Recruit Scoop

Shayok Gets UM Release

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Marial Shayok received his release from Marquette on Friday, according to his father Makur Shayok.

Shayok, of Blairstown (N.J.) Blair Academy, was recruited and signed with Buzz Williams. He asked for his release following a meeting with new Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski.

“I got the news today,” Shayok told Scout.com. “Marquette released him.”

“He has some schools that he’s interested in,” he added. “We’ll find out more in the next couple of days.”

The elder Shayok said he started hearing from schools today.

“Right now I guess Virginia is after him and Notre Dame,” Shayok said. “There are more coming the next couple weeks. Indiana and Rutgers have called.”

“Right now he hasn’t pursued anyone,” he added. “I want to give it a week or two and see what it happens.”

Marial has high basketball IQ, strong fundamentals, and a versitile skill set. He brings a little bit of everything to the court without being an elite athlete.

Think Julius Hodge NC State days.

Kabadyundi Sweepstakes 2.0

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NCAA March Madness Final Four weekend has similarities to the NFL Super Bowl. National atttention and all the media responsibilities that come with it. Almost every NCAA coach will be in North Texas to witness a 2014 National Champion crowned.

Morning after? Like the eve of free agency! Tuesday preparations for the 2014-15 season begin. Coaching staffs will be strategizing on how they can fill scholarship voids for the 2014 season — only five months away.

Montreal Quebec native 2014 7-1 C Link Kabadyundi (Alma Academy) has turned a strong senior season in to an overwhelming sweepstakes as of late.

Kabadyundi against Canadian high school competition including tournaments in the Greater Toronto Area stood out like David Robinson. Twice once in November and then again in March. Playing in front of a full house and several NCAA scouts at the 2014 National Prep School Invitational in Rhode Island Kabadyundi managed double digit rebound performances in Alma Acadmey’s two victories versus West Oaks Academy (FL) and Bridgton Academy (ME).

According to older brother Yannick, who began handling Link’s recruitment last June after returning home from abroad playing professional ball says that a large list of schools are showing serious interest now.

“We all thought at one point 2-3 months ago it was going to be all easy, we would pick up a couple schools and now were racking up close to 8 schools and all of them look very strong. We just have to take some time and re-evaluate. Let’s understand this is for Link, I’m just his facilitator here to guide him through” older brother Yannick elaborated.

One of the most popular voids to fill with window’s closing on any class are centers, big man, let alone seven footers that come around very few and far between.

Kabadyundi not only plays the position in demand, he has positioned himself to be a benefactor late in the game on the recruitment scene.

OFFICIAL VISITS

Nebraska Cornhuskers with proven program builder Head Coach Tim Miles officially hosted the Kabadyundi camp on the weekend of March 8th. The amped-up sellout crowd of 15, 998 at Pinnacle Bank Arena lived up to their reputation and the Cornhuskers knocked off the now Final Four bound Wisconsin Badgers.

“Link enjoyed the Nebraska visit. Their venue was arguably the best in college basketball last season. The hype was real.” Yannick said who with Kabadyundi witnessed their faithful storm the court.

In his first season as an Assistant Coach at Nebraska is Kenya Hunter. Former Georgetown Hoyas coach of six seasons. He has an extensive development history working alongside NBA draft picks Roy Hibbert, Greg Monroe and most recent Otto Porter. Hunter is reportedly spearheading the Cornhuskers pursuit.

UNOFFICIAL

February 22nd former NBA coach now head coach at Oklahoma Lon Kruger hosted Kabadyundi on an unofficial. As an Oklahoma Sooner Link could join a fraternity with Clippers Blake Griffin a Sooner alumni.

DEVELOPMENT

Kabadyundi’s camp understand the learning curve can be steep in college, especially on the defensive end. Red shirting a year is a possibility but aggressive schools are willing to deal with Link’s freshman mistakes.

Days of standing in the lane in a high school game, daring opposition to come down the lane and blocking their shots are over. Kabadyundi has to worry about screening action, being screened, guarding pick-and-rolls, guarding big guys who shoot and being in the right spot. There’s a lot that goes into that.

HIGH INTEREST

#-1 ranked Final Four bound Florida Gators according to Yannick have expressed interest. A program led by a future hall of fame coach Billy Donovan where developing big man is their sweet spot.

“SEC is a very good conference. I would be thrilled to see Link play in that conference and develop. Florida have a good history developing big guys such as the Noah’s, Horford and those guys. They showed great interest and I think being at an institution like that for four years would definitely develop a good young man and definitely a good basketball player considering their history with big guys and how they are consistently playing in the post season, those are opportunities of a life time.” Yannick explained.

“After their finished their post season run assistant coach Burno from Florida said he was definitely interested in linking up and having us come in for an official visit ” Yannick explained.

NIT Championship finalists SMU coached by Hall of Famer Larry Brown is another program on the rise after Link. Coach Brown has a staff filled with NBA experience such as former Sixers George Lynch and Eric Snow also a 5-star recruit Emmanuel Mudiay headed their next September.

UNLV dealing with draft concerns surrounding fellow Montreal native Khem Birch and Roscoe Smith, have allready begun expecting the best and preparing for the worst. Rebels have reportedly identified Kabadyundi on their radar as a target to potentially replace Birch if indeed he decides to go pro.

TCU, Georgia, Fresno State, Indiana and UMASS have all expressed interest. Assistant coaches Kenny Johnson at Indiana and Shyrone Chapman from UMASS have both recently exchanged dialogue w/Links’s camp.

“We welcome all kinds of schools. Were open to it. We need to be able to compare something. In order for us to compare we need to be open to anything and every opportunity that’s out there. The race is not over yet, its wide open. Show us what you have set up. Academically primarily because we need him to have a good support system pushing for him to graduate. Link has got ways to go. Were trying to put him into a position to maximize his ability and we’ll go from there. “

From the beginning stages Buffalo University (losing senior Javon McCrea to graduation) and New Mexico State (set to lose 7’5″ Sim Bhulllar to 2014 NBA draft ) have been in the fold trying to fill a void at their center positions respectively. Tulane too established a relationship with Link early on in his recruitment process

“Buffalo we heard got a kid from North Carolina and things turned around with them but we haven’t heard back so we wont draw conclusions. I promised Tulane and New Mexico State we would visit there. I like to stand firm with my word. Those were the programs that came in early.” Yannick told Hoops Hype Canada.

