Top 10 Canadians in NCAA Basketball – 2015-2016

After Scouting this group through much of their high school careers and tracking their progress at the collegiate level, here is a list of my Top 10 Canadians in the NCAA ranks as we approach tip off of the 2015-2016 season.

Expect these guys to make a major impact on their respective teams at the highest of levels, through different statistical categories.

Full list of 104 players representing the North, can be found here.

Name | Team | Year | Height | Position | City

–

Jamal Murray | Kentucky | Freshman | 6’4 | PG | Kitchener, ON    

Big Blue Nation is quickly learning about Jamal Murray. At Kentucky, I can see him leading the team in scoring and being the team’s closer. When Coach Cal needs someone to make a play, I won’t be surprised if the ball is in Murray’s hands nore often than not. The 6’5 combo guard will play on and off the ball. Superb skill set, maturity, ultimate competitor–a flat out winner. We have witnessed his star qualities emerge over the last several years. The bigger the moment, the bigger his game shines. Close to 10 years covering Canadian Basketball, I’ve yet to witness a player wired like Murray. The “It factor” is at 110. Depending on how the season progresses, Murray could solidify himself as a Top-3 pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Draft Express currently has him listed at #6.

Dillon Brooks | Oregon | Sophomore | 6’6 | SF | Mississauga, ON       

The PAC 12 All-rookie team member is set for a break out year. Brooks wears his heart on his sleeve, and brings a rare tenacity to the game, unmatched the high majority of the time. Since his days at Henry Carr and Findlay Prep in High School, he has made strong progress with regards to his body in terms of nutrition, flexibility and overall fluidity in his game. A skilled wing that can create for himself off the dribble, get to the rack at will and get it done from the perimeter. After Evaluating his game in Greece during international play, Brooks had many highs and a few lows. As he continues to learn how to control his mind and grow into a leader, watch his draft stock soar. I expect him to evolve throughout this season. NBA prospect that could crack the first round of the 2016 Draft.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes | Florida St | Sophomore | 6’4 | G | Scarborough, ON

Determination. There are few that I’ve seen with the combination of Rathan-Mayes work ethic and confidence (which go hand in hand) a true gym rat that has evolved his game and transformed his body over the last two years, erasing physical limitations. We saw glimpses of the All-ACC freshman team member’s offensive outbursts last season–something we should all get used to. A bonafide scorer and playmaker due to excellent fundamental skills, feel and counter moves. Xavier is on a mission this season and it will be tough to bet against him.

Kyle Wiltjer | Gonzaga | Senior | 6’10 | F | Portland

Maybe the most recognizable name on this list due to both his accolades and college tenure. The rising senior has been awarded with several pre-season accolades and recognitions including being projected as the nation’s leading scorer by Sports Illustrated. Wiljter is a skilled big with a high I.Q and a tonne of big time college basketball experience.

Chris Boucher | Oregon | Junior | 6’10 | Montreal, QC

Here is my dark horse. The JUCO Player of the year has added close to 20 pounds since stepping on Oregon campus. A very unique talent on both ends–Khem Birch-like shot blocking ability with a high offensive skill set–Boucher brings rebounding, mobility with inside-outside scoring and stepping out behind the arch on occasion. Upside through the roof. Could see himself climbing this list by season’s end; still has a lot to prove at the PAC-12 level.

Dyshawn Pierre | Dayton | Senior | 6’6 | F | Whitby, ON 

Expected to rejoin his team in December pending allegations, Pierre was Dayton’s top producer last year, averaging 12.7 points, 8,1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and stepping up big throughout the NCAA tournament. DP is a do it all forward with great basketball instincts, versatility on both sides of the ball and will look to pick up where he left off last season this Winter.

Dylan Ennis | Oregon | Senior | 6’2 | PG | Brampton, ON –

Ennis is in position to end his NCAA career with a bang as a Duck. He transferred from Villanova where he started every game last season (11.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.7 APG) seeking an opportunity to run the show at the lead guard position. With his off the charts intangibles (leadership, charisma and non stop motor) Ennis should lead by example and mesh extremely well with the rest of the roster.

Duane Notice | South Carolina | Junior | 6’2 | G | Toronto, ON

Notice’s role has expanded year to year, as he lead the Gamecocks in the scoring department last season at 11.8 PPG. It will be interesting to see how it plays out this season, as freshman PG and McDonald’s All-American P.J Dozier steps in. Notice will shift to the two guard spot, as coach Frank Martin was quoted saying he is “wired to score.” Notice is a disciplined two-way guard with a high compete level. He has produced at the highest levels his entire career; expect nothing less for 2015-2016.

Justin Edwards | Kansas St | Senior | 6’4 | SG | Whitby, ON

After breaking out on the scene as a freshman and sophomore at Maine, Edwards transferred to Kansas St of the BIG 12. Following a year of adjusting to high major basketball, the Whitby, ON native has both the skills and athleticism to get back to his old scoring ways, finishing off his collegiate career on a high note.

Mychal Mulder | Kentucky | Junior | 6’5 | W | Windsor, ON

A very interesting case here. We had Mulder as a Top-20 ranked prospect in the high school class of 2013, and could’ve been much higher. Always possessed high major physical attributes with his freakish length and athleticism; to his credit, he added a very efficient shooting stroke to his arsenal while at Vincennes JUCO, and has ended up at the NBA breeding ground, otherwise known as Kentucky. If Mulder can emulate similar three-point production at UK, along with utilizing his gifts in the open floor, hey, he could make some noise this season, he certainly has the platform to do so. With J Murray and the rest of the star-studded Wildcats Roster, Mulder can easily be overlooked. He shouldn’t be.

Honourable Mentions

• Malcolm Duvivier | Oregon St | Junior | 6’2 | G | Toronto, ON
• Marial Shayok | Virginia | Sophomore | 6’6 | SG | Ottawa, ON
• Naz Long – Iowa St | Senior | 6’4 | G | Mississauga, ON
• Chris Egi | Harvard | Sophomore | 6’8 | PF | Aurora, ON
• Joseph Chartouny | Fordham | Freshman | 6’3 | PG | Montreal, QC
• Tevonn Walker | Valpo | Sophomore | 6’2 | G | Montreal, QC
• Mikyle McIntosh | Illinois St | Sophomore | 6’7 | SF | Ajax, ON
• Jadon Cohee | Seattle | Sophomore | 6’4 | G | Langley, BC
• Ray Kasongo | Tennessee | Sophomore | 6’8 | PF | Toronto, ON
• Jalen Poyser | UNLV | Freshman | 6’4 | G | Malton, ON
• Jamal Reynolds | Canisius | Senior | 6’4 | W | Pickering, ON