Omar Hijazi’s Rise at Ridley College Highlights the Global Reach of NPH’s IPP Program
At 6’6, Omar Hijazi is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing international prospects developing within Canada’s prep basketball landscape. In his first year at Ridley College, the long, intelligent forward has embraced the challenge of North American basketball while showcasing exactly why North Pole Hoops’ International Prep Placement (IPP) Program exists.
Of Palestinian descent and a former member of the Jordanian National Team, Hijazi arrived in Canada with a strong foundation built through international competition. It was through NPH’s IPP Program that his pathway truly took shape—identified overseas with the support of Relentless Basketball training in Dubai, evaluated thoroughly, and ultimately placed into the NPH ecosystem at Ridley College, one of the country’s premier basketball programs.
“Playing in Canada has been an incredible experience—both challenging and rewarding,” said Hijazi. “The competition has pushed me to grow as an athlete and a person. Tariq has been a great mentor, guiding my transition to Canadian basketball and connecting me with universities to help reach my long-term goals.”
On the court, Hijazi has carved out his impact through defense, length, and a high basketball IQ. He consistently influences winning without needing the ball, using his versatility to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and make smart reads within Ridley’s system. His growth has not gone unnoticed. He is currently averaging 11.7ppg and 6.8rpg on the season.
“Omar has had a great season of growth and has improved drastically since arriving at Ridley in September,” said Ridley head coach Victor Raso. “He has always had the ability to impact winning in many ways, but he has learned how to continue to do that while adjusting to the intensity, athleticism and competitiveness that is North American basketball. He has added the ability to attack in transition, read ball screens and become a reliable outside shooter to his impressive interior skill set. He is only going to continue to improve over the next couple of months as we finish our season, and I’m excited for his growth.”
Hijazi has thrived under Raso’s guidance, a coach known for his success at both the scholastic and professional levels, including a CEBL championship with the Niagara River Lions.
“Coach Victor is a winner,” Hijazi added. “He has insane passion and sense of urgency for the game of basketball. He is honest and truthful with me and holds me accountable to my goals.”
As his development continues, interest at the next level is beginning to follow. Hijazi has already heard from NCAA Division I program Stonehill, along with several USPORTS programs including Waterloo, Western, UBC, Concordia, TMU, Carleton, and Laurier—an early indication of how effective the IPP pathway can be when opportunity meets preparation.
NPH Founder Tariq Sbiet, who played a key role in bringing Hijazi to Canada, sees Omar as a clear representation of the program’s mission.
“I believe that there is strong talent all over the world, including the Middle East… they just need an opportunity, a platform, and a pathway,” said Sbiet. “NPH has become that for Canadians, and now international talent. Omar Hijazi is a great example of that—he will make an impact at the next level as a versatile, do-it-all wing with a great attitude and hunger for growth.”
Currently, Ridley College sits among the top teams in the country and is widely regarded as a legitimate national title contender within the NPA. As the stakes rise, so too does Hijazi’s role within a winning environment—exactly the type of exposure and development setting the IPP Program was designed to provide.
For Omar Hijazi, the journey from international prospect to Canadian prep standout is still just beginning. For North Pole Hoops’ IPP Program, his progress is proof that when global talent is given the right platform, the results speak for themselves.