Kabadyundi & co will weigh the the pros and cons of each programs particulars over the next couple weeks and that should separate the pretenders from contenders. Older brother Yannick did verify a time table, “Week of April 16th”.

MOUNT ROYAL TOWERS

Yannick and Link also have a younger brother Jordy Tshimanga who is a 6’11 sophomore at MacDuffie in Massachusetts. Together they are nicknamed the Mount Royal Towers after an infamous hill in the beautiful town of Montreal. Keep tabs on this brother duo from Montreal both flirting with high major potential.

Follow 2014 7’1″ Link Kabadyundi (Alma, QC) on Twitter

More on Link read Link Kabadyundi Sweeptakes 1.0 here

Follow 2016 6’11″ Jordy Tshimanga (MacDuffie, MA) on Twitter

More on Jordy check out: Oh My Jordy! 6’10″ Southpaw Surfaces

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Kaza Keane Sweepstakes

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Illinois State sophomore Kaza Keane, who hails from Ajax, Ontario has verified he will transfer from the ISU Redbirds.

Keane was selected as a member of the Junior Men’s National Team that represented Canada at the 2013 U19 World Championships. Keane donning the red and white flirted with a triple-double in a game versus Iran after a 25 minutes played, 9 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist performance.

Keane told American media he desired to find a school closer to home after not having played in front of his family for the last three years.

“The experience (at ISU) has been great, but not being able to see my family is a burden,” Keane told the Penatgraph.com.

The 6-1 point guard graduated high school from Ro Russell’s Christian Faith Center Academy in Creedmoor, N.C. He also played with Grassroots Canada on the AAU circuit. On both fronts for Coach Russell, Keane averaged 20 plus points per game and parlayed it into a D1 career.

In Keane’s freshman year he started 10 games averaging 18 minutes per game. After returning from the U19 Worlds (averaging only 17 minutes and shooting only 29 percent over nine games) Keane wasn’t really given the reigns at running an offense for ISU. As a sophomore Keane only averaged 12 minutes per contest and didn’t start a single game. His shooting percentage dropped from 35 percent to 30 from year one to two.

Kaza Keane in action for Illinois State

Despite defense’s sagging in on Keane for two years as evident by the low shooting percentages, going for him is still the fact he was among the top 5 across the MVC after his freshman year in the assist to turnover ratio category.  Perhaps the true point guard Keane pushed it too hard as a sophomore but now he officially wont have the opportunity to win his job back next season.

One NCAA scout told Hoop’s Hype Canada Tuesday, “Kaza will definitely be a D-I player. He is not a step to slow, he got in the lane plenty of times. Just too often he didn’t have a plan once he got there. That will improve with experience.”

Keane became the first Canadian in ISU program history when he joined the team two years ago. He chose Illinois State over Penn State.

Now let the Kaza Keane Sweepstakes begin.

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Tutu Stock Turning Up

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2015 Munis Tutu (La Lumiere/Canada Elite) is the #1-ranked point guard in the Canadian 2015 class.

Munis Tutu (LaLumiere IN) the No.1-ranked point guard in the 2015 Canadian class will travel with the Canada Elite U17 squad scheduled to participate on the Under Armour AAU circuit this summer.

Fresh off a 22-2 campaign with La Lumiere the 6’0″ Tutu reiterated via telephone with Hoops Hype Canada staff that he hopes to let his Spring time performances to do his talking,

“Really just talking to a lot of schools. Im not really going to foucs on all the schools until the summer time and AAU season.” When asked what his dream school growing up was the Windsor, Ontario native said something Hall of Famer and former UCONN head coach Jim Calhoun would love to hear, “I really like UCONN. Thats kind of a dream school I would love to go to”. said Tutu.

Kevin Ollie take notice!

Regarding the AAU season which is fast approaching Tutu verified reports of him participating with Toronto, Ontario based, Under Armour sponsored, Canada Elite. Tutu was being courted by Chicago’s Meanstreets and The Family from Detroit. CIA Bounce the Nike flagship program from Toronto, who do have a plethora of point guards in their ranks never reached out.

“I would have liked to play at CIA Bounce but they never contacted me. I wanted to play for a Canadian team so I will play with Canada Elite this summer. I chose them because of the coaching staff. I’ve known a coach there since third grade. I also wanted to play with them because I feel I can play, lead and win with them. I hope we can attract coaches in the gym to watch us. With Canada Elite hopefully we can become one of Canada’s great AAU programs.” Tutu said.

Reportedly set to join him at Canada Elite is Mr. Toronto Basketball for 2013-14 Chase Vassell who scored 25+ points or more in 17 games this season playing for Pine Ridge in Toronto. Together Tutu and Vassell should wreak havoc south of the border, Solid starting back court pick ups for the Under Armour sponsored squad from Toronto.

What does his high school coach La Lumiere head Alan Huss think about his AAU decision for Tutu’s last hurrah,

“It was important he found a fit that’s comfortable for him. He had lots of options if he wanted to playing the EYBL he could have. He did last season with the Family in Detroit close to home. Its critical he has a strong showing this spring and he continues to build on a solid high school season” Coach Huss told Hoops Hype Canada.

“Munis maybe undersized at his position and because of that people like to see what he cant do. He’ll continue to prove himself this spring. Once one or two high level programs offer him I think a lot more stuff will pour in. He has some great programs on his list now, I don’t think he’s overly concerned with it. I know he’s going to be smart and pick a right fit. Just want him to get better and he’s going to be just fine.” Coach Huss said about his recruitment.

