NPH Trailblazers is a segment being introduced to Canada that illustrates the careers of influential figures of the past, who have paved the way for the present and future of Canadian basketball. If you’re not having fun learning the fundamentals of the game, then you’re not going to develop. Dubois had a career season in 2018-19, his second as a Blue Jacket, with career-best 27 goals, 61 points and plus-16 rating in 82 regular-season contests. When I was in high school, we won two tournaments in New Brunswick, a number of tournaments in Nova Scotia; the competition was very very high, very very strong. From SMU, Njoku was the first and only player to be drafted into the NBA from a Canadian University [in the modern draft selection process], to the Indiana Pacers (41st pick) in the 1994 draft. The Hawks then traded the eighth (Jaxson Hayes), 17th (Alexander-Walker), and 35th picks (Marcos Louzada Silva) in the 2019 NBA Draft along with the first round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft to the Pelicans for Slomon Hill, the 57th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (Jordan Bone) and a future second round NBA Draft pick. If you don’t have competence, then you don’t have confidence. READ MORE: RJ Barrett, Canadian NBA prospect, drafted 3rd overall by New York Knicks WATCH: The New Orleans Pelicans selected Toronto’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker with … The Wildcats not only have produced the most NBA players but have also been one of the top college basketball programs in the nation historically. WN: It was probably the most stressful moments of my life. NPH: It seems like a perfect job for you to be a Motivational speaker…how did it all start? The six […] NBA Sportsmanship Award. There’s so much information that you can get for free online that can help you learn skills…and then commit to it. Though three were drafted overall, Canada hasn't had more than two players in the first round of the NBA draft in the past 20 years. There have been a number of Canadians who went on to play in the NBA. I learned a lot about how to carry myself as an international pro and athlete. Programs were crammed with talent St Pat’s, Cole Harbour and others…we were all such rivals and the fan base was enormous because basketball was so good, and there was the size element that isn’t as prevalent in high schools now. NPH National Scout, tracking Canada's TOP prospects from high school to the NBA. Required fields are marked *. My last two years of high school, we had five guys go to the CIS. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2019 National Basketball Association Draft, Marion Thenault wins first career World Cup aerials medal, Jane Channell wins World Cup women’s skeleton bronze in Germany, Nick Taylor and Roger Sloan in contention at the 2021 American Express Championship, Alouettes offensive lineman Trey Rutherford retires at age 25, Kelly Olynyk counted on as a starter for the Miami Heat. Brooklyn dealt Kabengele to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second round draft pick in the 2019 NBA Entry Draft (Jaylen Hands) and a first round draft pick in the 2020 NBA Entry Draft. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Three UVA players were selected in the 1987 draft, when Olden Polynice was selected in the first round, Andrew Kennedy was taken in the second round and Tom Sheehey went in the fourth round. It was a stressful situation because I was home on vacation away from the national team and my brother went into the hospital and passed away a few days later, and then the world championships were starting in 10 days so the championships were sort of a blur. Your email address will not be published. Steve Nash is a living legend and the best Canadian players in NBA history without any hesitation. When the draft approached, my agent was telling me that the Phoenix Suns were going to draft me 51st, which was shocking to me and pretty surreal; it actually caused me a lot of anxiety because I just didn’t know what was going on. [in modern draft selection process]. Message to ALL our readers regarding COVID-19, Six Canadians drafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Mark Giordano, Ryan O’Reilly and Barry Trotz win at 2019 NHL Awards, Felix Auger-Aliassime wins three matches in two days at the 2019 Queen’s Club Championships. Rams forward Tanor Ngom declares for NBA draft – The Eyeopener, Kobe Bryant VS Andrew Wiggins – Mutual Respect, Boston Celtics’ Kevin Eastman to Spearhead Clinic at Humber College, NC-Double-Eh Players of the Week – Jan. 18, Winning ways – The Raptors beat up the Hornets for back-to-back victories, Fleeting hope; the Raptors keep improving but still find ways to come up short, Montreal’s Tre-Vaughn Minott commits to South Carolina…. The 22-year-old would be the fourth player … I think the talent is still strong because there are more kids playing and more taking it seriously. NPH: You played all over Europe; Which experience was most memorable? About 90 percent of those players came from a Division I school. Sbiet has covered the game at every level, combining a basketball and media background with a degree in Media & Journalism from the University of Guelph-Humber. On draft night I was with some teammates at a sports bar, (Dwight Walton was there) and Indiana picked me 41 and I had no idea because they had not