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It’s that time again!

After evlauating countless Canadian prospects throughout the year in different environments, we have compiled a top 10 list, composed of three commtted student-athletes in Tristan Etienne (Washington) Kevin Zabo (San Diego State), and most recently, Chris Egi (Harvard) who has also reclassified to 2014, after being the #1-ranked 2015 prospect since his freshman year.

Egi is an elite shot blocker with a developing offensive arsenal, who will provide an immediate impact for Coach Amaker and the Crimson in the 2014-2015 season. In the mean time, he will climb the charts in America, while continuing to evolve.

Trey Lyles spearheads the Canadian 2014 class, as he possesses the tools, along with the upside to be a “one and done” type of talent. Will he realize this potential? That is yet to be seen as he will first decide between Louisville or Kentucky, and then transition against high-major competition. Lyles has his senior season ahead of him, and likely some major accolades to follow. He has competed and thrived at the highest levels, most recently averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds at the FIBA World championships for Team Canada– tied for second in scoring in the entire tournament, behind fellow Canadian Tyler Ennis.

 

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The NPH 2014 Top 10 has national representation with players from Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, with each player earning their stripes.

Evaluating prospects LIVE in every environment possible allows us to learn extensively about the talent on and off the floor. The NPH approach deals with learning about the individual, not just the player, as pesonality and characteristics translate directly to the hardwood. We have travelled all across North America to witness Canada’s elite talent compete in different settings from High School basketball to, club, AAU, National Program, and showcase events.

Following the high school season, we extensively travelled on the AAU circuit, where we hit cities including Las Vegas, Orlando, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Augusta, where some players proved their worth with consistently, while others not as much.

As prospects enter their senior season, it will be our final opportunity to track Canada’s top prospects, prior to the next level. As always, some will climb, and some will fall, dictated upon consistency, production, potential…and most importantly, their progress.

The NPH team will continue to travel across the country (Canada & America) to track all prospects in our national database, while getting the opportunity to discover new talent from coast-to-coast!

Marial Shayok – The silent killer at Blair Academy, playing both ends of the floor and providing scoring in bunches. Shayok’s slashing ability often gets him to the rack for a finish or he makes a play for someone else from the drive and dish. Shayok has shown versatility through his improvement in long range shooting.

Tristan Etienne – Committed to Washington, Etienne is a skilled big with length, mobility, athleticism and intelligence. He is only scratching the surface on his potential, as there is still great room for growth. What’s more? Etienne is arguably the best 2014 shot blocker in the nation–that was until Egi reclassified.

Jabari Craig – Upside. From a physical standpoint, there are not many prospects in the country (Canada or U.S) with his attrbiutes, in that Craig, at 6’10 possesses size, big time athleticism, mobility, shock-blocking  and glimpses of an offensive skill set. On the flipside, he is relatively raw, but if he ever turns the corner in his development, Craig is the type that can leave a serious imprint on his college career.

Kevin Zabo – The floor general has committed to San Diego State where he will bring leadership at the point and poise under pressure. Zabo is a playmaker; we’ve seen him score in a variety of ways and create for others, as he is able to provide what the team needs. We’ve been watching him play against the best American and International talent for years and he’s proven to be a top level PG in all occasions.

Raynold Kasongo – A physical specimen that has had his up and downs. A powerful player that doesn’t hesitate from using his strong body. At junior national team try outs, he showed brute force in his above the rim finishes, however must continue to expand on his skill set.

Francis Kiapway – The Hamilton, Ontario product is relentless. Kiapway has the ability to score the rock from anywhere on the floor with polish, as he can create space, shoot with efficency and slash to the bucket. The most impressive trait in Kiapway is the killer instinct; he does not back down from any competitor, and showed it last season against Andrew Wiggins and Huntington Prep, where he registered 23 points in the blowout loss.

Gavin Pierce – The 6’4 wing has gradually climbed up the charts with consistency. From Eastern Commerce, to NPH Ontario Showcase MVP, to the circuit with Northern Kings, where he was the top producer this summer for his team. Pearce’s combination of freakish athleticsm, length and motor make him a handful for defenses to track. Before you blink, Pearce is at the rim catching a monster alley oop jam.

Tevonn Walker – A highlight type of point guard with sound play making abilities. He was extrememly consistent throughout the summer and had an excellent showing in Indiana at the Adidas Invitational. Tevonn is able to score off the dribble and creates for others in the same fashion. We will continue tracking Walker throughout the CEGEP season in Quebec.

 

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NPH 2014 Top 10 National Player Rankings

 

1.		Trey Lyles	PF
2.		Chris Egi – Harvard Commit	PF
3.		Marial Shayok – Marquette Commit	SG
4.		Tristan Etienne – Washington Commit	PF
5.		Jabari Craig – USC Commit	C
6.		Kevin Zabo – San Diego St Commit	PG
7.		Raynold Kasongo – Oregon Commit	PF
8.		Francis Kiapway – Ball St Commit	SG
9.		Gavin Pearce	SG
10.		Tevonn Walker – Valparaiso Commit	PG