NPA Preseason Power Rankings
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into Canadian prep basketball, this season promises intense rivalries, breakout stars, and programs with legit national—and even international—credibility. Each team brings its own identity and storyline to the court, and as the pre-season unfolds, we’ll dive deeper into each program with individual team previews highlighting rosters, coaching staffs, and key games. But for now, here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect across the league.
1.Royal Crown: To Be The Champ, You Have To Beat The Champ
After capturing last season’s NPA title, Royal Crown returns with championship pedigree, confidence and elite talent. Leading the charge are 2027 returner 6’3 G Kymani Walters, a floor general with poise beyond his years, and 2026 6’10 C Caleb Zhu, a dominant force in the paint, who dominated the NPH D1 league last season with monster double doubles—this season he steps into the spotlight. The champs also add 2026 6’3 PG Jacob McGregor, an elite scoring guard and one of last season’s breakout stars. Don’t expect a title hangover—they’re looking to run it back.
2. Edge: Locked In and Eyeing a Title Run
After a runner-up finish last season, Edge is hungry for more. Their trio of 2026 stars—PG Malachi Richmond (Eastern Washington Commit), combo Forward Patrick Anamali, and newcomer Kian Tyson—form one of the strongest cores in the league. Expect them to continue building on a culture of toughness and discipline, with Calgary’s rising talent set to shine.
3. Fort Erie: New Era, Same Championship Pedigree
Fort Erie may be entering a new era with long-time prep coaching staple Charles Hantoumakos moving up to the next level (Pacific Ast Coach), they’re still built like contenders, with the Coaching trio of Lemy Osse, Steve Houston and Darnell Landon returning talent and adding some Pieces. With a loaded group of returners led by 2027 6’8 Deng Ngor—fresh off a national title with Team Alberta and arguably the best player in the country—they’re built to win now. Add in 2026 PG Promis Nlandu, Santa Clara commit Eli Jolin, Cal State Fullerton-bound Anthony Ponga, and versatile wing Mahliq Guiseppi Kitson, and you’ve got a scary-good roster. New additions like 2026 7’0 TJ St. Louis and 2027 PG Junior Jean Marie round out a deep, talented team.
4. Ridley College: The Culture of Winning
Coming off an OSBA championship and coached by back-to-back CEBL champion Coach Victor Raso, Ridley College knows what it takes to win. Their battle-tested 2026 core—PG Caleb Roberts, C Callum Smith, and sharpshooter Quinten Ethier—enters year three with championship experience and chemistry that can’t be taught. Jordan national team member Omar Hijazi is a new addition, and CJ Roberts is set to explode.
5. Crestwood: Canada’s Brightest Young Core
No team in the country boasts a young core quite like Crestwood. All eyes will be on 2028 #1-ranked 6’7 phenom Isaiah Hamilton, coming off a monster summer that included a UAA title, Canada U16 duty, and a Curry Camp invite. He’s joined by fellow 2028 standout Isaiah Brody Clarke, a 6’8 force and teammate on both the AAU and national level. With returners like 6’4 PG Goran Davidovic and crafty PG Isaiah Eniojokun, the future is now.
6. King Heights: Newcomers with Championship Intentions
Making their NPA debut, King Heights has already made waves with a stacked roster. 2026 6’7 PG Yousaf Ahmad has exploded onto the national radar, while 2027 PG Kyree Taylor adds serious offensive firepower. Add in 2029 PG Praise Badejo (Team Ontario, U16 National Team) and 2028 6’10 big David Gnebetse, and this group could contend right away.
7. CSJV: Quebec’s Program
The pride of Quebec returns a strong, experienced core with 2026 guards Elohim Bongeli and Mansley Dornavel, along with a deep pipeline of provincial talent. Don’t be surprised if CSJV makes a deep run as they add size, toughness, and athleticism. They should have one of the deepest teams in the league.
8. Polaris Prep: International Pipeline
With a roster full of international flavor, Polaris Prep is bringing global talent to the NPA stage. 2027 6’6 F Nikola Nesterovic (Slovenia—son of Former Toronto Raptor Rasho Nesterovic), 6’7 W Efe Doran Turhanglu (Turkey), and 6’4 G Edoardo Bonivento (Italy) give Polaris a unique edge. Expect them to make noise.
9. Tri-City Prep: Top Duo, Top Threat
Tri-City might have the best inside-outside 1–2 punch in the league. 2026 6’9 big Stef Ilic (Canada U19) brings a polished post game and size, while 6’4 guard Harry Shellhammer was one of the top scorers in the NPA last year. If they can get consistent contributions around them, Tri-City could make serious noise this season.
10. Lincoln Prep: Young Star on the Rise
Last season’s semi-finalists are banking on a breakout year from 2027 6’6 W Alessandro Acosta-Reyes, a smooth athlete with serious upside. If he takes the leap, Lincoln could be right back in the mix.
11. BCP: A Dangerous Tandem
2026 6’5 G Teziah Malcolm is an explosive slasher with major upside, while 6’4 G Isaiah Olonloyu is a skilled combo guard who can fill it up. Together, they form one of the most productive duos in the NPA.
12. St. Jude’s Academy: Canada’s Sleeper Squad
One of the NPA’s best-kept secrets, St. Jude’s features elite 2026 guard Kemar Grant, along with 6’3 PG CJ Nelson, a lights-out shooter and playmaker. This is a group with major upset potential and more depth than people realize.
13. Hodan Prep: Next Up Mentality
Returning big man Ian McBride (D1 offer from Stonehill) will anchor Hodan in the paint, while 2027 6’6 guard Jaden Censori Hercules follows in the footsteps of his brother Dante. Don’t underestimate this squad.
14. RNS: East Coast Rebuild with National Talent
Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) is entering a new chapter after sending star John Ikpotokin to St. Bonaventure. But don’t sleep—there’s exciting talent coming in. 2027 Kareem Aljibat (Jordan U19), 2028 PG Elijah Mantley (Nova Scotia U17), and 2029 6’10 Tate Van Ritchie (NS U15) headline a group of young standouts. Ife Akitobi, a dominant 2029 forward, will be a name to watch as well.
Final Word: A Season of Parity, Power, and Potential
The 2025–2026 NPA season is shaping up to be the most competitive & talented in league history. The talent pool is deeper than ever, the storylines are compelling, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From rising young stars to battle-tested veterans, every program has something to prove—and we’ll be there every step of the way.
Stay locked in as we roll out individual team previews leading up to tip-off, diving deeper into the rosters, coaching strategies, and must-watch matchups. Buckle up—this is going to be a special year in Canadian prep basketball.
