Courage Ogbeide, Jefferson Koulibaly Earn Junior NPH Showcase MVP, Nik Stauskas Addresses Campers

As day two kicked off at the Junior NPH Showcase, Mississauga Native, and Philadelphia 76ers shooter guard Nik Stauskas stepped into Hillfield Strathallan College.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI2gCL1DtCp/?taken-by=northpolehoops

His mission? To share his knowledge that he has gained over his 24-year journey to the top of the mountain in professional basketball to over 70 prospects at the Hamilton JR NPH Showcase.

“At every level you need to work harder” insisted Nik. “High school, College, the NBA, is all a weeding out process where only the strongest survive.”

He also offered good advice to the new grade nines who will be getting into the new realm of high school.

“I found it was easy to make the right friends though basketball,” explained Stauskas. “When I went away for prep school thats how I was able to connect with people.”

He did take his fair share of tough questions for the campers too as one kid shouted, “Why does DeMarcus Cousins get so many technical fouls!”

Nik turned to the NPH crew repeating the question out loud with a smirk, “He’s an emotional player” he responded.

TOP 24 Prospects

Courtesy: @Ronniemexx
Courtesy: @Ronniemexx

A lot was learned on day one of the showcase, and much like the Toronto Junior NPH Showcase, Hamilton was diverse in its talent, having prospects range from Windsor, Ontario to Montreal, Quebec.

Team White Hometown (Team) Team Black Hometown (Team)
Jefferson Koulibaly Montreal, Quebec (Brookwood)  Courage Ogbeide Toronto (CIA Bounce)
 Luke DeGannes Burlington, ON (UPlay)  Marc Galipeau Windsor (STAG Elite Spartans)
 Damien Jr. Robinson Ottawa, ON (Ottawa Wolverines)  Marcus Rillings Hamilton (Hamilton Wildcats)
 Antonio Glaze Brampton, ON (CIA Bounce) Rodi Mazloum Windsor (STAG Elite Spartans)
 Isaac Graham Hamilton, ON (Hamilton Wildcats)  John Junior Ikerdoah Hamilton (S-Eite)
 Jason Carter Smithville, Ontario (Pelham Panthers)  David Piazza Toronto (Motion Marksmen)
Quentin Hassell Vaughan, Ontario (S-Elite)  Liam Craven Hamilton (Blessed Sacrament)
 Gabriel Rosete Windsor, ON (STAG Elite Spartans)  Ethan Delacruz Mississauga Monarchs
 Nicolas Ciccolini Ottawa, Ontario (Ottawa Next Level)  Amrit Sran Windsor (The Family)
 Liam Gilbert Windsor, ON (STAG Elite Spartans)  Kwame Herod Bolton (NBAC Hoops)
Ethan Foster Hamilton, Ontario (UPlay)  Miles McArthur
Mississauga Monarchs
Mathew Li Vaughan, Ontario (Vaughan Panthers)  Damian Nath Waterloo Wildhawks

 

The final prospect game finished 70-58, for the White team as the MVP went to Jefferson Koulibaly (2021) who had 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assist, and 2 blocks and 2 steals. 

jefferson

Koulibaly was a high IQ, super athletic, and very skilled point guard coming out of Montreal, Quebec. Communication is such a key when it comes to Koulibaly who is a natural born leader. Displaying the confidence to run the show effectively, Koulibaly directed players he has never been around before. The next step in his progression is being able to allow the flow of the game to come to him, and not force the issue.

courageOn the other side, Black’s MVP was Courage Ogbeide who finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and a assist.

Ogbeide (2021) was dominant in getting to the rack and is very comfortable turned and drop stepping from either shoulder. At this point he is also able to effectively play all 5 positions, and has the strength and size to move defenders effectively out of his way. With more fine tuning on his shot, and ability to attack left, Ogbeide will be a force.

GLAZE

Antonio Glaze (2021) was also a force for team white as his quickness, speed, and athleticism was at the forefront in his 10 point, 2 rebound, 2 assist effort.

A very natural athlete, Glaze allows the game to flow through him, and has a high motor, continually going up and down the court. Defending his position well to with grit, toughness and a good attitude, Glaze will need to cut out some of the unnecessary flash in his game moving forward.
degannesLuke DeGannes (2021) stuffed the stat sheet for white as well getting 8 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks. WOW. DeGannes is very physically advanced at this point and uses his anticipation well, leaving his imprint on every part of the game.

The list of players who performed well goes on and for coaches that are interested in learning more through our in depth scouting reports, subscribe to NPH National Scouting Service for comprehensive coverage on Canada’s top prospects.

Contact info@northpolehoops for more information.

Next stop for the NPH Showcase National camp circuit is Hamilton August 12-14th at McMaster!

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