Canada’s U16’s Make Semifinals at FIBA Americas Championship

Canada’s U16’s went undefeated in group play defeating Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Brazil. They then won their quarter-final game against Mexico by a large margin in what was supposed to be their toughest matchup of the tournament thus far. This team’s success has partially been the result the efforts of this teams coaching staff. Coach Cheng, as well as assistants Coach Dawkins and Coach Manigat have done an excellent job of taking these talented players and putting them in positions where they can compliment each other. They have allowed players to maximize use of their strengths while minimizing the exploitation of their weaknesses by opposing teams. The offensive and defensive schemes that they have drawn up have been key in overcoming tough defense’s and also stopping strong offended. In combination with the coaches, it took dominant and consistent performances from players across the board to completely ensure success for this group. The following article will outline these players’ skillsets and give some much needed recognition to those who deserve it. Enjoy!

2027 6’8 Forward Paul Osaruyi

Throughout the tournament, Osaruyi is leading Team Canada and averaging 16.8 PPG / 9 RPG / 1.8 BPG. He is doing so while shooting 47.2% from the floor. Paul is an extremely physical forward and uses his physicality to bully opposing players on the interior. He does so on both ends of the basketball court and is a talented paint-scorer as well as an elite shot-blocker. Osaruyi’s length and versatility is a huge contributor to his talents as a two-way forward. On the offensive end, he uses his impressive footwork and talented post-repertoire to back opposing players down and finish strong inside. On the defensive end, Osuruyi moves his feet well and can guard both inside and on the perimeter. He is a special talent and still has lots of potential to improve upon his skillset even more. The sky is the limit for Paul Osuruyi, a player who is rising on everyone’s lists right now.

2027 6’0 Guard Kamai Samuels

Kamai Samuels has been this team’s leader and has done an excellent job of contributing in every way he can. He is active on all aspects of the floor and is willing to do everything in his power to assure success for his team. Samuels is an athletic, explosive guard with a quick first step. He is an elite ball-handler and finishes at the rim through contact often. Although his shooting ability from outside is still developing, he has shown that he can score from anywhere when it matters. He is a reliable player in the clutch and becomes a different beast when his team needs him most. One of the skills that stands out most watching Kamai play is his willingness to play off the ball. He is a very impressive guard-rebounder and is also willing to do the little things like dive for loose balls or take charges. As a defender, he always has his head on a swivel and is used to guard the opposing players within reason. His strength and toughness, combined with his lateral quickness deem him a great defender. Last but not least is Kamai’s playmaking. He sees players cutting to the basket and ensures they are hit with a pass to score. He also communicates well with his teammates to make sure everyone knows their roles. Kamai is a talented player able and willing to do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. I would not be surprised if I saw him playing professionally one day.

2028 6’6 Forward Godson Okokoh

Okokoh has been the perfect complimentary piece to this U16 team. He is an elite three-point shooter and is currently shooting 60% from out there throughout the tournament. Godson’s presence on the interior is also felt as he can play aggressive at times to grab rebounds and also finish in the low post. Similar to Osaruyi, Okokoh is very versatile and has great footwork on both ends of the basketball court. His footwork is why he can guard opposing players on the perimeter as well as inside. Godson knows what his role is on this team, he has no issues filling his role and does so to a tee. The biggest strength of this U16 Canadian team is their ability to work together without personal egos or agendas getting in the way, Okokoh is a perfect example of this team’s identity. Despite the fact that Godson’s role currently in terms of scoring is limited, his physical tools are intriguing to the point where he could very well improve and become a more dynamic scorer in the future. Another potential-ridden individual who is also able to produce at a high level right now.

2027 6’3 Guard Quinten Ethier

Throughout the FIBA Americas Championship, Quinten Ethier showed off his hot-hand from behind the arc, as well as his toughness as a finisher, rebounder, and defender. Ethier excels at being able to release the ball quickly, a skill that helps him elevate over top defenders and knock shots down under pressure. Aside from his three-point shooting, Quinten is an overall tough player on both sides of the ball. On offence, he isn’t afraid of contact and is difficult to stop when he puts his head down and decides he wants to score. He also consistently created second-chance opportunities by following his own shot and boxing out opponents. Quinten has a strong frame which assists him in playing bully-ball. On the defensive end, just like his teammates, he also has great footwork and excels at being able to defend smaller guard’s on the perimeter. He has long arms which make his close-out quite affective. Quinten has done an excellent job of finding a niche and exploiting it to create a role for himself within this special Team Canada squad.

2027 6’5 Forward Patrick Anamali

For this team, Anamali acted as a rim-running defensive specialist capable of contributing on both ends. On the offensive end, he was most often seen playing in the pick-and-roll where he would use his strong frame to set firm screens and then use his agility to quickly roll to the rim in an effort to score. On the defensive end he was able to defend bigger forwards and used his strength to eliminate them almost entirely from the opposing teams offence. His length allowed him to turn away shots and create difficulties for opposing forwards in a variety of ways.

2027 5’10 Guard Jordan Charles

Last but not least is Jordan Charles, an explosive point-guard with insanely impressive instincts as a facilitator. In Canada’s quarter-final victory over Mexico, Jordan finished with 11 assists. This performance is a testament to his ability to find open teammates and execute plays drawn up by the coaching staff. Outside of playmaking, Charles is an aggressive and smart finisher at the rim. This comes as a result of his lengthy arms and acrobatic ability inside. Jordan’s shot will continue to develop as he fills in to his frame, as he grows into his physique he will continue to become even more of a threat as a scorer and defender. As it stands though, Charles’ high IQ has allowed him to contribute and impact the game immensely.