DICKS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

An under-the-radar point guard in the class of 2015, Munis Tutu is about to breakout in a big way. He’s a gifted passer in the half-court set, showing impeccable vision, and the ability to create high percentage looks for his teammates. He operates the pick & roll to perfection, displaying poise and composure, and consistently found an open teammate on the kick-out. Defensively, Tutu uses his lateral quickness to lockdown on the perimeter, and he did a good job of guarding Gonzaga signee Josh Perkins at the Dicks National High School Tournament, preventing Perkins from turning the corner, and forcing him to take contested looks from beyond the arc. Tutu’s height will always be the biggest detriment to his value as a prospect, but with his awareness, versatility and ability to lead an offense, he has earned his spot among the Top 150 players in his class.

That’s the type of dymanic player Munis Tutu is. Keep tabs on this recruitment. Its about to sizzle up for Tutu as the focal point on Canada Elite.

Follow 2015 PG Munis Tutu on Twitter by clicking here

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PG Munis Tutu (2015) – La Lumiere – 5’11” 160 Pounds a representing Windsor, Ontario.

 

Murray’s Father On Michigan Visit

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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

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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

Follow ‘Teki’ on twitter by clicking here

Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 2.0

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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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Michigan Chasing Murray With Coach Meyer

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Scheduled to visit Michigan this past Sunday for their win over Michigan State, car trouble forced the Murray’s and his team to take a detour but the plan is to be in Ann Arbor sooner than later, with stops to other schools on the docket as well.

“We definitely want to get back to Michigan,” Athlete Insitute HS head coach Larry Blunt said. “We appreciate them extending the opportunity and we’re going to get down before the season ends.”

Though early, the Wolverines, led by assistant coach Jeff Meyer, are already laying the groundwork for a positive recruiting experience with Murray.

“Coach Meyer, we’ve spoken with him a ton,” Blunt said. “For one Michigan is a great school and relatively speaking it’s close from a proximity standpoint so his parents could see him play.”

30 year old Blunt in his first year in charge in Orangeville, ON concluded,

“Michigan has been great, they’ve been consistent, they’ve been keeping tabs on him and they’ve done a really nice job early in the recruiting game of building a solid foundation with him.”

Per source coach Meyer photographed above was at the 2014 Caribana Classic NCAA camp last summer in Brampton, ON held by CIA Bounce. It is there where he came away impressed with Kitchener, Ontario native Murray.

2016 Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 1.0

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2016 Jamal Murray (Athlete Institute/CIA Bounce) recruiting sweepstakes has officially begun. Murray a member of the Cadet Men’s National Team who will participate in the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championship for Men has seen his legend grow by the game.

Currently ranked #37 by Scouts.com the 6’5″ 190lbs Murray is being recruited as a combo guard at the next level, while primarily playing point guard for his high school team Athlete Institute in Orangeville, Ontario. Murray last week cracked the Fox Sports Scouts.com national top 100 list which is a rare feat for a Canadian playing high school ball on Canadian soil. Justin Jackson (Findlay Prep/YAAACE) is the highest sitting Canadian at 21. Both Murray and Jackson have been arguably the top player in the highly touted 2016 Canadian class.

“Jamal Murray is a special player…He wants the ball in his hands at the end of the game.” In talking about Murray’s recruiting AI HS head coach Larry Blunt mentioned to American media in December ,“His recruitment is heavy. A lot of colleges on him already as a sophomore.”

One school that has been consistently keeping in contact with Murray’s coach is Michigan. Who already boast a Canadian product with Mississauga native Nik Stauskas whose enjoying a stellar sophomore season.

“They’re looking at him as a one or two,” Murray’s father Roger told Scout.com “A lot of people haven’t seen him yet though…Once they see him I know it’ll be different. “He’s a point guard but you can put him anywhere and he’ll produce, basically.”

“For Jamal, anywhere he is going we’re looking for him to play and not really to sit; his game is to play. We’re looking for somewhere where he can go in and play.” Father Roger Murray added.

In the United States for game action this weekend at La Lumiere (IN) School the Murray’s will swing through Ann Arbor to visit Michigan as they host Michigan State at Crisler Center Sunday afternoon.

“This was just kind of on the fly,” Murray said. “Coach told me to call them to get up for the game so this is just on the fly.”

“We want to see how the team is setup, how they run the plays, just seeing how it is there, just to see what the environment is like. I’m not the one playing, he’s playing so.”

Murray is also hearing from Illinois, Syracuse, and Louisville, among many others, growing and learning under the tutelage of his father.

“I trained him all his life,” Murray said. “I’d say he doesn’t have much weaknesses. He can get a little more hops probably but he’s just a floor general…He can control the floor, shoot from anywhere, pull up and do all the moves you could imagine, has a nice handle.”

Kitchener, Ont. native Jamal Murray played a key role for Team Canada capturing bronze at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Uruguay. Murray led the Cadet Men’s National Team (CMNT) in scoring in four of the team’s five contests. His best game of the tournament came against Puerto Rico, where he scored a game-high 24 points, while rounding out his night with seven rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. The 6-3 guard was one of Canada’s more productive players, averaging 17 points on 46 per cent shooting, with averages of six rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals in the tournament. Jamal and the CMNT will now set their sights on the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championship for Men later this summer.

2016 6’5″ Jamal Murray expected to lead  U17 Team Canada team into the U17 FIBA World Championships this summer in Dubai.

Jamal Murray Sweepstakes

Pole Position

- Syracuse
- Michigan

Roger Murray not one to divulge details but many close to the situation see Jamal Murray ending up close to home. Bordering American cities with Ontario make Syracuse & Michigan obvious favourites from the start.

In The Mix

- Florida
- Illinois
- Louisville

If your not based in Western New York or the state of Michigan it doesn’t mean you don’t stand a chance. However with ‘Cuse & ‘Blue allready rolling out the red carpet you better come aggressive. For example, circle the Athlete Institute HS showcase tournament this March 21-23rd, also add the 2014 Caribana NCAA camp to the agenda too.  Illinois’ has been fond off CIA Bounce talent dating back to losing out on Xavier Rathan Mayes on his decision day. Despite the Negus Webster Chan Louisville debacle, with it’s pedigree of reigning defending champs the Cardinals & Hall Of Fame coach Rick Pitino present a stage for Murray second to none. The same goes for the University of Florida who have been monitoring Murray since he took home the 2013 Jordan Brand MVP award.

