoring, and Baylor is 3-0 in those games.

A former Juco star who transferred last minute to Baylor in August also added 5 assists. On the year he is averaging 11.6 points and 4.9 assists. Along side Chery is fellow Canadian and SMNT member Brady Heslip. Heslip is averaging 11.6 but finished with a goose egg in 21 minutes shooting 0-for-2.

More important then individual stats, so far this fall Baylor has become a force to be reckoned with. Resume now includes W’s over previously ranked programs Colorado, Dayton, & Kentucky. Only Bears defeat was a 7 point loss to Syracuse. Not bad for early December.

“I just wanted to make sure that no body was turning the ball over. I was going to be a point guard, just be a general … put guys in the right position so they are able to put the ball inside and put the ball outside. We just stayed focused as a team and we didn’t have as many turnovers today as we did against Syracuse, and that’s why we ended up with the win.” Chery explained when asked about him stepping up and taking control.

Fridays game was a part of the inaugural Big 12-SEC Challenge, and it marks the third-straight year that UK and BU have met up. Prior to last nights game, Kentucky won an Elite Eight matchup March 25, 2012, and Baylor snapped the Wildcats 55 game home win streak at Rupp Arena Dec. 1, 2012.

It was a great night for Canada basketball even despite foolish tweets from some Francophone media. For example RDS self proclaimed insider Pete Yannopoulos spoken like a true separatist (Quebec folks nearly voted to separate from Canada in 1995) wanted folks to know Chery was a francophone instead of simply being content for yet another Canadian baller making noise in the NCAA.

We love Canadian basketball on just about our everything. If your putting in work your going to get recognized. For example if Hernst Laroche can get himself out of Ukraine into a more elite league you bet Hoops Hype Canada will spread the word.

Baylor Bears huddle in dying stages of Friday evenings victory.

Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver who cares? Even a hoop head from Nunuvat. Hopefully one day Pete will realize were all in this together.