USPORTs Players Getting NCAA D1 Attention
The USPORTS-to-Division 1 movement gained significant momentum last year. Players like DeZayne Mingo, Tyson Dunn, Elias Ralph, and others not only made the jump but also performed at a high level. This demonstrated just how elite the talent and preparation are at the Canadian university and college level.
Since then, recruiting from USPORTS has become an increasingly attractive option for NCAA programs. It allows them to bring in older, more experienced players—similar to how they utilize the Transfer Portal. We’ve already seen Adam Olsen (UBC) commit to South Alabama, Augustas Brazdeikis (Carleton) commit to Pacific, and Xavier Spencer (Carleton) commit to UMass Lowell.
Here’s a list of USPORTS players who are gaining attention south of the border. Time will tell whether they make the jump or not. Many of them are already in great situations and will continue to build their Pro résumés where they are. Often, opportunity and fit matter more than the level of competition.
6’6 SF Aaron Rhooms | TMU | 22ppg, 6.7rpg, 47%FG, 42%3PT, 76%FT
The OUA National Player of the Year was dominant in all 4 years at Toronto Metro University. Someone who could have easily made the jump by now but has opted to stay put, and has benefited greatly from it as he’s already been a CEBL Draft Pick. If he elects to go the grad transfer route over starting his Pro career, he would have a number of D1 Programs to choose from.
6’2 PG Noah Otshudi | Western | 17.4ppg, 4apg, 3rpg, 1.8spg, 46%FG, 35%3PT, 75%FT
Made a massive jump this past season as his usage increased. It’s his upside as a two-way guard with elite athleticism that’s giving him a lot of D1 attention. He’s already hearing from Marshall, UTRGV, Maine, Albany, among others.
6’4 G DJ Jackson | St.FX | 24.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 4.1apg, 44%FG, 86%FT
DJ is actually a player who’s done the opposite of what a lot of these players look to do. He ended up transferring from D1 to USPORTs, and had massive success at StFX. Although he still struggled to shoot it from three at 28%, he was excellent in the midrange, and proved he can still fill it up in other ways. This was the biggest question mark for him when he was in the D1 Transfer Portal. Now proven as a high level scoring combo guard, it will be interesting to see if he rides it out at St.FX or explores a return to the NCAA.
6’4 PG Ollie Engen | Queens | 18.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 4apg, 52%FG
The USPORTs Freshman of the Year reportedly has “unfinished business” at Queens, which means he has his eyes set on a National Championship. However, he was one of the best players in the Country last season as a high IQ PG with great size and feel. Even if he stays for this upcoming season, he’s still someone for D1s to continue to monitor.
6’5 W Yohann Sam | Windsor | 18.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3spg, 36%3PT
High volume scorer with a strong frame. He intends to explore his NCAA options with 2 years of eligibility remaining. Could provide a scoring punch for a program at the right level. Was the 2nd overall pick in this year’s CEBL draft, whether he plays or not is to be determined as it could change his eligibility.
https://x.com/yohannsam4/status/1890721219260944486
6’1 G Simeon Smith | Windsor | 16ppg, 4.6rpg, 3apg, 46%FG
Crafty lefty scoring guard with good athleticism. Has been getting a lot of buzz as a potential D1 transfer as early as mid-season. With his ability to breakdown defenders off the dribble and generate good offensive possessions, he could potentially be a good fit within the right offensive system at the right level.
6’3 G Renaldo Robinson | UVIC | 15.8ppg, 2.2spg, 38%3PT
Was one of the most productive scorers this past season, averaging just under 16ppg in only 22mpg. Still unclear if he intends to explore his options, but is still someone to monitor for D1 Programs looking for a scoring guard. Scored 24 points to help lead UVic to a National Championship.