#37 in America and climbing. The pride and joy of 519 hoops is on demand and the sweepstakes for his signature have officially begun! Stay tuned.

7’1″ Link Kabadyundi Sweeptakes 1.0

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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

 

Montague Gill-Caeser Sweepstakes 1.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada
Former OFSAA champion with Vaughan Secondary in Toronto, Montague Gil-Caeser is in high demand for his post secondary services.

Speaking at the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic this past weekend, the 6’6″ small forward for Huntington Prep discussed his recruiting.

Currently ranked as a top 25 player in the class of 2015, he played a very balanced and steady floor game according to Yahoo’s Recruit Scoop,

“He hit jumpers from mid-range out to the three-point line and hit a huge three late in the fourth quarter to help give Huntington some breathing room. Gill-Caesar also played good defense and was very active on the glass while scoring a team-high 13 points and corralling nine rebounds.”

After his stellar performance the student-athlete also known as ‘Teki’ summarized the schools that are showing him interest.

  • Michigan State
  • West Virginia
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • Florida State
  • Alabama
  • Memphis
  • Kentucky

2015 6’6″ Montague Gill-Caeser

He has been to West Virginia and Kentucky unofficially and Gill-Caeser still has to decide whether or not he would stay in the class of 2015 or make the move to 2014. A similar move his fellow AAU teammate at Montverde (FL) Chris Egi did recently as he committed to Harvard.

Michigan State and Memphis are also possible visit destinations Teki hinted at.

“It’s a possibility right now,” said Gill-Caesar when asked if he could make his class decision at the same time as he makes his college choice. “It’s just going to be a game-time decision right now, I don’t really know. I’m just not sure.”

 

POLE POSITION

Coach John Calapari and Kentucky in hot pursuit for MGC

Experts are convinced he is being encouraged by his high school coach at Huntington Prep Rob Fulford to make a move from Huntington to Kentucky. Coach is on record commenting that the Canadian is more then ready. That and a luxury to play alongside fellow 2014 Kentucky commits Canadian Trey Lyles and 7-foot Dominican Karl Towns puts John Calapari and his Wildcats in pole position.

As for many folks back home the consensus is why not return to America for another year and make a run at a McDonalds All-American selection, the prestigous accolade in American high school basketball.

One source also suggests a return back to Canada is also an option. With Athlete Institute now up and running in Orangeville, Ontario, known to be heavilly affiliated with his AAU program CIA Bounce and it’s commitment to play a tough North American schedule, Gill-Caeser could still play against high caliber competition and improve his stock as a focal point of Athlete Institute. Only time will tell as the Montague Gill-Caeser sweepstakes grows.

STATUS: As we first reported news of Kentucky interest in August the consensus over here is that Montague Gill-Caeser is Kentucky’s to lose. One thing for sure, he will be very physically mature for a frosh and could possibly compete for playing time the moment he steps foot on campus.

Follow Montague Gill-Caeser on Twitter through his journey to the next level.

Tyronn King Sweepstakes 1.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

2015 6’1″ Tyronn King is a combo guard at Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville, Florida. Currently ranked 21st overall in the North Pole Rankings.

Former West Hill Collegiate Institute student from Scarborough, Ontario spoke with HHC about his transition this past year at Arlington,

“As a team we have had a few losses that shouldn’t have happened but we are just looking to move forward from them” King said about his teams success.

As for individual success, “I’m on a roster loaded with all seniors and 4 current commits (all gaurds ). I try to come off the bench and impact the game any way I can” King in his junior season admitted.

Tyronn King is another in the long line of Canadian hoop stars playing the U.S. The 6’1 170 lbs. PG prospect says “It would be great to play at the college level with my fellow Canadian highflyer Jamar Ergas, we’ve been playing together for a number of years now and know each other’s game like the back of our hands.”

Tyronn King is another in the long line of Canadian hoop stars playing in the U.S.

LSU, Eastern Kentucky, and DePaul have shown strong interest Tyronn says. King maintains that “Of those main 3, LSU stands out.”

No visits have been set yet for Tyronn but he says “Some will be planned soon though.” 

What does the privilege of participating in a prestige event like the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic mean to him?

“It is great to be able to participate in an event filled with the best teams & players in the country” King commented.

Last but not least where can we expect to see Tyronn toss it up for AAU?

“I’m currently not sure 100 %, going to find the best fit come spring… weather it’s a Southern based team or a Canadian based team.”

King as a youth in Toronto broke the TDSB record for most points in an elementary school game with 79.

Sunday @ 2:30 PM Arlington Country Day will draw St.Benedicts Prep in Springfield, MA. It will mark the first head to head match at the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic. 2015 Kamar McKnight will be on the other side representing his Gray Bees of St.Bens.

Oh My Jordy! 6’10″ Southpaw Surfaces

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Oh My Jordy. A 2016 southpaw has surfaced.

Born in November of 1996 and nicknamed “La Foudre”, French for thunder, a certain Canadian big man is earning praise from all kinds of American analysts. Some have even called him Baby Z-Bo. Nicknamed after his left hand and similar back to the basket game as Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph. Born & raised in Montreal, QC, currently listed as a 2016 6’10 center, Jordy Tshimanga attends MacDuffie in Granby Massachusetts. In 6 weeks he has landed SPLASHED on top of the 2016 Canadian class rankings.

20140117-121148.jpg

6’10″ Jordy Tshimanga (Montreal/MacDuffie HS) has made a splash in American HS hoops.

“Chance to be top big man in his grade (2016). Soft hands, solid jump hook, good footwork, high motor and big body” the reputable Alex Klien from the Recruit Scoops has written.

Hoop Dream Magazine got a glimpse of Tshimanga and offered the following on the big Canadian, “He showed better touch around the rim today and worked harder to get position in the post as well. Physically he looks like a high-major priority, and his skill set is starting to come around as well.” the HDM website shared after watching him toss it up last weekend in their very own Hoop Dream Magazine showcase.

Still not convinced? Adam Finklestein from the New England Recruiting Report, “He’s got a lot of tools and looks to have a chance to be very good if he can improve his conditioning and be able to keep up with the pace of the game.” Finklestein offered. Head coach @ MacDuffie Jerry McCullough told Hoops Hype CA counterparts,

Jordy Tshimanga Macduffie

Southpaw with size and strength that is shown here demonstrated at MacDuffie practice.