contacted me before. I think it was the first time when I realized how good I was, when I was trying out in the NBA and it sort of bothered me because I had never been told that [I was that good], or even realized it before myself. Records that may be broken this year When the Toronto Raptors, led by Damon Stoudamire, brought the NBA to Canada in 1995, a generation of Canadian players suddenly had a rooting interest … Kevin Johnson, SS Drafted by: Athletics, 23rd round, 1986 The former All-NBA point guard and Sacramento mayor was a high school star in both baseball and basketball and briefly played on the diamond at the University of California-Berkeley. The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that 107 international players from 41 countries are on opening-night rosters for the 2020-21 season NEW YORK, United States of America, December 23, 2020/ — Opening-Night Rosters Feature Record 17 Canadian Players … For future kids…seek opportunities to learn, watch videos online, watch games, study players, study the game, read books, not just playing. The influence by so many people gives you a world view that is so broad and allows you to be a true ambassador for the human race, and that’s what sport is really about–having our character polished through sport. Other great players to attend UNLV and then head to the NBA are Larry Johnson, Reggie Theus, and Armen Gilliam. Canada sets the record for the most players drafted from a single country in one year outside the United States. NPH: Do you get a chance to watch any HS or CIS? Our game plan was to not let him get his right arm up. WN: I can sum it up by saying that I will be in Brazil in 2016; I’m confident Canada will be there. 1. Which players have been most influential? The Raptors show signs of life but end the week in disappointment. The Nets also traded Alexander-Walker to the Atlanta Hawks with Allen Crabbe and a first round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft for Taurean Prince and a second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. WN: Played Against – Oscar Schmidt (Brazil) because he was such a prolific scorer. Most of the biggest NBA stars originate from the first 10 picks in the draft. NPH: What can you say to the current players in the CIS as far as professional basketball aspirations are concerned? BWB is the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program that has seen 76 former campers drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents since 2001. WN: I coach high school basketball and I drive to Frederiction to watch CIS, or I’ll drive to Halifax. Mike Smrek - had a tremendous NBA career by Canadian standards. When my name came again a few years later, he remembered me. I had a good work ethic but he helped me take a more relaxed approach to it, and we also hung out. NPH: With regards to the national team, how excited are you about how things are shaping up as you’ve watched the growth of the program? There were a record six Canadians selected at the 2019 National Basketball Association Draft from Brooklyn, New York on Thursday. NBA Draft 2020: Undrafted Canadian guard Nate Darling to sign two-way contract with Charlotte Hornets. Of the four Canadians who were traded, two players were traded by the Nets. When Murray and Maker were drafted last June — by Denver and Milwaukee, respectively — it showed that Canadian schools could provide a path to the NBA. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa2b03ca462e42f43c9b839ab14170ad" );document.getElementById("b35d6e413a").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Canada Basketball Fans….Big Things Are Coming! None Teammate of the Year. WN: Played With – Dwight Walton keeps coming to mind because I learned how to approach training, he was the veteran on the team but also like a brother. The 2019 NBA Draft was a watershed moment for Canadian basketball. List of foreign NBA drafted players. I was challenged the most on the basketball court when I was in Belgium. I learned the most about myself and culture when I was in Turkey. Since 1966 — the start date of the Super Bowl Era — there have been 59 players from north of the border selected in the NFL draft. None All-Star selection. Drafted third overall in 2016, he has 66 goals and 159 points in 239 NHL regular-season games. He is now a motivational speaker for his company [Will 2 Win] and the athletic director at Crandall University. WN: Oh…amazing. 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett as well as standout rookie Brandon Clarke. "Today is a momentous day for all our Canadian players drafted into the NBA," said Rowan Barrett, general manager of … But times have changed, that calibre of talent now, may not be playing in Canada. Canadian players have gone to US colleges and then been drafted. Please help improve the article by providing more context for the reader. NPH: What was the feeling like, as the first player to be drafted from a Canadian University? I definitely enjoy watching the competition. WN: Well…I was asked to do weekly classes and lessons for kids and I did that. But they had seen my video and were impressed enough that they wanted to draft me 41st. It’s also unusual to see draft selections from Canadian colleges, however, this might prove to NBA pundits that quality players are coming from colleges/universities north of … But seeing that level inspired