Live In Portland: Following Canada's top basketball prospects at the Nike Hoop Summit

[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome to the Canadian Basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news, stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. I'm live in Portland, Oregon for the annual Nike Hoop Summit. This is my fourth straight year here, if you don't know. The Hoop Summit is an annual showcase that features some of the top Under 19 players from across the world as they battle against the top high school players in the US Some names that have played in this event include Nikola Jokic, Shay Gilgis, Alexander Joel Embiid. The list goes on. I honestly recommend googling Nike Hoop Summit alumni. The names you'll see will surprise you. I think Dirk Nowitzki even played for this event. And Tony Parker, like it's crazy, honestly, crazy. Some of the top names that are playing in this game also include AJ Debanza, who's headed to byu. We got Cameron Boozer, the son of Carlos Boozer who's also, he's headed to Duke. Nate Amends, another name that's been rising might be a top pick in next year's NBA draft. And yeah, that's just a few names on the US side. The world team has their work cut out for them, but I think it'll be a really, really good game. On the women's side, I'm thinking of names like Sarah Strong, who just had a major tournament to help UConn win a national championship. She played in this game last year. Toby Fournier from Duke ACC Freshman of the year, Silas Swords from Michigan. This is where the next stars of tomorrow, honestly. Touchdown. And it's a privilege, it's an honor for me to come here every year and just watch names that are going to be making headlines in the next few years, so. And yeah, it's honestly an event too that every NBA GM scout executive comes down to every year. And since the women's game started, it's been open up to WNBA executives. I just seen Toronto Temple GM Monica Wright Rogers in attendance watching the practice. I honestly call it this Hoop Summit. Just like summer league but without fans. You get to chill, talk basketball and just pick the brains of people in the NBA. Yeah, just mingling, you know, all that kind of stuff. And like I said, I've been following some of the top king prospects. And this year there are four who are playing in the Hoop Summit. That includes Danaya Prowl, who's headed to Tennessee, Agam Kir, who's headed to South Carolina, Nidian Itch, who's headed to Florida, and Jayon Pitt, who's headed to Arizona State. I actually got the chance to speak with all three of the Canadian women for over 20 minutes each, just about their journeys, get to know them as people, as basketball players. And yeah, I think it's a really, really good convo. I'm excited to bring you that interviews, all three of them, back to back, back after this intermission. But before I do, I want to chat about some college basketball and draft news I've been hearing on the Canadian side. One of the best Canadian college basketball players, Xavier Lee, has hit the portal. If you don't know, Xavian is leaving Princeton after spending three years there, breaking records, being named to the first team All Ivy and yeah, just ridiculous Ivy League career. Uh, I actually got to chat with Xavier and just about him entering the portal. He kind of hinted to me a few weeks back that he was transferring, that was gonna. That was gonna happen. So I'm excited for him. And he kind of filled me in just recently, just about where he's at in terms of his recruitment. Obviously, you're hearing this on Tuesday, so a lot of this might be outdated, but I just want to fill you in what I've been hearing and his thought process. So he told me this past week that he's visiting, or he already visited St. John's on Friday and Saturday, and then he's headed to Kansas on Saturday evening, I believe, and will be there through Sunday. And there's been reports about him having Duke in his top three, but from chatting with him, I don't think Duke is actually in his top three. He told me he's not visiting Duke and it was only an option that he was considering if some of the top guys were leaving. But it's honestly getting really late in the process, so he can't just wait for that to happen. So, yeah, it's. Duke is not part of the top three. Another school that he's going to be visiting from Monday to Wednesday, I believe is the Florida Gators, the NCAA champions, I believe. I think they're the favorites to lend Lee. Just chatting with him, and I know he has a former high school teammate that played on Florida or plays on Florida. So Lee expect a decision? I think maybe he told me by Tuesday he might be committed. So by the time you're hearing this, he might commit in the next few hours, maybe might commit beforehand, or things might honestly just completely change where a new team comes into the picture that you never thought of. So that's kind of been the update with Xavian, just on his process. He averaged almost 17 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists on 36.3% shooting from three this past season at Princeton. Like I said, he was named to the all Ivy League team back to back years and I think a lot of people are forgetting he's just declared for the NBA draft too. He'll look to get an invite to the NBA draft combine, but I expect him obviously to return back to school. And I've just been chatting with NBA people just about their thoughts on Xavian Lee's season and how he's kind of been developing. And I think a lot of people have liked it, they just want to see it now against higher competition which is why he's transferring. So excited to follow that development. Last year he ended up working out for eight or nine teams and everything. From our, from what I heard from scouts and executives, they, they said he was really good, just needs to get stronger. And yeah, Xavian still has one more year in college basketball I believe. Unless he has a fifth year, I don't think so. But someone else, someone else might know that info. But Xavian Lee, excited to see where he goes. Expect him also to come on this podcast in the coming weeks. I've been chatting with him about that and he wants to chat with me so I'm excited to get him on here. We'll dive deep on his decision to enter the portal. Talk about him declaring for the NBA draft and his recent college season. Shout out to Xavian Lee. Excited to see where you go brother. Another name that has probably announced his decision by the time I'm recording this podcast is top game prospect Will Riley. Will Riley is declaring for the NBA draft. I've been in touch with his people and Will is excited, very excited to enter his name in the 2025 NBA Draft. He actually sent me a statement on entering the draft. I'm going to read it for you right here. This is what Will said. I feel like I'm ready and it's been my dream since I was a kid. I get to play against guys who I've been watching since I was little. If you're looking for the full story on Will declaring for the Jack, go check it out at the Toronto Star. I should have that up. And yeah, Will is a top prospect. Probably might be the only Canadian that gets drafted in this year's class. I expect him to be a first round pick. And yeah, he signed to clutch Rich Paul. If you know Rich Paul, prominent sports agent, that's his company, that's his agency. And yeah, I expect Will to be a first Round pick from people I've chatted with. They've been really impressed with the end he's had. The college season. Kind of an up and down season for Will started off really strong. If you remember the first game he had in college