Top 10 Canadian DAWWWGS on AAU Circuit
This summer on the AAU circuit, I’ve had the privilege of being courtside for some of the fiercest competition in grassroots basketball. From the Under Armour Association (UAA), to the NBA Academy Games, to Nike’s Peach Jam—the energy was electric, and the Canadian talent? Let’s just say we didn’t just show up… we took over, with Canada Elite taking home the 15U Championship led by 2028 phenom Isaiah Hamilton and Texas Impact 17Us winning UAA crown led by Canadian Coach Adeel Sahibzada.
At North Pole Hoops, we don’t throw the word DAWWWG around lightly. It’s reserved for a certain breed—mentally tough, battle-tested, and relentless. These are players who don’t just flash skill, but impose their will on the game. Here are five Canadian DAWWWGS who stamped their name on the summer—and one in particular who I can’t stop thinking about.
Lana Agbelese – 2025 | 6’8 Hybrid Forward | Mississauga Monarchs
Let me get this off my chest—Lana Agbalese is the most versatile forward in the country. Period.
The 6’8 hybrid from the Mississauga Monarchs has been a monster all summer, showcasing pro-level instincts, positional fluidity, and elite intangibles. He guarded 1 through 5, initiated offense, rebounded out of area, knocked down open shots, and was the most reliable presence on the floor—game in, game out.
Lana’s been climbing the ranks over the past few years in the NPH ecosystem. From playing with Jookoo in the NPHShowcase League to playing with Crestwood
What’s disturbing is this: he doesn’t hold a single D1 offer. How? How does a player with this kind of consistent production, feel for the game, and long-term upside go unnoticed by D1 programs? It’s mind-boggling.
Let this be the wake-up call. Lana is a pro in every sense—mature demeanor, leadership qualities, and a relentless motor. The “sleeper” tag won’t last long. Trust me.
The 2025 farewell rankings will have a huge shakeup with Lana Agbalese rising.
Isaiah Hamilton – 2028 | 6’8 Shooting Guard | Canada Elite
It’s rare you see a kid dominate every level so decisively that the only logical next step is to play up. That’s where we are with Isaiah Hamilton.
The 6’8 SG led his Canada Elite squad to a UAA championship, proving that he’s not just the best in his class—he might be the best Canadian prospect in the country, regardless of class.
Everyone’s talking about his athleticism, size, and skill set—and yes, those are off the charts. But what really separates Isaiah is his mind. The creativity and fearlessness he plays with is unlike anything I’ve seen in years. We’re talking 360 lay-ins down the lane, baseline windmills in traffic, and a through-the-legs dunk in the clutch for Team Canada this summer. These aren’t mixtape moments—these are real-time, high-stakes plays.
He’ll make his senior prep and NPA debut with Crestwood this fall, and the challenge ahead will only elevate him further. He’s ready. The country better get ready, too.
He’s recently picked up offers from Villanova, Oregon, St.Bonaventure, among others.
Lyris Robinson – 2027 | 6’5 Guard | Arizona Unity
Lyris Robinson is rising fast, and the word “elite” is starting to follow him around for good reason. The 6’5 wing for Arizona Unity is a two-way force, showing the tools to be a top-tier player at the next level—and perhaps the #1 prospect in the Canadian 2027 class, alongside Deng Ngor.
Offensively, he’s explosive in the open floor, can hit shots from multiple levels, and plays with pace. Defensively, he’s a problem—taking pride in guarding the opposing team’s best player and setting the tone.
He’s not a finished product yet, but he has the complete package of size, bounce, skill, pedigree, and an evolving IQ that you want in a future pro. He’s the son of a former pro and division 1 coach.
Holds nearly 20 offers, most notably from: New Mexico, UNLV, Oklahoma State, Cal, Oregon, TCU, many others.
Dionycius Bakare – 2026 | 6’6 Guard | UPlay Canada | Penn State Commit
Bakare was one of the EYBL’s top scorers this summer, and he made it look effortless. At 6’6, the Penn State commit out of British Columbia has the rare ability to move without the ball, read the floor, and exploit defensive gaps. In transition, he’s a blur. In the half court, he’s patient, smart, and deadly when given a sliver of space.
What impressed me most, though, was his defensive engagement. He’s not just playing for highlights—he’s studying possessions, staying alert, and taking pride in getting stops.
He’s also proving that he’s built for the big stage. Expect him to climb rankings and be a name you hear a lot about at the NCAA level—and beyond.
Miles Sadler – 2026 | 5’10 PG | Arizona Unity
Deng Ngor – 2027 | 6’7 | Wing
Deng continues to prove himself as one of the top Canadian prospects regardless of class. Extreme versatility with an insane motor + length, skill, iq, feel, body control, and an infectious positive attitude. Defensively, he can guard 1-5. Offensively, defences have to respect him as a shooter, but if they get to close he can attack and finish at the rim through contact. Making strides as an offensive creator as his confidence grows.
Kingston Thomas – 2027 | 6’4 | Guard
Son of Canadian National Program alum, former pro, and Michigan State coach Dave Thomas. Kingston is a 6’4 emerging guard that is still physically growing with an impressive frame. Already looking like a division 1 player physically. As he tightens up his guard skills, Thomas will be a problem for years to come. Currently holds offers Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Toledo
International Dominance
Arafan Diane – 2026 | 7’0 Center | Iowa United
From Guinea to Canada, now making waves in the U.S., Arafan Diane is the #1 true big in the world at the high school level—I stand on that.
At 7-feet tall, he brings power, timing, soft touch, and insane defensive instincts. He’s a game-changer around the rim on both ends and has shown a consistent motor all summer. He dominated at Peach Jam, where college head coaches were lined up courtside—John Calipari, Kelvin Sampson, and more—all watching his every move.
He’s not just big. He’s skilled. And with the right development path, he’s a future NBA center. Mark it down.
Word on the Street
Here are two names I didn’t get to see physically this summer, but they made so much noise that they demanded inclusion.
Eli Jolin – 2026 | 6’6 Wing | Brookwood Elite | Santa Clara Commit
Coaches raved about Jolin’s summer, and I’ve been raving about him all year. At 6’6 with great size at both guard positions, and a frame built for the next level (once muscle mass is added), he has the tools, shooting ability, and mentality to make waves at Santa Clara, and even more noise this season with Fort Erie International in the NPA. Massive pickup for the Broncos. I believe he is an undeniable NBA prospect, with intangibles through the roof, and a unique skill set, particularly his underrated passing ability, combined with dead eye shooting.
Kian Tyson – 2026 | 6’8 Wing | Genesis | Edge Prep
Western Canada’s breakout star. Kian Tyson is a 6’8 3&D weapon, and from what I’ve been told, he’s shooting the leather off the ball. His IQ, versatility, and pedigree make him one of the most exciting long-term prospects in the country. Look for him to help lead Edge Prep in their pursuit of an NPA National Championship.
Final Word
Canada’s got DAWWWGS—and we’re not new to this. From unheralded gems like Agbalese, to phenoms like Hamilton and Diane, we’re no longer just exporting talent—we’re dominating the conversation.
As we continue building this pipeline through North Pole Hoops, and expanding the global ecosystem, I can tell you firsthand—the future is bright, and it’s red and white.
Stay tuned. The movement is far from finished.
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