Patrick Steeves Becomes Third Canadian at Harvard, Joining Laurent Rivard & Agunwa Okolie

The Harvard University basketball program has picked up it’s third Canadian, and second 2012 commitment from the North, in 6’5 Patrick Steeves (Hotchkiss Prep via Montreal, QC).

Steeves, initially part of the graduating class of 2013, reclassified and will enter Harvard this September as a 17-year old.

“Coaches were showing interest and I thought I was ready…so we talked about 2012 and it turned out it was a better fit for them to have me come in next year,” Steeves told NPH.

He joins fellow Canadians Agunwa Okolie (2012 commitment) and rising junior sharpshooter Laurent Rivard, also from Quebec.

Steeves, who was on the national cadet team last summer, [playing along side Jordan Brand Classic participants Chris Egi & Kevin Zabo], also had offers from Penn State & Xavier.

The Harvard Crimson are coming off a very successful season, winning their second straight Ivy League championship and the team’s first NCAA tournament berth since 1946!

Evidently, the small forward out of Montreal is eager to join the Crimson Tide and develop as a player.

“I think that instead of staying another year in prep school, college will help me get my game to another level quicker,” explained Steeves.

“Coming in as a young freshmen, I know competition will be tough. But I know I can get some playing time. I played with the team last weekend and I fit in pretty well so i can see myself contributing.”

Not only is Harvard a budding basketball program, but is internationally known, first and foremost, for the university’s academic excellence; another reason it’s a perfect fit for Steeves.

“Academics is always a priority for me, so I’m getting the best of both worlds.”