basketball. He set the freshman record at Illinois for scoring. I think he had 30 plus but kind of had a up and down in terms of still adjusting to the physicality of the Big Ten conference and. But once January turned around, the end of January, man, Will was a sight to see. I've talked to so much people in Portland, just about Will. This was actually the first time I got to watch Will. [00:08:10] Speaker B: No, I'm lying. [00:08:11] Speaker A: First time I got to watched Will was at the All Canadian game. And then I watched him traveled all the way to Portland and exactly around last year, around this time, I watched Will play. He went up against age of the Ben, so he went up against top prospects and he was actually sick that week. But you could see just the natural scoring instincts that he has. Really good shooter and yeah, and everybody that I've talked to, NBA personnel, every single time I've brought up Will, sometimes people brought it up to me and they're like, hey, what do you think? And a lot of people just talked about how he exploded at the Big Ten conference. So a lot of teams with first round picks that I've talked to are really intrigued with Will. They'll likely get him into their facility. From what I know, Will will be working out in California for his pre draft before attending the NBA draft combine in May. I'll probably be out there following him, so stay tuned for that. Yeah, I think the biggest thing that Will is looking to improve on and. [00:09:15] Speaker B: He actually kind of told me too. [00:09:17] Speaker A: I asked him like, what are you looking to hone in on in the next few months preparing for the NBA. And he told me, I'm going to work on getting stronger all summer and tighten up his abilities. It's something that if you've seen Will, he's. His body has transformed, honestly, just from the start of the season to the end of it. I think the guy gained about 20 pounds from when he first stepped on campus in Illinois. So he's a guy that's dedicated to improving aspects of his game and just knowing seeing Will close up and just talking to people that know him personally. That guy is a hard worker. Like you can't get that guy out of the gym from what I've heard. And from that to me is just once you have that work ethic and willingness, the size that he has, 6, 8, 6, 9. The ability to put the ball on the hoop, man, sky's the limit for a guy like Will Riley. [00:10:10] Speaker B: Honestly. [00:10:11] Speaker A: So very excited to see his development and the next phase of his career. And I think the biggest concern people have that I've talked to in the NBA is just his body kind of and maybe ability to guard at the next level. Those two kind of go hand in hand. But I think that'll come over time as he matures with his body. Not everybody. He's 19. This guy should still be. He should be graduating high school right now when you think about it. But after this quick little break, you'll hear my interviews with three rising Canadian talent. Denia Prowl, Agat, mce, Nadianne Itch, and yeah, enjoy. Listen to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. [00:11:07] Speaker B: Welcome back to the King Basketball Show. I'm joined by a special guest, a national champion hailing from Toronto, Canada, Danaya Prowl, one of the top players in the class of 2025. I'm joined with her in Portland, Oregon at the Nike Hoop Summit. Now you're coming off winning a Chipotle Nationals championship. It's the biggest high school basketball tournament in North America featuring some of the best prospects. If you don't know, I think the first time IMG won it. [00:11:37] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:11:38] Speaker B: What was that experience like for you? [00:11:40] Speaker C: It was surreal. You know, last year I made to the championship and fell short. So just that fire that I had, my teammates had as well. You know, we just didn't want to leave without the championship. So it was fun. You know, my teammates held me down. We, you know, we kind of played together as a team and we knew our end goal was and yeah, we came out on top. [00:12:00] Speaker B: And you dropped 14, 6 to 10. [00:12:02] Speaker C: Yep, yep. 14, like 6 rebounds. You know, it was. I was in foul trouble the whole game, so I think I played like 15 minutes. So I did what I could while I was out there, but as I said, my teammates held me down and made sure we got that dub. [00:12:16] Speaker B: Like I said, we're in Portland for the Nike Hoops Summit. This is your first time here, correct? [00:12:20] Speaker C: Yes, it is. [00:12:22] Speaker B: What are your thoughts on just the city, the weather of Portland? [00:12:27] Speaker C: I think Portland's cool. It was been really rainy, been raining every day. But I like it here. It's quiet and, you know, like, it's been cool. I like it. [00:12:37] Speaker B: You also just played in the McDonald's All American game. What was that experience like for you? [00:12:41] Speaker C: It was cool. It's Something I've been dreaming about for since I been in high school. Yeah, it's been. It's been a good journey, you know, honestly, like, just think, like, honestly, just reflecting back on all the work I put in and finally being recognized as one of the top players in the country has been. Been amazing. And just the event together, like, it was amazing. Like, they really catered to us as players. Yeah, it was just surreal. [00:13:05] Speaker B: What does it mean just for you to be selected for a game like this? Get to represent Canada? What's that honor me to you? [00:13:10] Speaker C: It means the world, honestly, literally just being selected out of what, 12 people out of the world, you know, just being recognized as that is huge. You know, I know my family's really proud, and being able to, you know, like, represent Canada has always been big for me. So, you know, just putting Canada on my back for this event. Yeah, Just being myself and showing the world who I am. [00:13:35] Speaker B: You got people coming out here for you? [00:13:36] Speaker C: I do, yeah. [00:13:37] Speaker B: Talk to them. Who you got out here? [00:13:39] Speaker C: I got my family, my agents, like that. So. [00:13:42] Speaker B: Yeah. Have you watched the game prior Hoop Summit? [00:13:46] Speaker C: Hoop Summit? Yeah, I watched last year. You know, I seen that they fell short. They're up the whole game fell short. So we're looking to do the opposite this year, you know, make sure we win this championship just like we did with img for sure. [00:13:57] Speaker B: Tell me about your basketball origin story. How'd you get into playing basketball? [00:14:01] Speaker C: I started actually started out playing soccer. You know, I was always, like, at recess like that I played basketball, but my family actually put me into soccer first. I think that's where I got my footwork the most. But my mom would tell you, like, I'll be playing soccer, and then when I get a goal, like, I'll air shoot a ball type. So, you know, I always, like, had love for basketball. So once my mom realized that, she's like, yeah, just maybe it's time to give her a chance to try basketball. Started playing for the Mississauga Monarchs. I think that was fourth grade. I was there for, I think, two years. And then I started playing with the boys team in Toronto called Level Up. They don't exist anymore. But, you know, I think that's really what got me to where I am today. Like, just playing with boys, getting that bump. You know, I was playing against high schoolers in sixth, seventh grade. So I was big. You know, I was the physicality, the skill level that they were at, you know, I think