Milestone Matched for Canadian Basketball: Jordan Brand Classic
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CHARLOTTE, NC–On April 16, 2011 a Canadian milestone will be matched as five players hailing from the great white North will be representing once again among the world’s elite. Canadian history will be repeated within the walls of the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte at the prestigous Jordan Brand Classic- 10th Anniversary. (Last year at the Mecca, MSG)
NPH viewers may have become aware of a common trend that has surfaced over the last month or so. With Canadians being involved in the McDonald’s All-American event, Nike Hoop Summit and now the Jordan Brand Classic, the story line may seem cyclic. Nonetheless, if you’re an enthusiast of the game be it in Canada or abroad, one can only anticipate in excitement for what the future holds with respect to the thriving sport.
The five Canadian participants in this year’s Jordan Brand Classic are: Myck Kabongo, Khem Birch and Kyle Wiltjer in the main event;
Kevin Thomas will make his presence felt in the Regional game; and young phenom Andrew Wiggins will take the stage among the top international prospects.
2010 Jordan Brand
Last year, Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph participated in the main event posting specctacular numbers. Thompson posted 19 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block and a steal while Cory Joseph registered 14 points, 7 assists and 4 steals respectively.
Thompson ranks 10th all-time in points (19) for the event, in front of names like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Demar Derozan. He is also tied for fourth in all time rebounds (13) in front of names like Lebron James, Derrick Rose and Al Jefferson.
Joseph is tied for 5th all-time in assists (7) in front of names like Brandon Knight, John Wall and Lebron James.
In addition, Kevin Pangos, Anthony Bennett, and Duane Notice represented Canada on the international roster last year.
Pangos had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist; Bennett recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist while Notice captured MVP honours en route to a game-high 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Advice from an Alumni
Anthony Bennett who experienced the bright lights of Madison Square Guarden last year provides feedback on the setting, and lends a piece of advice to the young stud Andrew Wiggins, who some have referred to as, “the Canadian Lebron James.”
“Its a big stage to play on so he cant be nervous even though everyone is watching,” professed Bennett.
After dominating a full season of varsity basketball in Canada (in grade 10) while capturing a provincial title, Wiggins will now have the opportunity to show the world what the buzz is all about!
“He just needs to go there, play smart and just have fun.”
No pressure.
PHOTO COURTESY: Jordan Brand, McDonald’s All-American, Draft Express, SI.com
