Category Archives: Team Canada

Egi: ‘Can Be Better, Will Be Better’

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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.

2017 Jerome Desrosiers Sweepstakes 1.0

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2017 6’7″ SF Jerome Desrosiers of Northfield Mount Hermon (MA) has offers from BC, Illinois & Baylor. Interest from Ohio State, UCLA & Purdue he told media @ the 2014 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic.

Class of 2017 6’7″ SF Jerome Desrosiers the pride and joy of Saint-Hyacinthe, QC.

Playing infront of several college coaches, Kevin Ollie of UCONN & company Desroiers and Northfield Mount Hermon defeated Kimball Union 80-51. Most likely due to seniority the Canadian member of the class 2017 played limited minutes.

A native of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Desrosiers took his talents to Massachusettes in September. Word on Desrosiers is spreading that he possesses great court awareness, plays through contact and has great upside.

Desrosiers the freshman at Northfield Mount Hermon was one of twelve class of 2016 Canadians thar was selected for the cadet squad which participated at the 2013 U16 FIBA Americas in Uruguay last summer. Canada finished 3rd place and qualified for this summers FIBA U17 Worlds going down in Dubai this August. If healthy Desrosiers seems destined for Dubai.

 

Oh My Jordy! 6’10″ Southpaw Surfaces

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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.

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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

Triano: I was Miserable in TO

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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

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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.

Nicholson And Novak Continue To Compete

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Sophmore Andrew Nicholson was raised in Mississauga, ON.

Irreconcilable differences in Orlando? If there was any, one of the most respected advisors in the game won’t admit it.

Andrew Nicholson‘s agent Mark Bartlestein of Priority Sport gave HoopsHypeCA his expert analysis on how the Orlando Magic have mishandled Nicholson’s minutes recently. if any cause for concern exists with Nicholson’s future in Orlando after going from consistent minutes to cameo appearences as of late.

“Were on top of that. Rob Hennigan (Magic GM) and I talk all the time, things change very quickly in this business. Minutes change all the time. Andrew’s just got to keep competing all the time to get more & more minutes.” Bartelstien mentioned via telephone.

After averaging nearly 16 points per game, shooting 53% from the field and a whopping 45% from behind the arc or Team Canada last summer at the FIBA Americas,  who saw this coming?

Nicholson recently told Magic media
“It’s easy to be negative,” concluding with ‘It’s a lot harder to stay positive.” Clearly a young man trying to stay up beat despite his shrinking role.

Nicholson is not your typical 20 years young sophmore. After having spent his full four years at St.Bonaventure the young 2nd year Magic forward will be 25 years old in 2014.

Consensus amongst Orlando media is that it’s no big deal. Just a case of the Magic’s bench players such as Nicholson must learn to stay ready under coach Jacque Vaughn.

Twitter moderators @MagicNationBaby who would like to be kept anonymous even took jabs at Andrew’s two way game when asked to explain what gives.

Number dont lie. Nicholson is in a dog house so far in 2014.

“Two words.. Glen Davis, He wont see any PT while he’s still around, plus Andrew can’t defend for his life..” When asked to elaborate, he explained “It’s mainly the coach, Jacque Vaughn is a defense first coach in my opinion, which is why Oladipo, and Afflalo get so many minutes…Nicholson is all offense, that’s what got him in the league and thats what will keep him here, he cant guard anyone for his life!” Later adding what he thinks will happen moving forward.

“If I was Jacque, I would play Glen over Nicholson too, but hopefully not for long.. I would try to ship Glen off at the deadline In order for Nicholson to develop”  he concluded.

Standing 6-foot-9 and weihing 250 pounds Nicholson has gone from playing 38 minutes in one game early December (against Philadelphia) to not getting in a game at all in early January (against Detroit).

“Like any player, he wants to play. Andrew’s worked really hard at it. He’ll continue to work hard at it. He will compete everyday to earn as many minutes as he can that’s all you could do. At the end of the day it’s Jacque’s (Vaughn) decision on the minutes. All he (Andrew Nicholson) can do is prepare himself & work a hard as possible and he’s doing that every day” Bartelstein explained.

Change of Scenery?

Maybe time for a change. Look at what a change of scenery has done for the Raptors Patrick Patterson. It’s all about fit in basketball especially at the NBA level. Perhaps it’s time for Nicholson who is a similar ‘stretch 4′  like Patterson to take his talents to a place where his hard work & talent can be utilized.

No excuses for only 7 minutes of playing time such was the case last night in Dallas. To add insult to injury, Magic starter Nik Vucevic did not even dress. Keep an eye on this Magic mess.

FREE THROWS

Mark Bartelstein also represents another ‘stretch 4′ on Toronto and that is veteran Steve Novak. The 5 year veteran earns $3.8 million that is guaranteed untill 2015-16. Since the Rudy Gay trade the Raptors are 12-5 and have compiled the best record in the Eastern Conference Meanwhile Novak has saw limited action. Something the former second round pick (32nd overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by Rockets) isn’t really bothered by according to his agent. “Team is winning and in the meantime I know he is happy with the team’s success. Like Andrew, he’s another player that will continue competing” Bartestein said.

Steve Novak poses for press photos during the pre season.

With a potential playoff series brewing in Toronto this April it maybe in Toronto’s best interest to keep Novak around. Think back to the 2008 Magic/Raptors playoff match up. Jason Kapono seldomly used found himself on the bench for much of the regular season, then by series end Kapono was the most consistent Raptor in the series.

Plus not many outstanding shooters with good size (6’10) who are excellent from the three-point line growing on trees these days.

Trade Nicholson? Trade Novak? Tweet us your thoughts @hoopshypeca

Battle Of Future Canada PG’s

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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.