that just that separated me from other girls a lot. So when I did get back to girls. I played with Canada Elite and I feel like I had a pretty big difference between the other girls that, you know, just been playing against girls compared to me playing against boys. And then from there I moved to. I moved to Maryland for school. I was there for a year, I was boarding, and then I came back, went to Fort Erie International Academy. That was a big year for me. You know, I think I got my first offer, eighth grade. That was with become one over the summer. So then when I went into high school, it was just pretty much. It was pretty easy for me. It just kept on flowing in. I think I finished with 40 offers. [00:15:38] Speaker B: Damn. [00:15:39] Speaker C: Yeah, 40. Yeah. But yeah, and then I went to IMG Academy, 11th grade. That was also another big thing for me. I think there's a difference between bump in Canada than it is in the States. I think that the physicality level is a lot harder. More talent, stuff like that. And I just. I don't know, I feel like that really separated my game as well. And then also just boarding, I'd say, like, I feel like I matured a lot more just being away from home, you know, Like, I'm a lot more independent. So I'd say, like, just those little things add into my game that allow me to be who I am today. [00:16:18] Speaker B: You covered a lot there. I want to touch on all of it. We'll get back to you. Said your mom. [00:16:22] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:16:22] Speaker B: Play. Did she play basketball? [00:16:24] Speaker C: She did everything. She. Basketball, volleyball, track, all that. [00:16:27] Speaker B: And you shoot while playing soccer as like a basketball form. What was your position in soccer though? [00:16:33] Speaker C: I was a striker. [00:16:34] Speaker B: Striker? [00:16:35] Speaker C: Yeah, I played striker. And then when I started getting taller, I was kind of more goalie. I was. I was everywhere, honestly. [00:16:40] Speaker B: How tall are you now? [00:16:41] Speaker C: I'm six two. [00:16:41] Speaker A: Six two? [00:16:42] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:16:44] Speaker B: And for you, tell me about the move to Maryland. How did that happen? [00:16:50] Speaker C: You know, in Canada we had Covid. Like our Covid year was completely shut down. Like, you remember, no gyms, none of that. Everything was completely shut down and I couldn't do it. I honestly couldn't do it. Like a full year without basketball or having to sneak around and get into a gym just wasn't something I was looking forward to doing. And I don't know, I can't see myself not playing basketball for a full year, even games. So me and my mom, we had the conversation and we spoke to one of my guys out here named KP and he set it all up. And then, yeah, made the move to Maryland. [00:17:19] Speaker B: And from Maryland you end up coming Back to Canada to play at Fort Erie. New program that started up there. That's when I first heard about you. Tell me about Fort Erie. What was your time like there and making a name for yourself on that team? [00:17:34] Speaker C: Being at Fort Erie was big, honestly. You know, Coach Kip, he pushes me every single day. He pushed me to places I didn't think I can go. You know, he made sure I was good at all times. I think, like, when you speak about mentors, like, he was. He's really my mentor, you know, he always wants the best for me. He's always reaching out. Like, still, I think he was actually my first phone call after Chipotle Nationals. He. He called me and I spoke to him, like, I think 10 minutes about it. And, you know, he just. Just saying he's proud of me, stuff like that. So being. Being around people like him. Coach Leash, also my assistant coach. I was there, like, just being around people like that. She's very God driven. So we had a connection with that. Yeah, just being people, being with people that are like them, it was just amazing because it's like true love there. So I'd say, like, just being around people that want the best for you at all times and know what you're capable of and pushing you to your limits every day was. Was huge for me. Like, honestly, if I could redo this, I would go back to. I would do Fort Erie again in the same year. You know, I think that it was a great move that me and my family made. And, yeah, I really, really did like that experience that I had there. [00:18:41] Speaker B: Talked about kp. If people don't know, that's handle Kip. One of the best coaches in Canada. I would say one of the most influential, too, in terms of women basketball. If you don't know Handel Kip, please search him up. Look at his resume, the amount of talent he's also helped just from Canada get to the NCAA College basketball. Yeah. Shout out to Kip. Tell me about Fort Erie. You're playing there and you're rising up the ranks, right? First, tell me about your college offers. What was our first college offer? [00:19:12] Speaker C: You mentioned the first one I got. Yeah, I think that was Penn State. [00:19:17] Speaker B: What do you remember about that and getting the call or just. [00:19:21] Speaker C: It was. It was actually in person. We had went. It was like right after a tournament, we had went. I think we're in Pennsylvania at the Spooky Nuke gym. We were just fresh off a tournament, and I seen them actually at my game prior to that. And then when we Drove up there, we went on, like, a unofficial or. Yeah, unofficial college visit with my whole team. It wasn't just me. I remember they pulled me to the side and I was pretty much talking to them throughout the whole tour, just separately. And towards the end, right before I got on the bus, they were like, yeah, I just wanted to let you know that you have a scholarship from here and we're looking forward to building a relationship with you, stuff like that. So, you know, it was surreal. Like, it was something I dreamed of for so long, and I feel like I. I've played that one sentence in my head for so long because it's something I've been dreaming about for a long time. [00:20:06] Speaker D: And. [00:20:06] Speaker C: Yeah, like, from there, it just went up. [00:20:09] Speaker B: Yeah. And 40 offers you mentioned. We'll go through some of the top ones. That, that, that, that. Because there's so many. And then you move, end up going to Mount Ver. Mount Mount Ver. [00:20:19] Speaker C: Imgo. You don't say those names. You can't say those names by fault. [00:20:22] Speaker B: You just play them in the finals. [00:20:23] Speaker C: Now you're good. [00:20:25] Speaker B: Tell me about the move to img and what were your. How did that even come about? Because you just talked about wanting to play against the top talent. How did that. Did they reach out to you? Or was it. Was he, like. I'm guessing they saw you. [00:20:39] Speaker A: Saw you play. [00:20:39] Speaker C: Yeah, they see me play. So, yeah, I was hearing from them throughout my high school career, and then they actually had a coaching change, but the new coach, he actually coached against me when I was in Maryland, so he was at a local school nearby. That was kind of like our competition, but, like, we stayed connected after our games. He always, like, would come after me, come up to me after, like, oh, yeah, you're a great player. Like, you know, keep going. Stuff like that. And then also, he worked for Under Armour, so, like, at the camps I'd be at over the summer, I always see him around and we would just have our conversations. So it was pretty. It was actually at the elite 24 camp where he told me that, you know, I'm getting this job and