With the U19 FIBA World Cup set to tip-off this weekend in Switzerland, Team Canada loads up with a heavily talented roster. Primarily constructed of D1 commits, with a touch of a few promising underclassmen. Most of these players are returning from last year’s U18 squad, who ended up leaving the tournament with a Bronze Medal
It’s already a known fact that Canada produces the most NBA talent outside of the US. This is why medalling has become the new expectation going forward, for all ages.
Here’s what to expect from this year’s FIBA U19 World Cup team.
Butler commit Efeosa Oliogu | 6’6 Guard
-Coming in as arguably the highest-touted prospect on the team with a high major commitment. Last year he was a key contributor for Canada’s U18 team and will look to carry that experience into this year. He will provide Canada with elite-level slashing ability on the offensive end, and a high compete level defensively. He has the tools to be one of Canada’s top perimeter defenders. How well he shoots it from 3 could potentially determine the trajectory of this team and how far they go. Percentage-wise, he shot it well last year in the U18s — on less than 2 attempts though. If this part of his game is consistent he will be a dominant force.
South Florida commit Tristan Beckford | 6’5 Wing
-Another returner from Canada’s U18 team, Tristan Beckford was named tournament allstar last year and was Canada’s most consistent performer. Multi-dimensional wing who impacts winning with his motor, defensive ability, athleticism, and competitive spirit that rubs off on his teammates. Expect him to be one of the leaders of this team
2026 Abdul-Aziz Olajuwon | 6’6 Wing
-The newest name in Canada Basketball Circles, son of NBA Legend and former Toronto Raptor Hakeem Olajuwon will be a notable member of this team. Coming in as an ESPN 4star Recruit holding offers from Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, Sam Houston State, TCU, UTA. He will add good scoring touch and positional size on the wing. Interested to see how he’s utilized on this team and how well he meshes with his new teammates.
Boise State commit Spencer Ahrens | 6’9 Forward
-Spencer looked really impressive with last year’s U18 team. He is arguably their most skilled & versatile scorer. His shooting unlocks their floor spacing and is pivotal for late-game lineups. His playstyle is also perfect for the FIBA game. Skill, IQ, feel, versatility, and size. He’s coming into this tournament more experienced, and looking to showcase the strides he’s made in his game.
South Florida commit Adriel Nyorha | 6’5 Guard
-First time Team Canada member, Adriel might be the player I’m most excited to watch. Good to see him finally get the recognition he deserves as one of Canada’s best up-and-coming prospects. An oversized guard with an extremely smooth and polished skillset. Plays at his own pace, and has the innate leadership ability to organize teammates on the floor. Defensively, he takes pride in locking up apposing guards. Mature beyond his years. He can end up being a major difference maker for this team.
Pacific commit Jaion Pitt | 6’8 Forward
-One of the more experienced players on this roster with many years of experience with Team Canada at different age groups. With last year’s U18 team, he did a little bit of everything from defending multiple positions, scoring inside, rebounding, and even played a lot of small-ball 5 in what was their most effective lineup a lot of times. Just an overall winning player who will have his imprint on so many areas.
Sam Houston State commit Matt Dann | 7’0 Center
-Canada’s big man will provide high level rim protection, rebounding, rim-running and lob threat abilities. At 7’0 ft with a 7’5 wingspan and elite mobility for his size, he will likely dominate in certain matchups. As always with bigs at his size, he will be tested defensively on P&R coverages. Canada seems to have some pretty good depth in the frontcourt, so they’ll be able to adjust based on how they matchup with each team.
South Florida commit Onyx Nnani | 6’9 Forward
-Definitely one of Canada’s most unique prospects. Combines size with fluidity and skill. Smooth shooting mechanics which makes for a tough contest at his size. I’d love to see him have heavy involvement in their offence as he can pose a bunch of matchup problems for other teams. Has a chance to really build his stock going into his freshman year at South Florida.
2026 Max Meyer | 7’0 Center
-Good to see Canada bringing in multiple bigs to help pad their frontcourt depth. Meyer is one of the top big man prospects in the Canadian 2026 class. He’s having a productive summer with Lu Dort Elite on the Adidas circuit as one of the top rebounders and shot-blockers. He looks to provide a lot of the same for Team Canada in whatever court time he sees.
2027 Stefan Ilic | 6’9 Forward
-Youngest player on the team, Stef isn’t a stranger to playing up with Team Canada. As one of the top prospects in the Canadian 2027 class, he will continue to build his name in recruiting circles. He showed well when he played up with Canada’s U17 team last year as a scoring hybrid-forward. Seems really comfortable in the FIBA game which comes as no surprise given his skill, IQ, and size.
2026 Jordan Charles | 6’0 Guard
-Starting guard for Canada’s U17 team last year makes the jump to U19s. Crafty floor general who has proven himself on the FIBA stage as someone who can organize and initiate an offence, while taking over in scoring if needed. His 3pt shooting and playmaking ability will surely come in handy.
Florida’s Olivier Rioux | 7’9 Center
-National Champion with the Florida Gators Olivier Rioux will be hard to miss for Team Canada from a sheer size perspective. The 7’9 big man from Quebec will look to impose his will inside. Although he’ll be limited due to mobility, I’m sure the coaching staff will find a way to utilize his enormous size no matter how big or small his involvement is. Can be a secret weapon in some ways.
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A lot of promising talent coming together for this U19 team. They have all the pieces necessary to make a deep run in this tournament. All eyes will be on Canada.
