International Prospect List in NPA, 15+ Countries Represented
The National Preparatory Association (NPA) has long been a showcase for Canada’s top high school basketball talent, but it has also grown into a global destination for rising prospects from around the world. This season is no different, with players representing five different continents suiting up across the league. From Europe to Asia, Africa to Australia, and even South America, international stars are set to bring unique styles and cultural flair to the Canadian prep circuit.
| Name | Country | Team | Continent |
| Nikola Nesterovic | Slovenia | Polaris Prep | Europe |
| Doran Turhanoglu | Turkey | Polaris Prep | Asia |
| Edoardo Bonivento | Italy | Polaris Prep | Europe |
| Alexsandar Goljovic | Serbia | Polaris Prep | Europe |
| Stefan Susic | Montenegro | Polaris Prep | Europe |
| Efe Tercan | Turkey | Polaris Prep | Asia |
| Mikail Atakan | Turkey | Polaris Prep | Asia |
| Caleb Zhu | China | Royal Crown | Asia |
| Andy Gemao | Philippines | Royal Crown | Asia |
| Pau Torrens Rivera | Spain | Royal Crown | Europe |
| Lucas Zhong | China | Fort Erie | Asia |
| Tianyue Li | China | Fort Erie | Asia |
| Omar Hijazi | Palestine | Ridley College | Asia |
| Demir Oztropak | Cyprus | Ridley College | Europe |
| Abdel Sanogo | Ivory Coast | CSJV | Africa |
| Ariik Pech | Australia | Crestwood | Australia |
| Otis Onink | Netherlands | St.Judes Academy | Europe |
| Nicolas Csonka | Brazil | St.Judes Academy | South America |
| Jayden Autar | Netherlands | St.Judes Academy | Europe |
| Samuel Ulrich | Italy | St.Judes Academy | Europe |
Polaris Prep: A European and Turkish Pipeline
Polaris Prep boasts the largest collection of international talent this season, particularly from Europe.
Nikola Nesterovic (Slovenia) is the son of former Toronto Raptor Rasho Nesterovic, Edoardo Bonivento (Italy), Alexsandar Goljovic (Serbia), and Stefan Susic (Montenegro) highlight a strong European core.
Complementing them is a trio from Turkey—Doran Turhanoglu, Efe Tercan, and Mikail Atakan—who add toughness and skill from the Asian side of the globe.
With this diverse mix of international players, Polaris enters the season as one of the most internationally flavored teams in NPA history.
Royal Crown: Asian Strength and Spanish Finesse
Royal Crown has become a hub for international stars, especially from Asia.
Caleb Zhu (China) and Andy Gemao (Philippines) bring scoring punch and dynamic guard play who are both starters for the reigning National Champions Royal Crown.
Pau Torrens Rivera (Spain) represents Europe, showcasing the skill and fundamentals associated with Spanish basketball.
This trio gives Royal Crown a global balance of flair, speed, and basketball IQ.
Fort Erie International Academy: A Chinese Duo
Fort Erie continues its tradition of international recruiting with two rising prospects from China:
Lucas Zhong and Tianyue Li.
Their presence not only strengthens Fort Erie’s roster but also reflects the growing influence of Chinese basketball in the prep school landscape.
Ridley College adds international size and versatility with:
Omar Hijazi (Jordan) bringing Middle Eastern representation.
Demir Oztropak (Cyprus) anchoring the European presence.
Both will be crucial pieces as Ridley looks to compete against the league’s elite.
St. Jude’s Academy: Europe and South America Unite
St. Jude’s features one of the most diverse rosters in the league:
Otis Onink (Netherlands) and Jayden Autar (Netherlands) highlight the European side.
Samuel Ulrich (Italy) adds depth with his European pedigree.
Nicolas Csonka (Brazil) brings flair and energy from South America, representing a rare connection to the continent in the NPA.
Historical Context
This is nothing new in the NPA, with many International Players coming through and getting to the next level. Ivory Coast’s Aboubacar Traore (Louisville) and Lassina Traore (Texas) who once played in the NPA for Dynastie are now playing at the high major D1 level. Same with Atiki Ally Atiki from Tanzania who played for LBA and finished his college career at New Mexico.
A True Global League
With players from Slovenia, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, China, the Philippines, Spain, Jordan, Cyprus, Ivory Coast, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and beyond, the NPA has never been more international. These athletes not only raise the level of competition but also add cultural richness to the league.
The NPA has firmly established itself as a global basketball destination—where Canada’s best meet the world’s rising stars.
