Notre Dame Ajax and Grassroots Canada standout Gabriel Osabuohien (2017, 6’5” F) is taking his talents to Virginia Academy, a small private school located in Ashburn, Virginia (Loudoun County).  This move is expected to take effective immediately.

Virginia Academy assistant coach Duval Simmonds verified the switch Saturday afternoon.

“Our program this past summer identified Canada as a hotbed for high school basketball talent. We’re really excited to welcome Gabriel as a vital piece to the puzzle. His development and exposure can potentially help lure other Canadian prospects moving forward, “ said Simmonds.

Gabriel meets criteria for the type of student-athlete Virginia Academy desires. Osabouhien offers intangibles both on and off the court that Simmonds reiterated is mandatory.

“Virginia Academy is strong academically while trying to be one of the better athletic programs within our region. Gabriel brings both next level potential and strong academics.”

Located less then an hour away from D.C., Osabouhien and his Virginia Academy Patriots will play a schedule that includes Genesis Academy (VA), Millword (VA), Riverdale Baptist (MD), Capitol Christian (MD), Westtown (PA) among others.

“Our schedule will be very competitive while making sure our student athletes receive good exposure for college athletics while maintaining a good academic standing,” Coach Simmonds explained.

The Patriots are a team that will consist of only freshmans and sophomores but already possess proof in their pudding in terms of exposure. Ejike Obinna (2017, 6’10”) allready has an offer from George Mason.

After exchanging dialogue with Osabouhien via email, the forward expressed what he plans to bring to Virginia, stating, “My game resembles a combination of Julius Randle and Jabari Parker as a SF to a stretch PF that plays from the wing and likes attacking inside. I use my athleticism to finish at the rim.”

An articulate Gabriel also wrote about his decision to take his talents to Virginia: “Virginia is one of the toughest states in terms of basketball competition in high school and it’s an opportunity for me to go against the top players and get better day in and day out with the right people pushing me.”

As the young man pursues his D1 dream the Hoops Hype Canada Top 40 #16-ranked prospect concluded by sharing his desire to improve along the way.

“I want to become a lock-down defender which is an attribute needed to play at a high level of basketball. Also a consistent jump shot and a tighter handles,” said Osabouhien.

Osabouhien travelled on the AAU circuit with Grassroots Canada; a team that featured Lindell Wiggington from Oak Hill and Shakwon Barrett who recently transferred to Findlay Prep.

Originally slated to switch schools and start class in September, Grassroots program director Ro Russell explained the snag via email.

“He was set to go to Virginia Academy in September but due to an administrative issue it looked like it wasn’t happening. After some persistent and Godly intervention Gabe is now going to VA this week,” Russell wrote.

“He is a great kid and a loyal person. He has a lot of potential and will make the most of his opportunities down there.”

When asked to compare Osabouhien to previous Grassroots alumni, Russell said, “Gabe reminds me of former Grassroots great, Mikyle McIntosh. He is an athletic forward who can impact the game in a lot of ways.”

For more on Gabriel Osabouhien’s journey on Twitter follow @GO22_LT

For more on the best in Canadian basketball follow Hoops Hype Canada on Twitter at @HoopsHypeCa