Chris Egi

Egi: ‘Can Be Better, Will Be Better’

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada


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.

Lyles Lock For Nike Summit, Egi & Zabo In Mix

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

On Monday morning USA basketball announced its team for the 2014 Nike Hoop Summit. Selection of the pending World Team is stil being finallised.

Saskatchewan born Trey Lyles (Arsenal Tech, IN) is highly projected to represent Canada on the World Team.

Gatineau, QC’s Kevin Zabo (Brewster Academy) and Markham, ON’s Chris Egi (Montverde Academy) are also potential Canadians in the mix to represent the maple leaf later this season in Portland.

Recently mother of the Canadian Kentucky basketball signee Lyles shared with the Central Kentucky News how she’s always been involved in Trey’s career,

Jasenka Lyles and Trey Lyles

“I keep our school stats. Tom coaches. It is exciting. We of course want them to always win. Most of all we want them to play together as a team. They have each others’ backs. I have been the team mom ever since he has been playing, even through high school. AAU days, everything. I have boxes and boxes of stats. We have always been very involved in Trey’s basketball and education. We are a very close-knit family. Tom has been his only trainer. He is assistant coach. We are all very well connected.”  Treys mother Jasenka Lyles mentioned.

The Nike Hoop Summit has a tradition of featuring the world’s upcoming basketball talent. This annual basketball game is played under international rules and features the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Select Team, comprised of the top high school boy senior players, playing against a World Select Team, comprised of top players 19-years-old or younger from around the world.

The 2014 Hoop Summit will be played Saturday April 12th, at 4:30pm in Portland, Oregon at the Moda Center.

For a Complete List of all World Team Participants CLICK HERE

Chris Egi Lift’s Crown: MVA 18-0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle talks with Chris Egi.

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

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

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

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

Montverde 73, White Station 60

MV 19 13 17 24 — 73

WS 18 12 11 19 — 60

Zabo, Egi Represent 2014′s In Springfield

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

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

Meet Kevin Zabo & Chris Egi:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday 6:30 – Wilbarham & Monson vs Brewster Academy

followed by

Monday 3:30 – Curie vs Montverde Academy

Dozen Canadians Present At Hoop Hall

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

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

Class of 2014:

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

Class of 2015:

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

Class of 2016:

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

Class of 2017:

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

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

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

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

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

SCHEDULE

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

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

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

Quality Hoop Hall Reads:

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”.

 

Egi Sweepstakes: Enter California

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Chris Egi will take his remaining visit to the University of California sources tell Hoops Hype Canada (HHC).

Egi a 6’9″ PF/C playing along side current Cal commit Ahmaad Rorie @ Montverde Academy in Florida had previously limited his officials to Harvard, Stanford, Washington & Vanderbilt.

According to annonymous sources close to the situation a recent sitdown between Bears Associate head coachTravis Decuire and Egi’s parents in Toronto has apparently done the trick. Egi and his support staff now intend to visit Cal.

Last week Egi told California media that it was Berkeley’s renowned undergraduate business school, coupled with his growing relationship with Rorie and Decuire, that was winning Cal major points.

Egi will reportedly visit California October 11-13 with trips to Harvard scheduled September 28th, Vanderbilt on October 3rd and Stanford and Washington October 17 th and 19th respectively.

Chris Egi Sweeptakes

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Surrounding the Chris Egi sweepstakes, speculation started to surface since this realGM article. Peter Chalach qouted the class of 2015 6’9 F/C Chris Egi as saying “If I could pick any school in the world, it would probably be Duke. That would be a dream come true.” Who wouldnt want to play for head coach Mike Krzyzewski? A hall of fame head coach at Duke and of several USA men’s national teams.

16 year old Chris Egi member of U19 Team Canada.

On Tuesday afternoon a source close to Egi’s camp told Hoops Hype Canada (HHC) that Coach K would be paying a visit to Montverde Academy down in Florida. “Duke is visiting him as in Coach K”  the source summarized. An American College Basketball Insider, who asked to be kept annonymous when reached by email replied “Coach K is actually going to Montverde to see Ben Simmons. That’s the priority – from what I have been told.” According to NCAA rules, this is the month where coaches can make at home visits to players, “Coaches are allowed out starting the 9th of the month.” Insider verified via email.

Canadian Hoops Analyst Mark Bairos when reached by telephone told Hoops Hype Canada (HHC) “Egi’s not visiting Duke, Coach K is visiting Egi.” When Bairos was notified that multiple sources south of the border reported Ben Simmons was the reason for Coach K’s visit he reiterated “I was told he was visiting just to see Chris. Duke needs post depth beyond the 2014-2015 season”.

