The Top 5 Most Underrated Prospects in Canada’s Class of 2024
Canada’s Class of 2024 is loaded with talent from the beginning of our rankings, through to the end. The following article will outline some of the country’s most intriguing underdog’s. Enjoy!
6’1 PG Rocco Awad / WPA Suns
Rocco Awad has consistently impressed across multiple Northpolehoops’ events. Throughout the 2022 NPH Winter Showcase League, Awad lead his team to an undefeated regular season and won the League Championship. Rocco won regular season and finals MVP for the Grade 11 division, all while averaging 15.3 PPG. At the 2023 CNIT Tournament, Rocco and the Suns won Silver in the Grade 12 division lead by Awad’s 18.1 PPG. Rocco excels at scoring from all areas of the basketball court. He is an elite three-point shooter with deep range from behind the arc, is able to stop and elevate over defenders from the mid-range, and also finish strong through contact at the rim. Although his scoring prowess is his most impressive skill, it is far from the only thing Rocco can do. He is able to run the offense and is a vocal leader on offence, defense, and even when he is not on the floor. Finally, Rocco’s offensive toughness translates to the defensive end where he is seen using his strong build and quick feet to keep opposing guards from finding success. Rocco’s work ethic combined with his natural basketball abilities will help basketball teams win for years to come.
6’8 F Eesher Sarai / Balboa Academy
In the Class of 2024, Eesher has arguably the most upside and potential. As I have watched him grow over the last two years, one quality that has stood out to me has been has willingness and ability to constantly improve upon his skillset. When I first watched Eesher, he was an undersized run-and-dunk big with some versatility as well. He has improved upon his skillset to become a versatile, agile, two-way SF capable of scoring inside, and also from behind the arc. His post-game is quite impressive as well as a result of his footwork and soft touch around the rim. I look forward to seeing Sarai compete against an increased level of competition in The Grind Session with Balboa Academy.
6’5 PG Oliver Engen / Orangeville Prep
Oliver was another standout at the 2023 CNIT Tournament, where he lead Eastern Ontario Elite to a Bronze medal finish in the U19 Division and averaged 18.6 PPG, the most in the Grade 11 Division. Engen excels as a fearless attacker at the rim capable of finishing from both sides. His length, combined with his quickness and impressive ball-handling skills allow him to bait defenders with a crossover, and then shoot from three, mid-range, or finish inside. Engen has continued to expand his game as a shooter, keep an eye out next season for his three-point shooting with Orangeville, he is bound to take a leap in that category. On the defensive end, the same attributes that make Oliver a tough matchup deem him a lockdown defender. His lengthy physique allows him to defend both guard positions, as well as smaller forwards. Engen is another player with an impressive work ethic, he is always doing what he can to take that next step and get ahead of his competition.
6’0 PG Dylan Craven / Combine Academy
Dylan Craven is the definition of a team-first PG. He truly does not have an ego and always has the success of his team as his top priority. He is more than capable of contributing on the offensive end as a scorer when needed. Craven is an elite three-point shooter both on the catch, as well as off the dribble. He is also a tough finisher at the rim and can bully his way to the rim. The upcoming season will be huge for him as he is ready to take the next step as a scorer. Aside from scoring himself, Craven’s most impressive skill is being able to facilitate for his team. He knows when, where, and who to hit in order to ensure success for his team. Next season, I look forward to seeing Dylan perform as he is bound to take a leap in terms of scoring contribution.
6’6 F Hensley Ward / Victory Academy
Ward is a strong, athletic forward who excels on both sides of the basketball court. On the offensive end, he is an elite post-scorer equipped with an impressive repertoire of post-moves. He can put the ball on the floor and drive out of the high-post, catch and pivot to score out of the mid-post, or finish through contact out of the low-post. Ward can also play on the perimeter as he is a more than capable three-point shooter off the catch. On the defensive end, Hensley uses his lengthy frame in combination with his quickness and strength to guard multiple positions. His quick footwork allows him to stay in front of smaller guards, and his strong style of play, in addition to his defensive anticipation helps him contain bigger forwards.
