Jahvon Blair Takes Jordan Brand MVP, Effecient Night For Anthony McNish
BROOKLYN, NY–After yesterday’s practice in New York, North Pole Hoops’s Carlan Gay asked both Jahvon Blair and Anthony McNish if they felt they could fill the shoes of previous Canadian MVP’s at the Jordan Brand Classic (Duane Notice, Andrew Wiggins,Jamal Murray); both responded affirmatively.
St. Edmund Campion’s PG Jahvon Blair walked away as the JBC’s International game Most Valuable Player while finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals in 23 minutes.
“It feels great that I’m apart of what other Canadians are doing, so I just try to come out, compete and just win.”
His mother was ecstatic with his performance and she let the whole arena know it all game long. Mrs. Blair’s voice echoed through the Barclays Center as she cheered at the top of her lungs.
“It’s motivation, I was just trying to work hard for her, she’s the only I have so I do it for her, she’ll be proud of me.”
Team White found themselves a few baskets behind all game long. However they were able to turn things around near the end of the second half with offense that was initiated by Blair and McNish. McNish, who finished the game with 14 pts and three rebounds hit a three every time coach Kyle Manary called him on to the floor.
“If it wasn’t for Anthony, I probably wouldn’t be here right now; he got some my assists. If it wasn’t for him, I think he’d be here.”
We will continue to monitor the two Canadians on this year’s summer circuit as they suit up with CIA Bounce.
The Black team’s MVP, representing Senegal, Ibrahima Fall Faye was outstanding for his team registering 10 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. His physical tools were advantageous to his overall performance. His length and athletic ability make him a very promising prospect.
The Regional Game featured Marial Shayok of Ottawa, Ontario. Shayok who has resently de-commited from Marquette was able to get on the floor for the last time as a High School player and forget about the decision that will be weighing heavily on him in the next couple of weeks. Shayok played carefree and finished the game with solid 12 point, four rebound performance.
In the main event top Canadian prospect Trey Lyles showed why he will become and abosutely stud at the college level. Lyles showed flashes of brillance in a game that didn’t feature much defence finishing with 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Big Blue Nation is going to fall in love with Lyles when he dawns the blue and white of the most passionate fan base in all of college sports.
We’ll make a quick stop back home in Mississauga, Ontario then head back on the road for continued coverage of Canada’s top prospects in Pittsburgh at the Jam Fest.
