Sometimes you have to make big statements to get people’s attention.

Is Tut Ruach the best Canadian point guard available?

That would be unfair to say, as players like Cory Joseph, Kevin Pangos, and Tyler Ennis have built themselves strong resumes that would have many argue otherwise.

However, Ruach has a resume of his own, and it demands attention. Along with his accolades, his talent speaks volumes as he is a dynamic two-way player and elite playmaker. Due to this, Ruach deserves a chance to measure himself among the ‘best’ to find out where he stands.

Some reading this piece may not even know who Tut Ruach is. The fact that he played university basketball in Canada does not help his case; but had he grew up in this time period, the increase of exposure would have allowed him to obtain an NCAA scholarship, as would be true for many players in his era and beyond.

Tut Ruach is a pro.

By pro, I mean that he represents the word to the fullest, on and off the basketball floor. Ruach has been standing out on the hardwood before Canadian basketball was ‘cool’, so many have slept on him. He is currently 28 years old, hungry and playing the best basketball of his career.

The 6’2 Canadian point guard is a proven asset to every team he has ever laced up for. Ruach has been recognized as an all-star in every professional league he’s played in since graduating from York University, where he was CIS rookie of the year, followed by three OUA all-star selections.

As his statistics found below will illustrate, Ruach has consistently produced at a high level.

This week, against one of the best defences in America, Ruach put up 31 points and approximately eights assists on the Wisconsin Badgers (BIG 10/ NCAA). Ruach put on arguably the best individual performance I’ve seen all year, at any level, pouring in 16 points in the fourth quarter to carry A-Game Hoops into overtime against the Badgers, after being down twenty. A-Game would eventually fall 113-105.

NBA first-round Draft prospect, Sam Dekker of Wisconsin put up 23 points in the contest and displayed impressive versatility in the process. Ruach both guarded him and produced against him at times throughout the game, despite giving up five inches to Dekker. Offensively, Ruach put Dekker on skates in one particular play before draining a tough three point bucket. On defence, Dekker was using his size to fight for position, but Ruach did not give him anything easy, ultimately coming from behind for the block on the NBA hopeful. (found in video).

“Time and time again, I always proved that I can play with anyone who is put in front of me,” Ruach told NPH. “I think I’ve always been an underdog…perception isn’t reality. I think people perceive others in certain ways, but you can always change perception when you have an opportunity.”

Tut Ruach has laid down the ground work, and  has put in the required hours in the gym…now he needs an opportunity to advance.

Not only is Ruach currently a free agent, but he is a player that has never been involved with the Canadian national program, outside of a tryout following his CIS rookie of the year.

His years of work have taken his game to a whole new level and should warrant both high level professional opportunities, and national team consideration.

“I met him when he came out of York. He is one of the most professional, diligent and hard working players I have ever met,” said Kyle Julius of A-Game Hoops.

“I’m not saying put him on the team, but let him go at these guys. You have to respect his resume over the years,” continued Julius, a former national team member.

Although having Sudanese roots, Ruach would cherish the opportunity to prove himself amongst the best available Canadian point guards.

“I want to play for Canada, I would love to play for Canada…it would be the greatest thing in the world, to wear the leaf on the chest.”

Ruach is an elite playmaker, as he can create for himself off the dribble both on the perimeter and by attacking the cup with his deceptive quickness; he is also very unselfish with the ability to find teammates in the half court set and in transition.

In addition to an undeniable skill set, Ruach possesses the intangibles to make him elite, as he combines toughness, and a relentless work ethic with attention to detail, allowing him to make steady improvements by the year.

In recent competition this month, against NCAA teams (Marshall & Wisconsin twice), Ruach averaged 23.3 points per game, including the aforementioned 31 on Wisconsin and 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists on Marshall.

The proof is in the pudding…Tut Ruach is the real deal, and his resume deserves recognition. Is he the best Canadian point guard that everyone has been sleeping on?

He will need an opportunity for all of us to find out.

 

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