me to be doing what I do now, which is letting kids know that the skills and abilities that their learning now in Canada is equal to what is being taught in the States and there’s no reason why any player should think that it’s impossible to play in the NBA. This is an alphabetical list of 49 basketball players from Canada who have played in the National Basketball Association since 1946. WN: I had the most fun when I was in Germany. As talented as I was, I never really believed in myself so when that announcement came I think it put more pressure on me. The 1994 NBA draft is highlighted by Glenn Robinson, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill and Jalen Rose to name a few. Yes, one player has. Opening-Night Rosters Feature Record 17 Canadian Players and Record-Tying 14 African Players; Seventh Consecutive Season League Has at Least 100 International Players… Why I say that is influential is because one, to be able to shoot like that is an unbelievable skill and ability–two, I’ve never heard of a game plan where we try to stop a player from moving up a body part…it was just insane. Steve Nash, 8 times, 2002–2003, 2005–2008, 2010, 2012; Jamaal Magloire, 2004; Players. Bob Houbregs- Played from '53 -'58. Did your travels play a significant role in your growth on and off the floor? In each of the last seven years, a minimum of one Canadian has been chosen in the NFL draft, which is a record for the longest streak of its kind. WN: To Warren and future guys…to trust themselves and trust in what they’ve learned, trust in the sacrifice that they’ve made. Then I went to France six days later and things didn’t really pan out for me there either; it was a very stressful three months. Kentucky-107 players. Official release NBA rosters feature 107 international players from 41 countries A record 17 Canadian players and a record-tying 14 African players are rosters this season. From SMU, Njoku was the first and only player to be drafted into the NBA from a Canadian University [in the modern draft selection process], to the Indiana Pacers (41st pick) in the 1994 draft. Canadian colleges are considered poor as far as potential NBA talent goes. The last time a Canadian was not selected in the NBA draft was 2009, according to Edilson J. Silva of Basketball Buzz. Recently, I was thinking Owen Klassen (Acadia) and Philip Scrubb (Carleton) may have had a small 2nd round chance. Former Canadian players include 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Nash - who is Barrett's godfather - former No. Players from all over the world, including college athletes and foreign pros, enter the NBA draft each summer. The 1994 NBA draft is highlighted by Glenn Robinson, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill and Jalen Rose to name a few. But sometimes teams find star players in the latter portion of the first round and even, rarely, in the second round. With a genuine passion for the game, you will find Sbiet in the bleachers of most major tournaments and events across Canada & the United States -- Discovering talent from coast-to-coast, while absorbing knowledge at every opportunity. With Nick Nurse set to coach Canada’s 2019 World Cup team, this is full of players who either have worn the red and white or may do so in the future. National Basketball Association. It was bad stress…my own personal energy was sort of shock, confusion and disbelief. This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. William Njoku, a 6'9 forward was drafted out of St. Mary's (Halifax) with the 41st pick of the 1994 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers.He never played in the NBA. We would like to introduce you to 6’9 William Njoku out of Halifax West Secondary. NPH: You started your high school career at Halifax West, how was the high school ball there in Nova Scotia? Your email address will not be published. Six Canadians were drafted last year, setting a new record for any non-U.S. country in a single draft class, and among those six were No. Canadian Forwards Anthony Bennett, Kelly Olynyk On ... Saint Mary’s Huskies Upset UPEI Behind Game-High 25 points from Jerome Smith! There are currently seven projected Canadian players in the Rookie Wire Mock Draft, and up to 10 with a legitimate shot at either being drafted or ending up on an NBA roster at some point in time. Canadians haven’t been strangers to the NBA draft in recent years with the likes of Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all getting selected by teams early on. Of the six, Barrett has the most potential after leading Team Canada to a gold medal and being the most valuable player of the 2017 FIBA under-19 Basketball World Cup in Egypt. One of the best point guards in basketball history, a man with extremely talented hands, a great playmaker with a great vision and one of the most unselfish men that ever played the game. However, in an interesting storyline, four of the six Canadians ended up being traded. Once I did that a couple times, I realized that I’m solving a problem for somebody, which sounded like it could be made into a business…so that’s how it all began. Clarke was traded from Oklahoma City to Memphis for a first round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (Darius Bazley) and a second round draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 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