I would really like to have you as my first recruit. Stuff like that. So we spoke about that. We spoke every day after that, honestly. And he made sure, like, this is something I wanted to do, and he gave me all the reasons why it should be a good move. You know, he spoke to my mom, spoke to my parents about it, and, yeah, made the move. And, yeah, as I said, I don't regret none of it. I think My high school career went perfectly as planned. [00:21:38] Speaker B: And yeah, what do you say to people that. Whether it's like they compare the talent from Canada to the U.S. like you mentioned, better bump, right? Better competition in terms of deciding that what was the main factor for you? And also, like, you're in front of a bunch of college coaches all the time, right? Tell me about the decision. [00:22:00] Speaker C: Well, for starters, I'd say. I wouldn't say Canada doesn't have bump. I think we do have bump. It's just. I think USA is deeper. So when it comes to, like, I think our top players can match up with their top players, but when it goes down the line, there's not as many players that can match up, if that makes sense. But yeah, I'd say that about the bump. What was the other question? [00:22:23] Speaker B: Tell me just about your time there, too, just being able to go up against the top players in the country. [00:22:26] Speaker C: Yeah, it's been amazing, honestly. I feel like every year or this, the past two years, just who I was playing with, for starters. You know, I've been playing with great players. You know, I feel like I believe seven players I played with last year went Division 1 and the same thing pretty much this year. I'm just playing against D1 talent. I'm playing with D1 talent. So, like, I'm getting the best bump in practice as well. So I feel like that also helps me grow. And then the competition we're playing against, you know, I'm playing against freshmen of the years for each conference pretty much last year and going into this year as well. So, I mean, it's been. It's been good. And I feel like it's growing me as a player as well. You know, just seeing different playing styles and seeing just being able to be, like, knowledgeable and like, learning from other people I'm playing against, honestly. [00:23:11] Speaker B: And we talked about your recruitment heating up. When was the moment where you're like, everyone's calling my phone now? [00:23:18] Speaker C: I'd say it got overwhelming. In the 10th grade, I'd say 10th grade. I had a really big summer my ninth grade year, going into my 10th grade year. I think that's probably where my offers expanded the most. And obviously throughout it just kept on growing. But I'd say it got really overwhelming. I think it's June 1st of sophomore year. That's when they can call you. I think that's what it is. I can't. I can't remember if it's junior year or sophomore year, but whenever they were able to call me I think 12 o'clock hit. My phone was ringing, like, ding, ding, ding. Back to back to back to back. [00:23:52] Speaker B: So what's that feeling? Like? [00:23:53] Speaker C: It's. Honestly, everyone asked me this question. Like, I feel like a lot of people would get annoyed over stuff like that, but at the time, I was just blessed. Like, before I even answered the phone, I said a prayer. Like, I just thank the Lord for, like, everything that I've been getting, because it's rare. Like, it's really hard for someone to come from Canada to get recognized like this. You know, it's not the easiest thing in the world. And I truly think I'm blessed to be where I am. So, yeah, like, I'm very grateful for everything. And especially back then, I was extremely grateful. Like, it's just so crazy to see. [00:24:24] Speaker B: For sure, in November you committed to Tennessee. [00:24:27] Speaker A: What did. [00:24:28] Speaker B: When did Tennessee get involved? And what was their selling point to you and what sold you on them? [00:24:33] Speaker C: Tennessee first got involved. I'd probably say 10th grade as well. They had a coaching change, I believe in April last year. So my head coach had just came, but literally as soon as she got on campus, I think the first week she came, she re. Offered me. And we spoke all the time. Like, my assistant coach. Yeah, my assistant coach as well. Like, he spoke every single day. They made sure, like, they were very, very consistent for the time that they were around. And, yeah, like, I think they made sure they checked off every single box and more. I didn't even know. There's some. There's needs that I had where I didn't even know I had until after I spoke to them. And they made sure, like, oh, are you good with this? You go with that. Like, you know, they just made sure, like, they extended everything, you know, they. They exceeded all the limits for me. And it made it really easy, especially when I went on campus. Like, it just felt like home. [00:25:23] Speaker B: Yeah. What was it like, the visit? I think I seen a picture of you posing by. Was it a Lambo? [00:25:28] Speaker C: Two of them. Two of them, yeah. [00:25:30] Speaker B: What was that Gives me the world at the. The red carpet for you. [00:25:34] Speaker C: Literally, they, as I said, they made sure everything, every box was checked and more like I didn't expect a lamp. Like, I didn't ask for no Lamborghini. Like, it was just crazy. I never seen other school do anything like that. So I think, as I said, their consistency and them going above and beyond for me, it was amazing. As I said on the visit, like, I. As soon as I got on campus, I felt like home. [00:25:55] Speaker B: Yeah. You also had offers to Baylor, Notre Dame, Yukon, South Carolina. What was the toughest part for you in selecting a program? Because I'm guessing they're all talking to you on the phone with you, trying to sell you. What was the toughest part? Just maybe narrowing it down and picking one school in particular. [00:26:14] Speaker C: It was hard. Everybody pretty much has the same thing to offer when it comes to resources and facilities and competition and also development plans. So, yeah, I think over the phone, it was extremely hard. But once you get in person and see their vibe and, like, you know, their. Their goals and see if they align with yours, it's really, really where it separates everything. [00:26:39] Speaker B: What are you most excited about? Headed to Tennessee. [00:26:43] Speaker C: I'm ready for this new chapter, honestly. Just, like, being uncomfortable again. I love being uncomfortable, as you can tell. I mean, I keep moving around. Like, I love being uncomfortable. And, yeah, just like, seeing where my freshman year I could take myself, you know, like, I. I feel like a lot of people say I have potential, and I really want to show them what. What that means. [00:27:02] Speaker B: You also played for Canada last summer with silver, right? At the Fuba U17 World Cup. What was that experience like for you? And I'm guessing, was this the first time you played for Canada? It's been before. [00:27:13] Speaker C: No, this is my. That was my second, I believe. I played 17U. No, that'd be you 16. Yeah, that was my second time. So I played 17U. I played two years up when I was 15. 