AAU
Rankings Released for Canadian National Invitational Tournament 17U Division!
The 2016 Canadian National Invitational Tournament (CNIT) is coming to Niagara Falls, Ontario July 6-10, with the U12-U14 (Grade 7-9) action taking place July 6-8 and the older group U15-U17 (Grade 10-12) taking the floor July 8-10 during the NCAA LIVE period.
DOWNLOAD CNIT 17U SCHEDULE
The official 17U rankings are complete, and have been compiled based on the following–overall team resume (Wins, losses), fire power (top prospects), and first hand team evaluation.
CNIT teams have been ranked 1-16, but their can only be ONE to rise above and claim the title. With the rankings released, it gives the basketball community an opportunity to get familiar with the 2016 field, however there is still business to take care of in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
In other words —->>> #GameSpeaks
[table id=13 /]
UPlay Canada (Hamilton, ON)
Holds the #1 spot, based on pedigree, production and a loaded roster that includes national team members Shai Gilgeous-Alxander and Abu Kigab, in addition to 2017 shooting guard Therren Schmidt. However, it doesn’t stop there for UPlay…this team has the talent, depth and pedigree to take it all. Previous major tournament victories include the Adidas Gauntlet Championship last summer, and NY2LA gold.
Grassroots Canada (Toronto, ON)
Coming in at #2 is a hungry Grassroots Canada group, who are fresh off a CYBL championship, taking down Canada Elite and a gritty Advantage Titans in the finals. GRC is lead by Shakwon Barrett, Jevon Brown and Gabriel Osabuohien.
Thetford (Thetford, QC)
Thetford brings unique size, length and athleticism..the biggest team in the tournament, representing Quebec with a chip on their shoulder. This team will likely bring the most chemistry due to familiarairty on the team. This team features cadet national team member Quincy Guerrier, however the roster is LOADED, 1-12–could have the most overall talent at CNIT.
BTB Elite (Toronto, ON)
BTB Elite is emerging as a contender this year, proving to compete and excel against the best. This squad features Cordell Veira, Jace Colley, Lascel Tyndale, Jamal Mayali, Zubair Sayed. The depth, skill, IQ and heart is all there, but this team has to put it all together and finish strong when the stakes are the highest. At CNIT, the stakes have never been higher.
Waterloo Wolverines (Waterloo, ON)
The Waterloo Wolverines were undefeated in CYBL action until their quarter-finals loss to Grassroots Canada. Lead by Waterloo Warrior committed trio of Nedim Hodzic, Simon Petrov and Justin Hardy, this Loo group is a scrappy bunch with the combination of skill, toughness and a winning pedigree.
Advantage Titans (Toronto, ON)
The Advantage Titans have earned a lot of respect over the spring and summer, developing a reputation for their grit and non stop play on the defensive end. The addition of Eugene Omoruyi has taken them to another level.
3 Kings (Windsor, ON)
Young team out of Windsor with little experience together, however have some talent no doubt. This squad will be lead lead guard Isaiah Byrd, 6’5 combo forward Patrick Bowes, 6’4 SG Dallas Alkins.
Hoops Canada (Brampton, ON)
This program has proven to get the most out of their players on every time we have seen them in action. They will play every minutes like its their last, with a real chip on their shoulder. Hoops Canada finished in the CYBL final four and are riding both momentum and strong chemistry. Don’t be surprised if this team makes a deep run at the CNIT. Lead by Omar Shiddo, Dyrell Johnson, Sean Fasoyiro & Dshawn Tyrell.
Red Rush (Montreal, QC)
Who is Red Rush you ask? This program is a hidden gem from Montreal, Quebec with a plethora of talent. The question is do they have the chemistry and sense of urgency to come into CNIT and make a splash? Time will tell, but on thing is for sure…DO NOT SLEEP ON RED RUSH. Lead by James Jean-Marie, Elijah Efijeh & Elie Karojo.
Motion West (Burlington, ON)
Motion has the size and athleticism at each position to bang with the best. However, all their prospects are under the radar, which should be used as fuel at CNIT to make their mark. 6’8 PF-C Elijah Lufile, 6’6 guard Trimar Masuka, 6’8 Veron Kelonji and 6’4 do-it-all Michael Hamilton will lead the way; Kris Rotterman is their floor general. Motion West has the Hoop dope tournament championship to their name where they defeated OBA champion Guelph.
Mississauga Monarchs (Mississauga, ON)
The Mississauga Monarchs are a staple in Canadian basketball–a program with a depth of history, and a city with a depth of talent. There is no reason that the Monarchs won’t test the best competition at CNIT, BUT they will have to come correct, mentally and physically prepared for war. Lead by Adnan Begovic, Rasheed Weekes and Oge Nwoko.
Gators Elite (Markham, ON)
The Gators have been in building mode for the last couple years and have been on a steady incline. The top prospects on this team are well seasoned and ready to make an impact at CNIT–John Nwosu, Michael Nuga & Shak Pinder will lead the way.
Ottawa Next Level (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa Next Level competed in last year’s CNIT team and we have become very familiar with their style. A gritty squad and when locked in, can give teams fits defensively by mucking up the game. Offensively, they can light it up, when the three ball is on. Personnel wise, Ali Sow is a designated bucket getter. Floor general is Kevin Metelus. Many strong role players including Bigus Bangoura, Zerious Loney and Ameer El-Badry. This squad should have one of the best teams at CNIT in terms of chemistry; Ottawa Next Level won the St Laurent Express, Chris Paulin, and Ball 4 Marky tournaments in addition to the Ontario Cup (D2). The Nation’s capital is coming to represent.
Southwest Summer 16 (London, ON)
Under the radar players that can hoop. NPH Showcase alumni, both Owen Henderson and Josh Massela have proven to be quality prospects. Henderson is a sniper that can launch with the best of them, while Massela is a super athlete with versatile defensive capabilities in addition to slashing offensively.
The Program Elite (Toronto, ON)
2017 Rob Birstonas, an intriguing prospect spotted at the Toronto NPH Showcase (2014) has grown physically, a 6’5 skilled guard, who will be one to watch. In addtion, this team features Caheem Ramsuchit, Gareth Baugh, Helgi Jacobsen, Arshum – a group of hidden gems that will be ready to compete
Next Level United (Barrie, ON)
Here is a program out of Barrie, Ontario, that will be looking to get their feet wet when it comes to competition at this level. Next Level United will need to come in sharp, confident and hungry for competition in order to find success at the CNIT. This tournament will serve as a great measuring stick for the team; lead by Pierson French, Hunter Murphy & Brendan Lyver.
NATIONAL SUPREMACY AWAITS. #GameSpeaks
