I’ve talked a significant amount of the Canadians currently in the NBA, but this is just the first wave of talent.
Donnovan Bennett of Sportsnet has compiled a list of the most intriguing Canadian players currently playing down south in the NCAA. These players comprise what will be the next wave of Canadian basketball players looking to make names for themselves in the NBA.
This article can be found on Sportsnet.ca
DONNOVAN BENNETT NOVEMBER 23, 2015, 11:22 AM
In NCAA college basketball this season there are multiple Canadians poised for a big year on teams who can make a run in March to the Final Four. Here are a few homegrown talents to keep an eye on, plus some insight on them from former national team member and current Executive Vice President and Assistant GM of Canada basketball Rowan Barrett.
Kyle Wiltjer
Position: Power forward
Eligibility: Senior
School: Gonzaga
Wiltjer is one of the premier stretch four’s in the NCAA. Last year he averaged 16.8 points per game and shot 54% from the floor, including 46.6% from three. Named a preseason AP All-American, this year he’s expected to put up even bigger numbers as the focus of the Zags offence. He is the latest in a long line of Canadians to star for Gonzaga, most recently following Kevin Pangos and Kelly Olynyk. Although Kyle was born in Portland, Oregon Wiltjer gets his Canadian nationality from his father and former national team member Greg Wiltjer.
Rowan Barrett says: A highly skilled player that can score the ball and does a great job stretching the floor with his ability to shoot the three point shot with high efficiency.
For more: Check out this one-on-one interview with Wiltjer and Sportsnet.
Jamal Murray
Position: Point guard
Eligibility: Freshman
School: Kentucky
Just 18 years old, but the Canadian in the NCAA with the highest basketball IQ is probably Jamal Murray. Murray also has the highest upside, as he’s already projected to be a top-five pick if he decides to declare for the NBA draft. Albany head coach Will Brown already called him “the best player in the country”. The Kitchener-Waterloo native is playing off the ball quite a bit beside sophomore Tyler Ulis but he projects as a PG in the NBA.
Rowan Barrett says: Relentless competitor with maturity beyond his years. Unique in his ability to do all things offensively, on the basketball floor.
For more: Check out Prep School Confidential, Gare Joyce’s Sportsnet magazine feature on Murray & alma matter Orangeville Prep.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes
Position: Point guard
Eligibility: Sophomore
School: Florida State
Murray might not be the only lottery pick this summer— and he might not even be the most prolific Canadian scorer either. Xavier Rathan-Mayes had the chance to be a first round pick last year before deciding to come back to FSU. Last year the Markham native was named to the All-ACC freshman team, becoming the first freshman in ACC history to score 30 or more points three times just the second freshman to lead the Seminoles in scoring. The dead eye shooter who is poised to finish in the top 10 in ACC scoring again actually started his career as a shooting guard before making the transition to the point since being on campus at Tallahassee.
Rowan Barrett says: High level of confidence with explosive scoring abilities, and now has grown as a facilitator as well.
For more: Check out Florida Statement, Dave Zarum’s feature on Rathan-Mayes from his freshman season.
Dillon Brooks
Position: Small Forward
Eligibility: Sophomore
School: Oregon
One of the most intense players in college basketball is Oregon’s Dillon Brooks. The Mississauga native is continuing the long line of Canadians to attend Las Vegas powerhouse Findlay Prep and go on to have instant NCAA success, joining the likes of Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett. Brooks was a Pac-12 All Freshman and finished as third in freshman scoring in the conference with 11.5 PPG. One of the most versatile Canadians in the NCAA, he allows Oregon head Coach Dana Altman great flexibility as he plays big in small line ups but has the ball skills to play on the perimeter when the Ducks go big.
Rowan Barrett says: Very competitive player who is extremely aggressive, with a shooting touch.
For more: Check out The Boys of Summer, Sportsnet’s #BigRead on Brooks’ former AAU team, CIA Bounce.
Chris Boucher
Position: Power forward
Eligibility: Senior
School: Oregon
Boucher was the NJCAA player of the year staring for Northwest College. Chris averaged 22.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game last season with Northwest College in Wyoming after playing his freshman year at New Mexico Junior College. The Montreal-born Boucher may have to make the most of his first year in Eugene as the NCAA has ruled he only has one more year of eligibility although the Ducks plan to appeal the decision.
Rowan Barrett says: Long athletic player who has had success at the JUCO level.
Other Canadians to watch:
Dylan Ennis (Oregon)
Duane Notice (South Carolina)
Jalen Poyser (UNLV)
Chris Egi (Harvard)
The Charity Stripe 