17. You and then I played 16U last year. Yeah, both, I think. No, that's my third year, actually. Yeah, that's my third year. So I played 17U when I was 15. When I was 16, I played 16. And this year I played U17 again. I got silver twice. And I can't remember what happened the. [00:27:45] Speaker B: First year I got to deal with the US Man. Come on, bro. [00:27:48] Speaker C: I'm telling you. But I mean, every year we get closer and closer like this. This past summer, it was the first time Canada actually got silver in the World Cup. We beat Spain and France as well, and that doesn't usually happen, so just, you know, keep building from there. It's a surreal experience as well, like, being able to represent my country and going against other countries, like, seeing playing style, stuff like that. So, you know, I'm just. I'm excited to see what the future holds. As I said, I think. I think we keep building, and I feel like our talent in Canada is getting better and better. So I don't know, just look out for the next Years coming up. [00:28:21] Speaker B: When did Canada basketball first reach out to you? You said it was around 15. That was the first time you played. [00:28:25] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:28:25] Speaker B: But I'm guessing you're probably in some camps before that too. [00:28:27] Speaker C: Yeah, I think I got my first email when I was 14, but I played for them first when I was 15. [00:28:33] Speaker B: Nice, nice, nice. And any plans this summer? I think there's a U19 stuff coming. [00:28:37] Speaker C: Yeah, that's the plan. I'm looking forward to that. I think my coach must be Marlo Davis from Crestwood, so I'm excited for that. You know, I've been playing around and against him a lot, so I'm excited to play with him. [00:28:49] Speaker B: Yeah. And what are your thoughts just on the rise of Canadian basketball? You seem like. I feel like we just had a historic class in terms of college basketball with Toby, with Sila, with Jasmine Basco. We had Avery Howell. I'm forgetting names because it's that, it's that good. What are your thoughts on it? And you adding to that? [00:29:09] Speaker C: Right? Being that I played with them a lot of them several times. I think it's just amazing to see them all excelling at the next level. They're all doing amazing, honestly. All of them are doing amazing and I feel like they're really paving the way and I'm excited to add to it because there's always next up. Honestly, there's always next up. So right now it could be them and then it's me and then it's the people after me. So I'm just excited to pave the way for the people after me as well. [00:29:35] Speaker B: For people that don't know your game, how would you describe it? [00:29:39] Speaker C: I'd say versatile, but everybody says that nowadays, so I say I'm very versatile. Like I could play one through four. You know, I handle the ball. I like to shoot mid range, stuff like that. I get to the rim, play with contact, play through contact. But yeah, I'd say like a Prime Paul George. [00:29:55] Speaker B: Prime Paul George. Is that your favorite player? [00:29:58] Speaker C: Prime Paul. Yeah, I say him prime. [00:30:00] Speaker B: Any other players? Any favorite? [00:30:01] Speaker C: I like Kyrie. [00:30:02] Speaker B: Kyrie. Yeah, I see it. The handles. [00:30:04] Speaker A: I see it. [00:30:04] Speaker C: Yeah, I see it. [00:30:05] Speaker B: I see, I see it. Anything you're trying to hone in on? [00:30:09] Speaker C: I think that I'm so like. I don't know. I wouldn't. I. I'd say I'm excited for. I love an one stuff like that. Like just getting to the rim. So like settling down and just, just take the shot. I feel like I like to take harder shots. When, like, I'll have an open three, not wide open, but like someone closing out at me, I'll just pump fake and get to the rim. So instead of, like, having to do all that, I think maybe just shooting it to. To begin with is something that I. I should probably do. It's not really that I can do it. It's just. I'm just so locked in on getting to the rim. So, yeah, I think I like getting three the hard way and then three the easy way. [00:30:39] Speaker B: Most underrated part of budget game. I mean, people don't notice. [00:30:43] Speaker C: I always say my shot because I don't take it as much. Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:30:47] Speaker B: And Toronto, Temple coming to WNBA next season. [00:30:52] Speaker A: How excited are you for that? [00:30:53] Speaker B: And what do you think it will mean for the country? [00:30:56] Speaker C: I think it's gonna be big. You know, I feel like we're growing all, like, consistently, you know, starting from, like, us just being a hockey country and then going on to, you know, men's basketball, stuff like that. So I think even winning the championship, we won, what was it, 2019, like, that was big. That was big for us. And then seeing when we actually held the WNBA game in Toronto, that was big. I was there and just seeing that the fan base, everybody was so going crazy for that game, and it was women's. It was just crazy to see. So I'm excited. You know, hopefully I'll be at one of the first games. [00:31:30] Speaker B: Hopefully you'll suit up one day. [00:31:31] Speaker C: Hopefully I'll suit up one day for the Sampo. 100%. 100%. I'm excited. You know, just even potentially being able to play in front of my family again is big. [00:31:40] Speaker B: And yeah, I was gonna ask you too. What does the next few months, weeks look like for you? Now, you mentioned playing potentially for Canada basketball in the summer, but also just like, preparing for college. [00:31:51] Speaker C: Yeah, it's a lot going on. You know, I got a Jordan Brand classic. [00:31:54] Speaker B: I was gonna ask you, like, is there a rest? [00:31:56] Speaker C: Oh, no, no, no. [00:31:57] Speaker B: Chipotle McDonald's first. [00:32:00] Speaker C: Yeah, McDonald's, Chipotle hoop summit. Jordan Brand ball is life. [00:32:05] Speaker B: Are you tired? [00:32:06] Speaker C: Am I tired? Nah, can't be. I don't have time to get tired. [00:32:10] Speaker B: And then after Jordan Brown, I'm guessing you're going to be coming back home. [00:32:12] Speaker C: Yeah, I got Balls Life camp in Cali and then going to be back home for a little bit, like, maybe like a few days. And I got to head back to school, finish that out, and then I will be arriving on campus June 16th. Nice to Tennessee and then I got Team Canada June 22nd. So, as I said, I'm just gonna keep going. Keep going. I got a lot. [00:32:34] Speaker B: Well, what's one thing that you want people to know about you? Denyer Proud. Maybe they don't know or they're just starting to figure out. [00:32:44] Speaker C: I like to promote myself as a very. Like a child of God for sure. Because all glory goes to him all the time. You know, I think if you go to my Instagram, you'll see every single caption is about the Lord and just giving him glory. So I'd say that just knowing, you know, where I come from and who I'm playing for. For sure. [00:33:01] Speaker B: Yeah. Deniah Prowl. IMG Hoop Summit. And we had an early discussion off before we started recording about where you're from. [00:33:11] Speaker A: What do you claim? [00:33:12] Speaker B: Because I'm here in Brampton. I'm here in Rexdale. I'm here in Toronto. Let me hear it. [00:33:16] Speaker C: I just say Toronto. [00:33:17] Speaker B: Toronto. [00:33:18] Speaker C: Yeah. Toronto in general. I feel like I've been around everywhere I lived. I lived in Toronto, I lived in Mississauga, I lived in Brampton. I feel like I'd just been all around the GTA. So I'll say just Toronto. [00:33:29] Speaker B: D'Nia Prowl from Toronto, thank you so much for joining the podcast. Anything else you wanted to add? [00:33:33] Speaker C: Nah, we're good. Thank you for having me. [00:33:35] Speaker B: Appreciate it. [00:33:36] Speaker A: Appreciate it. [00:33:36] Speaker B: Denyer Proud. One of the best prospects coming out of Canada. If you don't know now, you need to tap in. We'll take a break right