Top 3 Canadians in Connecticut at National Prep Showcase
The National Prep Showcase in New Haven, Connecticut is an annual trip for the NPH scouting team. A vital component in recruiting is ensuring that prospects have been seen and evaluated in different settings and against different levels of competition.
Khem Birch (Notre Dame/ UNLV), Duane Notice (St. Thomas More/ South Carolina), Marial Shayok (Blair Academy/Virginia), Eddie Ekiyor (New Hampton/Carleton) along with several others have had takeover performances in this event.
Several Canadians scatter at American Prep programs and on many occasion the canucks have led the way for their teams. This year the number has been fewer than previous years as exposure and competition on Canadian soil have taken off with prep school infrastructure expanding from coast to coast.
Now for the next wave…
The buzz around Simi Shittu is resurfacing with expectation to decide on a school for next year before his likely one and done year.
He affirmed in post-game interview that talks with UNC is still alive but there is clear indication that Vanderbilt will be the likely home.
If he decides on Vanderbilt, NCAA experts are saying that this could be Vandy’s best recruiting class of all time.
The 6’10 developing wing had some spectacular plays at the National Prep Showcase this weekend in his first game of the season.
Vermont Academy lost their first game of the season yet from an individual performance Shittu finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds.
Noah Kirkwood displayed to everyone in that packed gym at Albertus Magnus College why he’s a Top 10 Canadian, why Harvard is so excited to have him and why he’s a potential NBA guy.
Standing between 6’6 and 6’7 and moving to the point has aided in the transition to his position at the next level and as a pro. Coach John Carroll at Northfield Mount Hermon has placed trust in Kirkwood with the ball in his hands and Kirkwood isn’t letting anyone down.
On the contrary, Kirkwood has been setting the table for teammates and allowing everyone to eat. With an improved three ball and great ability to create for others off the dribble, he’s a threat at all times.
Last year at Ashbury College, back home in Ontario, was his first dose at PG and this year he’s fully taken on the role. No longer to be labelled a forward, although if needed to play the position is comfortable doing so. He’s played a small forward role with Team Canada can adapt to the needs of the team.
Canadian Freshman Danilo Djuricic is off to a great start at Harvard and incoming Kirkwood will be a potent addition.
BC Big Man Fardaws Aimaq
British Columbia big man, Fardaws Aimaq is an unknown who is quickly making a name for himself and building his recruitment.
Pepperdine and San Fran are turning up their efforts and are likely next to pull the trigger and offer Aimaq.
Mercer and Radford is who Aimaq has visited yet the list of interested schools include Northeastern, Pepperdine, USF, UNC Wilmington, Elon; and likely a new swarm after the showing this weekend.
In the first game at the NPS he finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds against Scotland Campus (PA) and in the second against Fork Union, 16 points and 13 rebounds. Even
It’s not every day you come across traditional post players; Aimaq is just that.
“I offer more than most bigs I’ve seen, who normally just set screens, rebound and protect the rim. I can do all of that, but I’m also skilled so my teammates trust getting the ball into to me to score in the paint and trust that if it’s not there for me, it’ll come back to them where they want it.”
The big man’s most underrated skill is in the passing department. He has the vision and feel, seeing where his teammates are in instances where he’s double teamed.
Depending on the level he ends up at, Aimaq has the potential to earn all-rookie honors.
As is, he’s ready to make an impact in college yet he is dedicated toward trimming down further.
Aimaq has cut off 10 pounds since the summer and has goals off getting down 10 more to 245.
Generally speaking, most kids from British Columbia end up staying close to home or at home; with Aimaq it doesn’t matter to whom.
“Best fit, that’s what its about. I don’t care where it is.”
Next up on the prep scene the entire country focuses and locks in at the nation’s capital in Ottawa, where the National Preparatory Association of Canada brings in all 13 teams from across the country. NCAA and USports coaches will be in attendance recruiting..
Join us at Notre Dame high school in Ottawa or follow us on the live stream right here on NorthPoleHoops.com
