Trip Down Memory Lane: Most Memorable Moments From NPHShowcase League
It’s already been 2 years since the start of the NPHshowcase league and there have been a bunch of memorable moments. We’ve seen clubs from all over Canada, breakout performances, NBA players in attendance, and plenty of off-the-court memories too.
We asked the Community what their favourite moment from the league was & combined them with some of ours. As we prepare for the fall/winter NPHshowcase league…let’s take a trip down memory lane.
Mohammad Al-Sama’neh scores league record 52 points
What a performance this was for the Class of 2024 PG from the London Royals. In a 2OT thriller, he put up 52 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists & helped his team secure the W. To this day it’s the highest single game scoring record for the NPHShowcase League.
NBA Stars showing love to the next generation
From Shaedon Sharpe who was watching his little brother Nishayne on Strive Hoops, RJ Barrett watching his cousin on Blessed Sacrament, Simi Shittu showing love to his hometown Burlington, and even Toronto Raptor Thad Young watching his son play on the Mississauga Monarchs. Always good to see these guys take time from their busy schedules to engage with the community. Who will we be seeing this season?
Burlington Force’s Aaron Rhooms gets drafted to CEBL
Rhooms was a member of the inaugural NPHShowcase League season back in 2021 with Burlington Force and was dominant. After a good summer at home, he ended up committing to TMU where he would go on to win USPORTs rookie of the year. All roads led him to being drafted by the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the CEBL. Always good to see our Canadian talent staying home the whole way through then playing Pro.
Will Riley puts himself on the map
Will be releasing an article today covering some of the best moments from the @NPHShowcase League over the last few years and stumbled across this ridiculous @WillRiley_7 gamewinner from 2021.
Was still breaking out at the time but this is when I knew he had that “IT” factor. pic.twitter.com/BKfZr0gyMs
— Joe Moussa (@Joe_NPH) September 11, 2023
Before he hit his growth spurt, and before he was one of the highest ranked prospects in North America, Will Riley e exploded onto the scene for TGG out of Kitchener back in 2021. Was around 6’4 scoring from everywhere on the floor and hitting game-winners in championship games. Knew there was something special about him, had that “IT” factor.
Jahsemar Olembe Breaks Out
6’5 PG Jahsemar Olembe’s still one of the smoothest players in his class
Gets teammates involved or can score when needed. Always making the right play. Silky midrange with a stocky build that makes him a tough cover when attacking @NPHShowcase @NphScouting pic.twitter.com/u4GKt6Dl3T
— Joe Moussa (@Joe_NPH) June 17, 2023
Jahsemar Olembe was a highly ranked Canadian Prospect since he was a Freshman. After battling injuries, switching environments, and finding ways to adjust he ended up playing for Supreme Hoops in the NPHShowcase League. As expected, he dominated the whole way through on way to winning a Championship & MVP. His stellar play this past summer ended up boosting his stock, gaining interest from D1s & JUCOs as he’d eventually commit to Ranger College in Texas.
First Expansion Outside of Burlington
This year, the NPHShowcase League expanded past the NPH Headquarters in Burlington for the first time operating out of Kitchener-Waterloo, Durham, & Milton. This allowed us to connect with different regions within the Canadian Basketball Community in order to gain perspective & feedback. With a lot of the clubs in our ecosystem coming from all over Ontario & Canada, this won’t be the first time we expand to different cities.
Let us know what your favourite moments were by engaging on our social media @nphshowcase Stay tuned for team previews for this upcoming season.