here. Listen to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm joined by not just the top Canadian prospect in the class of 2025, but one of the best players in North America, probably the world. I got Makir. Did I get that right? Welcome to the show. Did. [00:34:14] Speaker D: Thank you so much. [00:34:14] Speaker B: How many people butcher that? [00:34:16] Speaker D: Most people like the first time they read it. They butcher it every single time. [00:34:19] Speaker B: I've been practicing. I've been practicing well, because I also hate when people pronounce my name. They're like, I actually don't hate it. But it's like, people are like, le bon, whatever it is. [00:34:27] Speaker A: And I'm cool. [00:34:27] Speaker B: I don't want to correct them. You know, I'm always like, chill about that. But Lee Ban Osmond. So I'm like, you know, trying to get a stamp, you know. We're in Portland for the Hoop Summit. Is this your first time here? [00:34:37] Speaker D: It is my first time here. [00:34:39] Speaker B: What's your thoughts on the city? [00:34:40] Speaker D: I think it's cool. The weather's been kind of gloomy, so I feel like that's like, taking a little bit off of it. But, like, it's been a fun experience so far. Like, we got to see, like, the LeBron thing and then, like the Nike facility, so I think it's been cool. [00:34:53] Speaker B: How'd you find out you were selected for the. For the Hoop Summit? [00:34:56] Speaker D: I think my coach at Mount Bird, he told me, like in November or something, like, oh, you're going to Hoop Summit outside early? Yeah. I was like, oh, that's dope. And then my invite came, like, later, but he told me before. [00:35:06] Speaker B: So, yeah, I was talking to some people. I was like, maybe early in the season. I'm like, denier, proud will be here. Agame Kira will be here. That's stamped already. And how'd you tell me about. Have you watched the games prior Hoop Summit last year? Five Canadians. [00:35:22] Speaker D: I definitely did watch last year just because I know, like, all the people who've been, like, selected and it was a super good game and like, they should have won for sure. So I think this year we're playing with a chip on our shoulder. Ready to go and excited for Saturday Redemption. [00:35:35] Speaker B: Redemption. This podcast is going to be coming out on Tuesday after the game, so fingers crossed. We're talking about Zadub secured. What does it mean for you just to be selected, represent Canada at a game like this? Featuring some of the best players across the world in the US Too? [00:35:52] Speaker D: I think it's an honor for sure, just because there's so many options, like, so many great options. It's every country in the world except for the US So I feel like if you're selected, you really are the truth. And you're really good. So I feel like it's an honor for everyone here and to be a part of this group. [00:36:07] Speaker B: Yeah. So tell me about your basketball origin story. How'd you get into the game? [00:36:12] Speaker D: Yeah, well, I have two older brothers, and I feel like growing up, I just did whatever they did. So it was like soccer from the beginning. And then basketball kind of took off in fourth grade where it was just like straight basketball for real. And I started playing boys basketball and then I started playing girls basketball in sixth grade. And then that's when people were like, oh, dang, she's pretty good and stuff like that. But I was really just having fun with it and just like, not stressing about it. Cause, like, you're like 12. I don't know how old you are, but, yeah. And then we moved to Canada when I was, like, 12. And then from where? From North Dakota. Yeah, I was born in North Dakota. [00:36:45] Speaker B: So, yeah, we accepted all. You Canadian? You Canadian? [00:36:48] Speaker D: Yeah, been there a little bit. [00:36:50] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:36:51] Speaker D: And then, yeah, I started playing basketball there. I played with the university team, like, from when I was 12 to, like, 18. So I've always played up. And, like, even if they weren't better than me when I was younger, they were always stronger. So I think that gave me, like, experience. They were faster, stronger, and, like, that just gave me, like, really good experience. And then started playing Au kind of took off, went to Crestwood. My recruiting definitely took off once I went to Crestwood, and then, yeah, that's pretty much it. [00:37:17] Speaker B: What was it like growing up in Thunder Bay? Because I'll be honest, I've never heard of a basketball star come out of Thunder Bay. Tell me about Thunder Bay. What is there to do? [00:37:24] Speaker D: That's a hard one. There's nothing to do but, like, it's mostly like, hockey. Like, hockey is very popular in Canada, so I feel like it's straight hockey. There's not much around it. Like, we're close to the border, though. It's like 30 minutes. So we were in Minnesota a lot, but, yeah, it's pretty much just hockey, some skiing and. [00:37:44] Speaker B: Yeah, I heard of a story. One of your first basketball camps in Canada was with another Canadian talent now playing in college basketball at Michigan, Silas Swords. Can you tell me about that camp and what was that like? First time you go to a basketball camp, you meet somebody else. That's. [00:38:02] Speaker D: No. Yeah, it was like. I don't remember much, but I remember going there and, like, these girls were good. And I was like, dang. So, Cam, basketball's up for real? And then, yeah, we were just playing around and, like, I think that's. My dad said that's the first time I've seen, like, a girl who could actually, like, keep up with you and push you. So, like. Yeah. And Savvy was there, too. Savvy Swords. And I think she had a broken arm, though, so she wasn't playing. But if she was playing, it would have been great. So. Yeah. [00:38:28] Speaker B: What's it like for you, seeing. I feel like we had a historic class in terms of freshmen in college basketball. We got Toby, we got Silo, we got Delany Gibb, we got Avery Howell, Jasmine Basque. The name goes on. You know, what's it like for you, seeing that and then adding on to it with you three right here? [00:38:46] Speaker D: I feel like, it's so cool just because I grew up with a lot of them and playing AAU and just like seeing them thrive at the next level and it hasn't always been like that. So I think it's great for Canadian basketball and stuff. And I just feel like they've pushed the standard pretty far now. And like, going in my freshman year, I'm very like, motivated to like, keep it going and like keep motivating young Canadian girls. [00:39:06] Speaker B: What was it like playing at Crestwood? Let me tell me about that. Toby ACC freshman of the year and just knowing the amount of talent that's come out of there. Aaliyah Edwards, now playing with the, with the Mystics and the wnba. What's it like for you playing. What was it like playing at Crestwood with Toby and then being part of that class and then the talent that's been coming out of there? [00:39:29] Speaker D: Yeah, I feel like going to Crestwood was a no brainer. Like, I knew I wanted to stay in Canada my junior year, but like, I had to go the best one. And obviously I think Marlo's the best coach in the country too as well. So just playing for him and under his name was like an honor and it was just so amazing and like, Toby's such an unselfish person and player. So I feel like just getting to play with her was so good and I learned so much from her and the talent that's come out of there is crazy. And I'm just excited to be a part of that, like, product