BioSteel All-Canadian Selections – Here are the Takeaways

bio steel 2016

BioSteel and TSN have released the selections for the 2nd Annual Biosteel All Canadian Game, a celebration of amatuer level basketball in Canada at a time where the sport is at an all time high in popularity and headed in an upward direction.

The rosters for this game are loaded with some of the best talent from around the country – but are they “the top 24 players in Canada” as advertised? That’s where the discussion becomes multi-layered.

Biosteel All Canadian Roster 2016

National Representation

This list is composed of players from all across the country, making it a truly national event. Players like Aher Uguak (Alberta) Grant Shepherd (British Columbia) Nate Darling (Nova Scotia) Emmanuel Akot (Manitoba) Anthony Longpre (Quebec) Jereome Desrosiers (Quebec) are legit representatives for their respective regions, outside of Ontario. The BioSteel All-Canadian game has once again provided an opportunity for kids across the country to show the diversity in talent coast-to-coast.

Senior Class Recognition

Only 9 of the 24 players on this list are in their final year of high school basketball, meaning that 15 spots have been taken by players from 2017-2019. There are 11 returning players from last year’s game. As you will see below, we have made a case for many seniors that have proven themselves over the course of their careers. The feedback that we have received from within the basketball community does not question the quality of talent on the list, moreso the lack of senior representation.

Being chosen to this game is honourary of the work and accomplishments that have accumulated over the course of a high school career and with that being said; there are some seniors who got left off this list that were “no brainers” in our opinion.

Snubs

There are three players in the 2016 class (Thon Maker, Justin Jackson, Isiaha Mike) that project and flaunt NBA potential; one of them was not selected.

Isiaha Mike standing at a lean 6’7, 210 lbs with graceful athleticism, three point shooting range, along with a solid in-between game. Collegiate level coaches took notice of this prospect initially while on the AAU circuit with Hoops Canada and NCAA coaches continued to track him at Trinity International School in Las Vegas. He is on a steady pace to make a direct impact next year for the Duquesne Dukes in the A-10.

In our opinion, Mike is the biggest snub on this list and what we would call a “No-brainer”.

Isiaha Mike | Senior | 6’7 | Forward | Trinity International | Hoops Canada

A humble kid with a fiery competition level and highlight reel plays. Isiaha Mike was first spotted in 2013 when he came on the scene and since then has been maximizing his potential and climbing towards his projection. There isn’t anything on the floor that he is not able to do offensively and he can defend up to four positions. Earlier mentioned as a potential NBA prospect, that term is not tossed around lightly. Isiaha Mike is legit!

NPH #3 ranked in the Canadian 2016 class

 

Mfiondu Kabangale | Senior | 6’8 | F | Don Bosco Prep | IBSA

Here is what you call a hidden gem and late bloomer. One could make an argument that nobody in the class of 2016 has boosted their stock higher in the last six months than Kabangele. High major NCAA programs are all over him. Mfiondu is the hottest Canadian basketball prospect on the scene

NPH #6-ranked in the Canadian 2016 class

Marcus Ottey | Senior | Guard | Spire Institute | Canada Elite

Marcus Ottey is a highlight waiting to happen. This high flying guard has had several 30+ point games this season with Spire Institute, while playing a very highly competitive American schedule. In one game attended this season, we witnessed him drop 38 on 14/20 from the field. Deservingly so, his recruitment has taken off in the last few months as a result of his performances this season.

NPH #10 ranked in the Canadian 2016 class

Godwin Boahen | Senior | Guard | The Hill Academy | Canada Elite

He is the most proven Canadian PG in 2016, a top producer in the Canadian Prep League (OSBA), and the starting PG of a Canada Elite team that was widely considered a top 10 AAU team in North America last summer. Boahen is a near triple-double on most nights.

NPH #11 ranked in the Canadian 2016 class

 

Eugene Omoruyi | Senior | 6’6 | Forward | Orangeville Prep | Northern Kings

Many have reached out regarding Omoruyi and we can see why; he is the definition of competitor, he is the player that coaches and opposition fear. Omoruyi has arguably the highest motor in the 2016 class, he is non-stop energy whether it be running the floor, crashing the glass or instilling confidence in his teammates–his energy is contagious. Omoruyi has had a fantastic season in the OSBA and is one a steady incline.

NPH #14 ranked in the Canadian 2016 class

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Sophomore | Guard | Hamilton Heights | Canada Elite

A lot can be debated about the 2017 class, however the biggest name not selected would be Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He’s the NPH #1-ranked player the nation for 2017. An easy pick to be selected considering he is a top producer for a nationally ranked American high school program, Hamilton Heights (Tennessee). Moreover, there is a reason he has a long list of offers including big time programs like Baylor, USC, Virginia Tech, Miami and others recruiting him hard.

NPH #1-ranked in the Canadian 2017 class

A win for Canadian Basketball

In the grand scheme, the second annual BioSteel All-Canadian game is a win for hoops in this country, as it will bring more attention to the calibre of talent that the North will be pumping out for years to come.

Kudos to BioSteel for investing into the game. #CanBall

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