Hoops Hype Canada late Tuesday afternoon spoke with Montverde Academy Assistant Coach Rae Miller via telephone. Miller is one of the countless people on campus who assist families and student athletes with positive mentorship, discipline, and guidance as they pursue their individual dreams during tenures at Montverde.

Montverde Assisstant Head Coach Rae Miller

Coach Miller offered  “I wouldnt go to the extent that Coach K is visiting just for Chris, we’ve had players like Kyrie Irving, if you asked me if he is visiting to watch our team practice, which nothing has been set yet, that is probably true…we have pretty much a roster full of all extremely gifted and exciting players who will generate strong interest.” 

Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle this summer re-stocked the roster with top caliber transfers like Ahmaad Rorie (California verbal commitment), our Canadian import Chris Egi and Makinde London. They join star holdovers D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State) and Ben Simmons to give the program a nucleus capable of contending for another national title.

Highly regarded high school basketball coach Kevin Boyle was lured to Montverde from St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, N.J. Here he strategizes with his players during a game in Montverde’s invitational tournament in late January of 2012.

Coached by Kevin Boyle, Montverde are the reigning ESPN NHSI champion. Coach Boyle has coached a number of great NBA players including #1 pick Kyrie Irving and #2 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.  Boyle was recently quoted saying that Simmons was the best player in the world at 18 and under.  When asked how hard is it to stay focused and live up to the hype, Simmons told Tyler Mounce “I think that Coach Boyle was being very generous with his comments – there are lots of good players in the US. I just want to be the best I can be, get really strong and work hard on my game. I’m a pretty relaxed person and I just want to be able to stay that way and always be ready and focused when I play. That’s all I can really do.”

Ben Simmons the Montverde junior received lots of global attention for his basketball abilities over the last few years, so much so that some thought he was a NBA prospect for last June’s draft. There is little doubt that “Big Ben,” a native of Melbourne, Australia, deserves his top ranked international high school status. Even before applying to MVA in his sophomore year, Ben was considered by several national media outlets as one of the preeminent college prospects from the class of 2015. The lefty shooter has an excellent ceiling that shines off of his athleticism, combined with his shooting touch, makes him one of the top prospects in the world.  Simmons is a likely one and done, lottery pick.

As for Canadian Chris Egi at only 16 years of age he’s still at an early stage of his development. Egi enjoyed break out performances this summer at the FIBA U19 Championships playing against competition 2 years older then him, then followed it up with a great showing at the Nike Global Games in D.C. A summer that saw Egi cement his stock as a high major talent. “always the hardest working guy in the gym every time I see him… working his tail off, always around the ball and those traits make him a excellent rebounder.” Bairos added about the 6’9 Canadian’s playing style.

“Moving from Toronto to Montverde Academy in Florida offers Chris the highest level of competition every day in practice compared to what he was seeing in Toronto. Tossing it up with talented teammates and playing as competitive of a schedule you’ll find is fantastic for him and his family” Bairos expressed. With the hiring of a top prep hoops coach in Kevin Boyle and the construction of a $6.5 million athletic facility, tiny Montverde Academy on the outskirts of Orlando is an elite basketball program that practically ensures kids like Simmons & Egi a college scholarship, and perhaps even a pro career. Montverde is a quality academic program with quality athletic programs, get your popcorn ready, the Chris Egi sweepstakes have just begun!!!

FREE THROWS

Reports out of Durham, North Carolina speculated that Duke had been cut from Chris Egi’s list. When Coach Miller was asked to verify or confirm if the Canadian big men had allready begun trimming schools from his list, Coach Miller let it be known “All schools are on the list at this point” Despite Egi’s list headlined by main stray top 20 programs such as Duke & Florida when Egi was reached on campus by Canadian press regarding scheduled official visits, Egi released dates as followed.

Harvard September 26-29
Vanderbilt October 3-6
Stanford October 17-19
Washington October 19-21

Asked about his reclassification status, and Egi responded “I want to wait untill later to officially decide.” Also about getting acclimated “Coach has been great, just staying on me all the time and making sure I play the game at a high level both physically and mentally. He’s been working on expanding my offensive game” Egi also expalined some personal expectations this fall playing with the Florida based program, “I want to be the defensive backbone of the team with my communication and versatility in that I can guard multiple positions…On offense, I see myself scoring in transition, attacking the glass, passing well and playing out the ball screen.”