“Basically over here when he first arrived…We took a chance on him I mean that size why not. Now he’s just a young player opening eyes. Legit 6’10 south paw 280lbs” McCullough the head coach at MacDuffie admitted.

Thrilled to welcome a diaper dandy like Tshimanga but coach McCullough said it’s been bittersweet  because since a injury to Quinnipiac bound MacDuffie senior guard Dimitri Floras (injured wrist) occurred, it has has taken a toll on the teams win loss record. Floras was one of eight nominated players from Massachusetts to the McDonalds All American game. The 6-foot-2 guard in his first season at MacDuffie picked Quinnipiac over other scholarship offers from Canisius, Hofstra, LIU-Brooklyn, New Hampshire and Manhattan.

Minus Floras, Tshimanga continues to be one of the quickest stock risers in not only Canada’s 2016 class but should soon be among the top in America’s national rankings by the time AAU season ends. Especially if this keeps up. McCullough admits that with Tshimanga’s rapid rise of production its expected not only NCAA programs but also big wigs of HS basketball in America (Oak Hill’s, Findlays & Montverdes) to soon start making their pitches. A sentiment that Canadian born principal at MacDuffie Steve Griffin can understand.

“Oh yea come down the line. But to our credit we compete as a member of the strong Class AA of the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) one of the top leagues in the states” Griffin says along with their circuit he claims confidence in his head coach as well. “Under Jerry McCullough’s guidance, our varsity basketball program has played a competitive schedule that in the past few seasons student athletes have earned attention and interests from many college scouts.” Griffin believes MacDuffie School is still one of the elite programs in the New England area for academics and basketball development.

As for the principle’s take on the thunderous Tshimanga? “He is mountain of a young man, great student & personality thats fitting in real well in our community”

CANADA WE HAVE A BIG MAN: 6’10′ Joel Tshimanga a rare traditional back to the basket big man in the Canadian ranks.

Can he be that good? Good enough that he averaged 20 points per game at the St . Andrews Classic. A tourney where young Jordy @JordyBallHard33 more then stood his own against Goodluck Okonoboh (Monson Academy, MA) a local Massachusettes star, ranked 21st on ESPN’s Top 100 Class of 2014 and who will also be attending UNLV.

Already seeing double and triple teams looks like the Great White North has a big import storming up the rankings. Keep an eye out for Jordy Tshimanga!

Tweet us your thoughts on perhaps the future center for Canada on the international scene @HoopsHypeCA

2016 6’8″ F/C Derek Ogbeide Sweepstakes 1.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Hoops Hype Canada has learned Toronto, ON’s Derek Ogbeide, a 6-foot-8, 260-pound big man playing ball @ Pebblebrook HS in Mabelton, Georgia has been offered a full ride from the Kennesaw State Owls.

Georgia based KSU is only 35 km’s from where Ogbeide attends post secondary (Pebblebrook HS). The Owls are in the midst of a disappointing season that finds them 4-13 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Sun conference play. This following a conference record from last year that saw them finish 0-18 in the A-Sun Conference. To make matters worst the  Owls head coach Lewis Preston who recognized & recruited Ogbeide on a sad note is taking a temporary leave of absence as coach of the Kennesaw State team “due to medical and personal reasons,” the school announced last week.

Preston joined Kennesaw State following 13 years as an assistant NCAA coach, including three as a member of Ed DeChellis’ staff at Penn State. Prior to Penn State he had a pit stop for two years as assistant coach on Billy Donovan’s staff in Florida and before that six seasons under Mike Brey at Notre Dame.

In Preston’s two seasons at Florida he was an integral part of Florida’s recruiting, scouting, game preparation and on-court teaching, the Gators produced a 59-17 (.776) overall record, captured the 2007 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and went on to win its second of back-to-back national titles.

2016 Derek Ogbeide attended Monsignor Percy Johnson in Toronto during 2012-13. At MPJ he developed a reputation for being a physical specimen possessing some rare size & strength tough to find in Canada. His interior presence and stand out performances in JR level tournaments including a final four finish at the 2013 Xavier RimRocker earned praises amongst experts. Like many Canadian big men that are hidden gems Ogbeide is is fairly new to organized basketball and that’s what makes this KSU offer interesting. If Ogbeide is ‘raw’ and still learning the fundamental side of things, exploiting an opportunity to work with Lewis Preston is not a bad idea. Preston’s past with NBA talent big men is proof he may be the head owl, but also a wise owl.

Check it: Preston worked with 2007 first-round NBA draft picks Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer and second-round selection Taurean Green while at Florida. All four earned All-American honors while under his tutelage. While at Notre Dame, Preston also worked with Troy Murphy (2001) and Ryan Humphrey (2002) who were first-round NBA picks in back-to-back years, as well as NBA players Matt Carroll and Chris Quinn.

Another Canadian prospect ready to punch his ticket to the next level.  Circle the name…6’8″ 260 lbs Derek Ogbeide is definately D1 bound! Bigger question moving forward is will Canada basketball recognize his talents and send him to Dubai this summer with the U17 Canadian National Team participating in the FIBA World championships? Or at least a try out invitation.

Too much size is better then not enough.

Let’s hope they do.

Marial Shayok Sweepstakes: Marquette

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

 

2014 Ottawa native Marial Shayok recently announced via his personal twitter account that next fall he plans on taking his talents to Milwaukee Wisconsin to embark on his collegiate career with the Marquette Golden Eagles. 

You name it Shayok has been there… done that!

NBA sponsored camps, check!

FIBA’s? FIBA U17 world championships, he helped lead Canada to a 5th place finish, averaging an impressive 12 points and 6 rebounds on a balanced Canadian team. Check!

AAU success? Shayok continued to improve his stock over that summer, and caught the attention of a couple big names school when he more than held his own against 2014 guard Rashad Vaughn playing with CIA Bounce at the Boo Williams Nike EYBL event. Check!