of Crestwood. [00:39:59] Speaker B: I heard about a IMG game in your junior year at Crestwood. Very interesting story where. How much did you drop that game? [00:40:08] Speaker D: I think I have 40. [00:40:10] Speaker A: I watched the game. [00:40:10] Speaker B: I watched the clips of that game. If anybody hasn't seen it, a dozen college coaches sit in. Everyone looked shocked. What do you remember about that game? [00:40:20] Speaker D: I honestly, everyone was going crazy, but I wasn't. I was out of it. Like, I was just hitting shots. I was just playing and everyone was like, you're going crazy. And I remember someone told me I had 26 at half. I'm like, how do I have 26? But I was just like unconscious, I guess, that game. And I feel like we were very motivated just because they came in all nonchalant, thinking they were just going to blow us out the water. I think when they walked through the door my mom was walking through, when they were walking, they were like talking about how they don't even know why they're playing us and stuff like that. And they Were like, they're not even good for real. And then we. We beat them. So I feel like that was a super good game for, like, everybody. [00:40:54] Speaker B: What are your thoughts just on Canadian basketball? Denia was just talking about how in the talent is there. It's just not as deep as the US But I think you. Marlo was telling me you guys went 6 and 1, I believe, against North American teams that year might have been better. But what are your thoughts on just Canadian talent coming up and showcasing that to the world? [00:41:18] Speaker D: I definitely think it's getting stronger. She is right. Like, it's. It's not the most popular sport, and I feel like it is up and coming just because there's more opportunity, like, with AAU and stuff, and, like, more exposure. So I feel like it's important to keep that going and stuff like that. [00:41:31] Speaker B: But I want to hear about your first college offer. What do you remember about that, and what was that moment like for you? [00:41:38] Speaker D: My first offer was from the University of Miami. That was surreal, honestly, because I talked to college coaches before, but I haven't got like, we want to offer you a scholarship. I think it was my freshman year, and then I was just sitting in my dining room, and my mom used to be involved in every single one of my calls and stuff like that. And then they just went to work because, like, they just assumed it would be a normal call. And then I got offered, and I was like. I was in shock. It was crazy. And like, that. I'm still super close with one of the assistant coaches on that team, like, to this day. So I feel like, yeah, it's pretty dope. [00:42:12] Speaker B: Let's talk about now your commitment to South Carolina. Talk me through just the process. I heard it was a long process. What sold you on South Carolina? You also had UConn in the mix, too. What was that like? And just deciding on South Carolina, I. [00:42:31] Speaker D: Was super blessed to have so many opportunities. [00:42:33] Speaker B: How many offers? [00:42:35] Speaker D: I don't even know. I don't even know. But I feel like my recruitment was super long just because I wanted to make the best decision for me on and off the court. Obviously, growing up UConn, I really thought I was gonna go to UConn, and I think a lot of other people thought I was gonna go there, too. But just, like, getting to know Coach Staley and stuff through the process and just knowing who she is as a person and knowing that she's not going to, like, deflect your feelings or, like, she just wants you to be happy, and she wants you to thrive. And I think that's super important, like, in today's game and where it's going with South Carolina. I just, like, I took my visit and it never left my head, like, going to South Carolina, honestly, I didn't even think it would be in my top. And I went there. It was amazing. The coaches were amazing, the city was good, the girls are great, and the basketball's top tier. So I feel like just being in that environment was gonna push me, and I wanna be a pro, and Dawn's been a pro, so I feel like just her. Her legacy that she's left behind, like, is insane, and I just wanna be a part of it. [00:43:38] Speaker B: Yeah, I heard you're also at A.J. wilson's retirement jersey. Retirement day. What was that whole experience like? [00:43:44] Speaker D: No, it was so cool. Like, I think that game they were playing Auburn, so that it wasn't even a good game, but the fans showed out. It was super loud. It was an amazing thing for Asia. And just, like, seeing, like, getting to witness something like that and a player that's so, like, legendary, I think was so amazing. And, yeah, the game, the environment was everything. It was amazing. [00:44:07] Speaker B: What would you say was maybe, like, the toughest part about selecting a program and narrowing it down and. Yeah, just weighing all your options and figuring out, like, yeah, I'm locked in on this. [00:44:19] Speaker D: The thing for me is I left home early, like, when I was 16. And at Crestwood, the basketball was amazing, but the life outside was a little. Like, I was down a little bit. So I feel like, for me, it was like, even when basketball was great, my life wasn't great and I wasn't very happy. So I think for me, it was like, finding the balance between my outside life and the life on the court was super important for me. So I was literally trying to find the perfect option. And I think I hopefully did find that in South Carolina. But, yeah, I'm excited to see where South Carolina takes me. [00:44:51] Speaker B: Talk to me about Don. What's she like off the court and just getting to know her. Getting her. Getting to know you. What's maybe something you found out about her that you're like, damn, she's goofy. [00:45:04] Speaker D: For real. Like, and even in their practices and stuff, like, they be dancing and, like, they still have fun, but they get stuff done. And I think that's, like, super. That's a super healthy environment to be on. Like, it's not always serious all the time. And you can still be a kid because you're 18. Some people are older than that, obviously. But, like, you're still a kid, and she understands that, and I think that's really important. And, like, I don't know, just her as a person. She's funny, honest. She's definitely honest. I think that was another thing. I was like, I want a coach who's going to tell me the truth and everything she sees. And just like, yeah, we have the same birthday, so. [00:45:41] Speaker B: What's your birthday? [00:45:42] Speaker D: May 4th. [00:45:43] Speaker A: May 4th. [00:45:43] Speaker B: Is that the. [00:45:44] Speaker A: What's that? [00:45:45] Speaker B: Isn't that Star Wars Day? [00:45:46] Speaker D: Star Wars, Yeah. [00:45:48] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:45:48] Speaker B: Yeah. That's crazy. I'm guessing you also watched the UConn South Carolina game. [00:45:54] Speaker D: Yeah, I did. [00:45:54] Speaker B: What were your thoughts on that? Because I remember hearing you. You were a UConn fan. You got mad at UConn beating South Carolina before or South Carolina beating UConn. Sorry, what was it just like watching. Watching that game now? Your heart broken, huh? [00:46:08] Speaker D: Yeah, it definitely was broken. I was. I really wanted them to win. And they played them early in the season. They got blown out, and then they played again and then got blown out again. So I think I definitely. We haven't seen South Carolina struggle that much, and we just did see them struggle. So I think there's