AJ Lawson and Michael Nuga Earn Tri-City MVP, Plus Newly Discovered Studs
There was no shortage of talent this weekend in Tri-City region of Ontario, which is now famously known as the home of future NBA lottery pick Jamal Murray. The North Pole Hoops National Showcase Circuit made it’s second stop of the 2016 year to continue it’s search for the top Canadian talent.
Post-secondary coaches subscribed to the NPH National database are going to have a field day with the amount of talent to track.
St. John’s Kilmarnock was host to a crop of very athletic and under the radar talent that will be being recruited by Canadian and American colleges and universities.
Underclassmen MVP AJ Lawson Takes Over
The guys who stole the show were underclassmen guard AJ Lawson and senior guard Michael Nuga with his explosive finishes at the rim.
AJ Lawson is a member of the very talented 2019 canuck class. He stands at 6’4 with great lengthy limbs and a superb ability to create his own shot or set teammates up for the finish. He played on the senior team this past high school season with St. Marguerite d’Youville and since then has added to his hops.
This thriving combo guard took over the Top Prospect Underclassmen game with his 29 points and handful of assists.
In terms of projection, its very high, considering he is still growing in height, he has not yet filled out as a result and already is tuned with a skill set that can have him play either guard position in college.
He didn’t make this jump without grinding out sessions on his own time. There is an innate fire that has been burning with standards set for himself to be the best in the gym.
A consistent jumper whether from three or off a two dribble pull up was falling all weekend for him.
Once defenders started to figure that he can’t be given space, they started to close out on him and from there he found crafty way to finish on his way to the rim, some finishes made while getting grabbed or taking hits on the way.
Explosive Upperclassmen MVP Michael Nuga With The Jets
An endless amount of opponents attempted to stay in front of senior guard Michael Nuga but his explosive first step left each victim in the dust.
He’s in the best shape he’s been in, with a more chizzled physique and a strong core.
Nuga was criticized early in 2015 for being strictly a transition player and not so effective in the half court, but that’s all changed now. The fact that he is shooting the three ball with efficiency and is reacting better to what the defense gives him provides a greater advantage.
Nuga has received heavier interest over the course of the weekend from the State College of Florida and Central Florida. He will look to make a commitment in the near future.
Fresh On The Scene
Kaosi Ezeagu was a man possessed once he got into his grove. A 2018 6’9 Forward/Centre that eats up rebounds, blocks shots and finishes strong at the rim. Some defenders learned their lessons after being dunked on by Ezeagu.
There is a rawness about him that is intriguing since mindset, level of aggression and willingness to learn are all there. NCAA coaches will begin to take notice quickly after some video is released very soon.
As a breakout performer, he was well supported by his teammates as a result of how hard he worked continuously throughout the three days.
Sefa Otechere who was first identified with the Southern Ontario Selects made an impression on all the coaches as well. His energy on the glass and relentlessness on defense was clear. He could leave the camp knowing that he left it all on the floor.
As he continues to build on his skill set from the wing, he is for now a high level utility guy.
There are over 30 prospects, both underclassmen and upperclassmen, that will be included in my report to coaches at the next level. The phones are ringing and coaches are on the prowl for their next Canadian recruit.