Has Super Marial rubbed shoulders with some of Americas stiffest HS competition? Check that off too. Shayok helped lead Blair HS to the finals of the New Jersey Prep A tournament, scoring 21 points in the team’s 64-45 semifinal win over Lawrenceville Academy.  Blair fell in the title game to St. Benedict’s Prep, which at the time featured Tyler Ennis (now a freshman at Syracuse) and Isaiah Briscoe (one of the top players in the 2015 class)

His high school head coach can even testify.

“Last year they (St.Benedicts) lost in a difficult HS nat’l championship at the buzzer and they were as good of a high school team at a talent standpoint last year as we’ve played against in my 15 years @ Blair.”  Blair Head coach Joe Montegna elaborated,

“Marial is one of the most versatile and efficient guards in American high school basketball today… After visiting UVA, Providence and Marquette, Marial had to make a very difficult decision between three very fine schools and basketball programs. I am not sure he could have made a bad decision. Our coaching staff and his teammates are very happy for him and ready to get on with the season without any recruiting distractions.” Said Montegna.

Despite several signature moments spread out across special stages in both grassroots and prep basketball, the buzz on Shayok seemed to have cooled off from last summer. Montegna calls the humble and hungry Canadian “underrated’.  As Shayok’s sweepstakes came down to the wire Montegna spoke about his prep stars lack of recognition reflected by media recruit rankings south of the border.

Charlie V & Loul Deng attended Blair Academy

“Not enough people really take into the consideration the mental makeup of a guy and how competitive he is and what he’s willing to do to win. This is one of the most  competitive, tough kids I’ve ever been around…I’ve had 3 NBA guys, 30+ division 1 scholarship guys and I mean the kids makeup is of a champion, I think that’s where he gets a little underrated” Montegna told HHC.

Shayok who averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists this past season at Blair held offers from Boston College, Seton Hall, Villanova, Kansas State, Georgia, Texas A&M and even interest from Illinois, Texas, UConn, Northwestern, Michigan and Duke, among others Mantegna said before narrowing his choices to Marquette, Providence and Virginia.

“He hasn’t really played the politics game, he didn’t do a whole lot with [CIA] Bounce this summer, he didn’t choose to play with Team Canada because he was little nicked up and he’s been a kid that instead of winning the twitter wars and instead of trying to go to every single event that will get him out there on the internet he’s been here working on his game and he was home in Ottawa this summer working on his game… he’s a kid that’s been putting the hours in and he’s not really trying to chase the rankings and all that.” explained his coach.

Marial Shayok of Blair Academy has committed to play for Marquette University.

Coach Montegna  wouldn’t be surprised if that by the time Shayok is a sophomore in college, if Marial’s not better then tons of colleagues that are ranked ahead of him at the moment.

“He’s a kid that is going to continue to get better, out compete and out work people in practice. That is gonna show dividends at Blair this year and continue to show dividends. People are recruiting him to be a part of their high major programs as a freshman and I think he will be”  Montegna mentioned.

Wasting no time flashing his development during a recent off season tourney, Coach Montegna said Shayok perhaps played some of his best basketball since arriving in Blairstown, NJ this summer,

“In July we won a 64 team national summer tournament and he was unbelievable the best I’ve ever seen him play.” 

MARQUETTE

Buzz Williams may be be one of the more under appreciated coaches in all of college basketball. In turn, The Marquette Golden Eagles are possibly the most always under-the-radar programs in the entire nation.  Like the student athlete Shayok, Williams and essentially everything related to Marquette hoops is unappreciated.

Only Duke spends more than Marquette each season on the sport. And that is because Coach K is the most successful coach in the history of the game, earns about $4.7 million a year.

But Marquette spends more per scholarship basketball athlete than any school in America. Per year, Marquette invests about $286,000 in each of its basketball players.

The Golden Eagles practice facility, the Al McGuire Center, is among the finest in the country. The team plays in an NBA facility and, as a member of the new Big East, is about to reap the benefits of a long-term Fox TV contract that will pay the conference $500 million.

Head coach Buzz Williams, at 40, is also one of the most interesting self made coaches in a profession in which he takes a backseat to only a select few.

Although he did not play college basketball and attended a junior college, Williams in five years has built Marquette into an elite program. It is one of only four schools – the others are Florida, Kansas and Ohio State – to have made the Sweet 16 in each of the past three seasons.

Marquette’s academic standards are high and the school cannot be moved away from Midwestern winters, but Williams, given some of the challenges, has managed to recruit and develop players as well as any coach in the country and that bodes well for one of our nation capital’s top basketball talents.

Former Marquette players under Buzz Williams like Wesley Matthews, Jerel McNeal, Lazar Hayward, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom have all had varying degrees of success in the NBA, but many of them defied their initial pro expectations to forge an identity on their NBA team.

Some teams preach their culture and have a different identity every single season, or quickly lose focus of their culture within a season and unravel. But after five consecutive NCAA Tournament bids and multiple former players defying initial NBA expectations, it’s no doubt that Buzz Williams culture for Marquette men’s basketball is working.

Marquettes culture will be a big reason and now responsible for Shayoks continued success at the college level. With Blair Academy’s Head Coach Joe Montegna‘s body of work in producing d1 players it’s not far fetched Shayok could be prepared to contribute immediately as a freshman. Something Shayok feels is feasible,

“Yes, especially  since my game is very versatile.. I can play multiple positions but definitely coming in I hope to play a lot of minutes as a freshman…im working on all aspects of my game to produce at the next level.” Marial mentioned during a media conference call the following morning.

Shayok explained his excitement to move forward,

“Feels great. Now I can focus on school and Blair.  Just get better every day, I’m really excited about my decision, I can’t wait” a ecstatic Shayok shared.

FREE THROWS

Couretsy of Blair Academy, Marial was made available via a media conference call. So on behalf of the Canadian basketball family HHC took advantage of the opportunity to toss it up with Shayok. He began high school at St. Patrick’s in Ottawa, then spent the past couple of years at Blair Academy in New Jersey and is scheduled to graduate next spring.

