The New Kids on the Block: Dyshawn Pierre + Andrew Wiggins
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Underrated 2012 star Dyshawn Pierre and 2014 phenom, Andrew Wiggins are the newest additions to the Nike CIA Bounce family! This feature profiles Pierre’s experience with his new travelling team, NCAA programs interested in his services, Dyshawn staying in Canada + much more!!
BRAMPTON, ON– For me, Dyshawn Pierre’s coming out party was last summer at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest where I watched him produce a staggering stat line to the effect of, 42 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals and 5 blocks. No exaggeration, Pierre simply crammed the stat sheet and was impressive on all fronts. That was last April.
Since then, his environment has changed. Formerly of the Whitby Wildcats, he is now the new kid on the block for the Nike CIA Bounce travelling team, the team that will be taking part in the Nike EYBL [league].
The soft-spoken junior (2012) out of Anderson CVI, explains the steps to take his game to the next level.
“I need to improve on everything, the CIA Bounce coaches are doing a great job at making us work hard and playing with such a talented roster will only help me. I think this program will be good for my development.”
While most players have been taking the American prep route to pursue their basketball dreams, Pierre is one of the few remaining in Canada–Kevin Pangos and Duane Notice have been a couple others.
“Me and my family decided that it would be best to stay home (Whitby, Ontario) to develop my skills. Canada basketball have some great people, they’ve done a great job at helping me improve and keeping me strong.”
And what a classy move it was for Tony McIntyre and Mike George to invite Junior National Team head coach of Canada basketball, Greg Francis to the CIA Bounce camp. Francis focused on fundamentals as well as national team concepts in preparing the youngsters to potentially one day carry the torch for this country!
In addition, Wayne Dawkins of PHASE 1 Basketball was also invited to the camp, as he focused on skill development and foot work.
This collaboration ultimately serves the Canadian basketball community and the players to the highest degree of development.
Dyshawn Pierre, although a timid individual off the court, is a rottweiler on the hardwood, attacking at will, diving for loose balls, and scrapping for rebounds. Despite all the talent on the EYBL roster, Dyshawn will be the glue guy on the floor; depending on his comfort level, you could expect DP to elevate his play and potentially be one of their leaders.
Pierre is undoubtedly the most underrated player on the CIA Bounce team, yet he has still managed to collect his share of D1 interest. Among the programs looking for his services, include St. Bonaventure, Duquesnand Elon, to name a very few.
“That’s what I can fremember off the top of my head, but there are about nine schools altogether right now”
The St. Bonaventure Bonnies currently have two Canadians on the team, NBA Prospect, junior Andrew Nicholson and Freshman Matthew Wright. The Canadian content at the school could intrigue Pierre enough to hop on the Bonnie bandwagon.
“Yeah, if they are accepting of Canadians, that will play a role in my recruitment. They’ve been really nice to me lately but I will have to wait and see.”
Currently playing as a small forward with capable guard skills, Pierre wants to transition into a full time dhooting guard on the wing.
“I’m building my ball handling to, shooting and passing and my overall guard skills.”
Based on the current interested schools, one would think he is a mid-major player, however EXPECT this train of thought to change significantly over the summer!! Pierre could be a high-major prospect when it’s all said and down! You heard it here first!
2011 NIKE EYBL ROSTER
Name/School/Height/Class- Interested Schools
C- Sim Bhullar, Huntington Prep (WV) (7-5, 2012)- Syracuse, Texas, Villanova, West Virginia
C- Richard Peters, Westwind Prep (AZ) (6-9, 2012)- Oklahoma- Committed
F- Anthony Bennett, Findlay Prep (NV) (6-7, 2012)- West Virginia, UConn, Florida, UNLV
F- Stefan Jankovic, Huntington Prep (WV) (6-10, 2012)- Wake Forest, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Miami
F- Dyshawn Pierre, Anderson CVI (ON) (6-6, 2012)- New Mexico, St Bonaventure, Elon, Duquesne, St. Francis
F- Andrew Wiggins, Vaughan (ON) (6-7, 2014)- LSU, Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest
F- Nick Madray, Stephen Lewis (ON) (6-9, 2013)- Syracuse, Gonzaga, Santa Clara, Boston College
G- Negus Webster-Chan, Huntington Prep (WV) (6-6, 2012) Louisville- Committed
G- Martin Dixon-Green, Vermont Academy (VT) (6-3, 2012) UConn, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech
G- Jarryn Skeete, Wasatch Academy (UT) (6-2, 2012)- Florida State, Santa Clara, Utah
G- Naz Long, Findlay Prep (NV) (6-2, 2012)- Boston College, LSU, Santa Clara
G- Nick Lewis, Our Savior (NY) (6-2, 2012)- Detroit, Tulane, East Carolina
G- Kevin Zabo, St.Mark’s (MA) (6-1, 2014)- UConn, North Carolina, Washington State, NC State
Stay tuned on NPH for more updates on Dyshawn Pierre, Andrew Wiggins and the rest of the EYBL Roster as they begin their journey on the AAU circuit in April!
