2011 Rumble in the T-Dot “All-Canada Classic” Junk Yard Dog speaks!
TORONTO,ON–Canada’s best male and female high school basketball players will once again descend on Toronto for PHASE 1’s 11th Annual All Canada Classic to be held June 21 at the Air Canada Centre. The landmark event is presented and hosted by former Toronto Raptor Jerome “JYD” Williams and supported by his JYD Project youth focused organization.
“These kids are the most promising basketball prospects that Canada has to offer and the All Canada Classic is the premier opportunity for them to showcase their amazing talents to college scouts and fans. I have no doubt that we will see some of these kids on Canada’s National teams, in the NCAA tournament and both the WNBA and NBA for many years to come,” explained Williams.
The All-Canada Classic is the feature event of the 3-day long showcase called Rumble-in-the T-Dot, operated by PHASE 1 Athletics, for the best high school basketball prospects Canada has to offer. The Rumble-in-the T-Dot includes a coaches and players awards banquet as well as a Rising Stars Showcase for some of the best high school underclassmen, in addition to the day of games at the Air Canada Centre.
A number of aspiring basketball players are Canadians who now attend prep and high schools in the U.S. but many return home to Canada just to participate. It has been recognized as the nation’s feature event by the basketball community for over a decade, with its past participants being a “who’s who” of Canadians that played NCAA Division 1 basketball or are enjoying professional careers in basketball. Wayne Dawkins, Chairman of PHASE 1 Athletics, said,
“We’ve always wanted to show players that the training and opportunities are here at home too and will not prevent their talent from being recognized internationally. We’ve also wanted to show fans that the calibre of much of Canada’s basketball talent is on par with the U.S. With JYD’s addition to this year’s event maybe more people will believe it. But usually people outside the basketball community have to see it to believe it, so this is their chance.”
Last year’s event included male Canadians Myck Kabongo (2011 McDonald’s All-American) and Kyle Wiltjer. Previous years included NBA Draft prospects Tristan Thompson (former Texas Longhorn) and Corey Joseph. On the women’s side Natalie Achonwa, who lead Notre Dame to a Final Four appearance this past season and Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year Wumi Agunbiade of Duquesne University both participated in the 2010 All-Canada Classic.
For the first time ever this year’s All Canada Classic will also feature an exhibition game from the Canadian Junior National Wheelchair Basketball team.
One group of lucky students will have their school project selected, from hundreds of entries, about how their community can be improved to assist people with disabilities and will be presented by JYD Williams with a cash award towards implementation of their project.
For more information on tickets for the All Canada Classic or the schools and community organizations participating in the “Community Awareness Project” for people with disabilities, contact PHASE 1 Athletics or visit the ALL-CANADA CLASSIC.
Whether you’re a basketball fanatic, supporter of youth or people with disabilities or just curious, the 2011 All Canada Classic promises to be a fun filled day of Canadian entertainment and talent!