Experience on Prep in Blairstown NJ?:  -“really enjoyed the last past two years, I wouldn’t pick a different school. My game got a lot better. I feel that most players going across the border is good to an extent, just don’t rush it but I really feel that I picked a great school”

Any position preferred?: “Not really, I’m very versatile…I can play anywhere. playing basketball is it for me”

Relationship with Marquette coach Jamie McNielly? He was coaching me when I was 15 years old, so we built a relationship over the years. I knew if I went there he’d be sorta there to look over me and have my back… he was a big part too.

Raptors fan? Or favourite players growing up? I’m always been repping the Raptors, really hope they do well each year…im Raptors fan… I really liked Vince Carter obviously just really liked his game. I also liked Penny Hardaway and Michael Jordan.

Playing style reputation… Team Canada desire? Im gonna play hard, get better each year and play to win… Im honoured to play for my country and im gonna play hard and represent them well on and off the court.

Any shout outs back home? All my friends back home at St.Pats and Coach Matt hit me up there all really excited and proud of me and it’s an honour to do them proud.

AND 1

His older brother, Shayok Shayok, recently announced a transfer to the University of Missouri-Kansas City after spending two years on the basketball team at Bradley University in Illinois. Their sister, Yar Shayok, played for the University of Detroit-Mercy before graduating last spring.

 

Chris Egi Sweepstakes: HARVARD

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

With just over a month and a half until the season begins, the Harvard men’s basketball team needed just about a day and a half to clinch commitments from two recruits this past weekend.

Shortly after the end of their official campus visits, Chris Egi and Andrew Chatfield both proverbially donned a Crimson jersey on Sunday in committing to Harvard.

2014 6’9′ Chris Egi committed to Harvard University. One of Canada’s brightest student athletes.

2014 6’9″ F/C Chris Egi’s announcement makes this the second consecutive year that Head Coach Tommy Amaker has drawn a top-100 prospect into the program, the other being freshman Zena Edosomwan. Despite the timing of their respective commitments, Chatfield said he and Egi didn’t discuss their impending decisions.

“We didn’t really talk about it,” Chatfield said. “Throughout the whole weekend, he was also having a good time. He enjoyed the environment and playing some five-on-five [with the team].”

Egi said he only discussed committing with Chatfield, a 6-foot-5 guard, Sunday morning.

“We were actually at breakfast together,” Egi said.

Egi reportedly has a 4.0 GPA, said Harvard’s mix of basketball and the important stuff.

“I though it was the best place for me in terms of both basketball and academics” Chris Egi told Hoops Hype Canada via text message the night he pledged allegiance to the Crimson.

On the heels of Harvard’s most successful season in program history, they land a four-star prospect like Egi. His AAU coach Tony McIntyre was quoted by American media as to what the IVY League program can expect in the Canadian power forward.

“He’s a tremendous shot-blocker and gritty competitor, not to mention a tremendous student. It’s possible he may be the top academic athlete there when it’s done”

1 year ago, Tommy Amaker’s Harvard Crimson were written off after two starters — arguably the team’s top two players — had to withdraw from school after an academic scandal that hit more than 100 students.

Now, Amaker has Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry back and they will integrate themselves into a team that shocked just about everyone by winning the Ivy League and notching the program’s first NCAA tournament win last season.

Photo of a smiling Tommy Amaker with his four star, and two three star recruits.

Although this season could be the program’s most successful and be the most hyped in the program’s history the Crimson won just eight games in Amaker’s first season,. Now steady progression on the court and in recruiting have them on the verge of becoming the first team in Ivy League history to win at least 20 games in five consecutive seasons.

Question begs, Is Harvard the new mid magor power? HHC will be keeping tabs.

CIA BOUNCE

Chris Egi’s exposure while playing AAU basketball no doubt increased his stock value for both both the NCAA ranks and National team landscape. Chris had a terrific circuit with Canadian powerhouse program CIA Bounce. It helped him earn a selection on Team Canada at the NIKE DC Global Games and also the U19 FIBA World Championships with the Canadian Junior Mens National Team. Egi was the youngest talent in the tournament and played major minutes with most kids who were a full two years older then him. A whirlwind summer also saw him take his talents to one of the globes most reputable student athlete prep programs in Montverde Academy FL

MVA  gives Chris a chance to consistently compete against high level talent in his final high school year. Over the summer, Egi on the circuit with CIA Bounce ranked third in the EYBL in shot blocking at 2.6 BPG behind Ivan Rabb & Thon Maker.

Buffalo native and Harvard assistant coach Adam Cohen on behalf of the Crimson was seen late July in attendence at the annual CIA Bounce Caribana Classic camp  epitomizing the commitment the Crimson showed in securing Egis signature for post secondary basketball.

The Harvard program continues to incline under Head Coach Tommy Amaker, evidenced by two straight NCAA tournament appearances in the last two seasons. The only other time the Crimson made a trip to the dance was back in 1946.

“I think I can be a part of something special, trying to help build the program, as it’s heading in a great

FREE THROWS

How exactly does one “reclassify”? We asked HHC NCAA certified recruiting analyst Mark Bairos his take.

“It’s usually more of the not going to a post grad year. It often has to do with being a little young for the age to start, so the prospect will opt to reclassify into a later class to essentially “rejoin” the correct age class, while still retaining the option to move forward to the class that he left.

It happens frequently when Canadian players go to the US – upon entering the States they reclassify into a later year at their new HS. Andrew Wiggins is the most notable example of this, but there are plenty of others. If I remember correctly, he did two years in Canada before transferring to the US in 2011, and reclassified to 2014 upon starting here. Then, he reclassified back into his original class during what would have been that class’s peak recruiting season”

Also Bairos take on Egi choosing Harvard over the likes of Florida, Stanford, Marquette, Vanderbilt, California etc?

“Harvard is a rare breed this day and age. A Ivy League program that plays a competitive schedule, competing against high major programs. Egi at Harvard will still be in position to play on the big stage, it’s not your typical ivy league experience.” adding “Match made in heaven”.

 

Trey Lyles Sweepstakes

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Canada is evolving into a Basketball nation before our eyes. First it was the Anthony Bennett sweepstakes when Bennett chose UNLV over Kentucky and Oregon. Next was wonder kid Andrew Wiggins who signed with Kansas over Kentucky and Florida State.  Is it possible to top those two recruiting chases? Saskatoon born Trey Lyles has done just that.

Lyles at the 2013 FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

2013 National Champions Louisville Cardinals have hollered. 2012 National Champions Kentucky Wildcats inquired too. Also the only program in Trey’s lifetime to have won back to back National Championships the Florida Gators have come calling no differently. How does a Canadian talent merit so much attention and interest from three hall of fame coaches, we asked Trey’s father Tom,

“Actually a few things. Fact he can play comfortably that 1 through 5… A lot of it had to do with that he’s such student of the game and how he’s so versatile…he constantly creates a match up problem. Whether it be in the post, on the perimeter, shooting the jump shot, whether it be taking off the drive, penetrating and kicking he’s extremely unselfish. He’s not a guy who needs to put up numbers to feel good about himself. That’s not what excites him. He would much rather just make the play” the elder Lyles also reiterated his work ethic “The kid knows how  to work. He understands what it means”

Monday evening Tom Lyles, Treys father verified that the third visit with the Florida Gators is in the appointment books.

“It is official…date will be the 5th of October.” Said Trey’s father. Adding Trey is a fan of certain aspects the Gators could offer “He (Trey) likes the way they play as well as the guys that have come from the program and how things are going for them with the fact the weather is nice year round.”

When asked if it was Assistant Coach John Pelphrey who was looking after the mid west recruiting on behalf of the Gators, Mr. Lyles explained “Literally it’s been all Billy Donovan. Pretty much for every one of these programs it’s been the head coach. Personally I spend more time talking a lot with the assistants and the head coach spends more time talking to Trey”

Was there anything the Gators coaching staff led by Billy Donovan said to the Lyles family that stood out from the others?

“At this point everyone has said pretty much the same thing. I told each one of the four, for open gym we do not want them to come. No point. It’s time to talk particulars.”

Lost but not forgotten are the Butler Bulldogs. Tom offered this to say about a program many have written off in the Trey sweepstakes despite a glimmer of hope from Mr.Lyles,

“I would say there definitely in the race, I wouldn’t say there neck and neck, only because of the factor that we haven’t talked much with coach Miller since he’s taken over for Stevens. I will say though the school and the program kind of speak for itself….Education is huge in the (Lyles) family”

Final four programs in the fold.

Final four programs in the fold.

The dates are set. August 31st  the Lyles family will visit Louisville. October 5th they travel to the swamp in Gainesville and then the last official visit is October 18th on Kentucky campus.

EXPERTS

When Hoops Hype Canada (HHC) reached out to ESPN Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman about the public consensus south of the border, Goodman verified via email what makes Trey the Canadian sensation he is.

“I am a huge fan of Trey Lyles and his game. He just has such a high understanding of how to play, in all aspects. He can score both in the post, and also step out and make shots. He’s got great hands, and does a great job on the glass — and he’s also extremely unselfish on the court and makes his teammates better from a position in which that’s rarely the case. He’ll be one of those guys where some pick apart his game due to his lack of explosiveness, but he’s going to be a terrific college player — and I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s a terrific pro as well. My gut tells me this one is coming down to Kentucky and Louisville.” 

May the Trey Lyles Sweepstakes begin folks…

2015 Nevell Provo Headlines Athletes Institute Backcourt

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

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.

2015 Kamar McKnight Stock Rising

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

One of the most productive live periods by a Canadian this past July was from 2015 6’3″ CG Kamar McKnight.

“My AAU experience this summer was great even though I was only available for the July live period I’m really looking forward to next AAU season on the EYBL circuit and playing against the best night in and night out” McKnight told Hoops Hype Canada (HHC) .

Kamar McKnight

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

The 6-foot-3 guard is a flat out shooter – Period. He has a knack for filling it up from deep. He knocked six three-pointers throughout a thrashing of Team Manimal that saw him hit shots from every angle of the floor. While on AAU duty this summer the south paw parlayed his production into serious considerations from both mid & high major college programs.

“My list right now is Colorado, Arizona, UCLA, UCONN, Oregon St and Fresno St. The school showing the most love right now would be Colorado. Coach Rohn is recruiting me hard at the moment.” McKnight shared.

As for his time table for a decision McKnight added “Would be before the 14-15 season my senior year of high school.”

A lefty with an elite competitive passion to develop and improve when asked what has been the difference the Toronto, ON native responded,

“Well I’ve been making plays off the dribble and really worked hard at improving my jump shot this past off-season, but a lot of my focus lately has been guarding the best player of the opposing team, also going forward I’m always looking to improve my body and make sure i’m able to compete for longer periods of time during games.”

McKnight a member of St.Patrick’s last winter will make the in state switch to St.Benedict’s this fall.

“I just felt over the past couple of years St.Benedict’s has shown they are the #1 team in NJ and dominant on the national schedule which I wanted to be a part of” Kamar disclosed about the transfer.

McKnight at St.Benedicts will replace a void left by fellow Canadian Tyler Ennis who graduated and will attend Syracuse.

Coach Mark Taylor will be getting a combo guard of great size that could create his own shot, create mismatches, put teammates in a great position to score, and a great team leader.

Off the court the scouting reports show McKnight as a kid who brings great vibes to his teams and gets the best out of all his teammates, and most importantly gets the job done in the classroom.

As a member of Grassroots Canada Kamar now when home in Toronto takes advantage of developing his talent at Fallstaff Community Center. A historical basketball facility in Canada that has took large part in developing a long list of Canadian talents including Brady Heslip & Nik Stauskus, even the Canadian Texas University trio Tristan Thompson, Cory Joesph and Myck Kabongo.

When asked about his experience under the roof at Fallstaff McKnight said,

“Fallstaff, Fallstaff…the best gym to hoop in and a great atmosphere, you have to bring your A game to workout. Especially with the alumni’s in the building…it’s real competitive because if you lose you’re not seeing the court for a while, so it really brings out the best of your game.”

Canada has produced some quality players over the years. When zeroing in on the class of 2015 a list that includes Chris Egi, Kamar McKnight is as blue chip of a prospect as you’ll find.