a lot of room for improvement, and there's a lot of room for freshmen to come in and have an impact. So I think that's also a super, super cool part, besides them losing, but I think they'll be back next year and, yeah, we'll see. [00:46:41] Speaker B: How do you see yourself adding to that team, that program, and the versatility you have as a player? [00:46:47] Speaker D: I'd say I definitely think I'm going to have an impact coming in as a freshman scoring defense, just having that positive impact and being able to distribute and do a little bit of everything. Not a lot of players can do that at college level, so I'm excited to test myself and. And see if I can be the same player I was in high school, in college. [00:47:08] Speaker B: What are you most excited about? College? [00:47:10] Speaker D: I'm really excited to play in the sec. Like, it's going to be. It's all smoke. [00:47:15] Speaker B: That's a dog fight. [00:47:15] Speaker D: Yeah, it really is. So I'm excited to see where that takes me. [00:47:20] Speaker B: And what are you trying to hone in on? Maybe improve before getting to the next level. [00:47:25] Speaker D: I think a lot of people, when they see my body, they say, get stronger. And I think that's one thing. Even if I do get stronger, obviously you probably won't see it, but I think that's another thing. And just, like, getting more confident and stronger with the ball. I think that would be super important. And yeah, just being able to carry my skills from high school over to college is also super important for me. [00:47:46] Speaker B: Give me your scouting report. How would you describe your game? Give me your own scouting report. [00:47:51] Speaker D: I'd say a player who can score from all three levels likes to make good reads and stuff and tries to make the best play on defense, trying to like get a stop. And I think I've been super competitive during my high school career and I want to carry that over. [00:48:09] Speaker B: Oh, I don't want to ask you about this, but I got to kind of bring it up. Chipotle Nationals. [00:48:13] Speaker D: Oh my God. [00:48:14] Speaker B: Denial was kind of talking a little bit about it. What was that game like? But also you, you, you. Everyone I've talked to just about you said you wanted to go to the states to play against the best, compete for a championship. Tell me just about that whole experience going out to Mount Vert and being able to play on a stage like that and compete for a national championship. [00:48:34] Speaker D: We definitely had the most talented team in the country like player individual, player wise. And I feel like going in our practices were always competitive and we're always playing against each other and stuff. So I think that was super good for us going into Chipotle. I'm not going to lie. Our team was low key, tired and that kind of sucked just cause we're like, we're all distracted. Like me and Aaliyah went to McDonald's, like no excuses. Cause Danaya and Lara were there too. But I'm saying just like we were kind of all over the place and we didn't get really back to focus. Like we had a good game in semifinals. It was pretty good. And then the finals came and we already played IMG during the season. We beat them by like 20 on their senior night at home. [00:49:15] Speaker B: So I feel like they came talk your stuff. [00:49:17] Speaker D: Yeah, I didn't play that game. But they were coming in with different energy, different mentality. It was good. I mean we, we were up 17 at one point. I think it was in the third quarter and then kind of started to fall apart and started to lose like our team ball. But in the end we had a great season and it was amazing to play with those girls. [00:49:40] Speaker B: I was going to say, how would you sum up your just high school career? McDonald's All American Hoop Summit top ranked Canadian prospect, number four. ESPN. You jump from 60 to four. That's crazy when you think about it. Just I feel like people should have realized beforehand. But how would you just sum up your whole high school journey? I know it's not over here. You're probably, I think. Are you going Jordan Brand? [00:50:03] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:50:04] Speaker B: Yeah. So tell me, just how would you sum it so far? [00:50:06] Speaker D: I feel like it was crazy just because my freshman year it was Covid so it was like hybrid off and on. Like we didn't have much going on. And then I went to. I just stayed home for my sophomore year and then I went to Crest when I went to Molberge. So I was all over the place. I never got a chance to really get comfortable, like, anywhere. But I feel like it was such an amazing experience and it was such a great chance for me to grow, like, as a person. And yeah, I feel like I'm just so honored to be like. The main reason I came to the States is being able to play with the best players in these events. And I feel like now that they're here, it's like so amazing because they're all great people and then we're gonna be compet and see each other in college. I think it's going to be so cool. Some of us are teammates and like, it's such an amazing experience and I'm so grateful. [00:50:52] Speaker B: I want to shift over to Canada Basketball. You played last summer? FIBA U17, Juan Silver. I heard it took like a long process to finally get you to play for Canada. Can you walk me through that just a little bit? Yeah. [00:51:04] Speaker D: Citizenship wise, it definitely took a while just because I wasn't born in Canada, but I've been living there and so it took a while to get the passport. I missed U16 like the AmeriCup which sucked and I hated it, but I got to watch it on TV and it was just more motivation to work harder so I could be there next year. And then U17. It was an amazing experience. We were in Mexico, we played against the best players in the world. We had a great showing and then we played us and we fell apart in the third quarter, kind of like how we did with Mop Bird. But yeah, that was. That was kind of tough. But yeah, Team Canada is so great. [00:51:43] Speaker B: It's a great team and plans. Danaya said she's planning on soon for the U19. What does that look like for you this summer? Are you planning to play? [00:51:50] Speaker D: Well, I suffered a PCL injury during the year, so going into Team Canada, I think I'm doing a lot of recovery these next couple months and hopefully I'll be ready to play when team Canada comes. U19 and then I think in August I get U23, so we'll see how that goes. [00:52:05] Speaker B: Yeah, Global Jam Gamakir might pull up. Tell me about the injury itself. When did you. When did you first get hurt? [00:52:13] Speaker D: I got hurt January 20th. It was like a game I got. Someone fell on me and that I fell and then I tore my pcl. Obviously it's better than tearing like an ACL or anything. It's the best ligament to tear. [00:52:26] Speaker B: And how long were you out for? [00:52:27] Speaker D: Because I got back like a week ago or like two weeks ago. I struggled a lot just because I wasn't playing very much, but I didn't get to play. I played six games my high school season, like regular season, so that was tough. I was on the bench the most, but I bench a lot. But I feel like I learned a lot about myself and just like, just don't take those moments for granted because you never know like, when your last game will be. [00:52:51] Speaker B: I was gonna ask you, are you not tired? McDonald's all American, Chipotle. So I was talking about Denia and you're dealing with an injury and you're still playing well. What's it been like the last few weeks? Just fatigue wise. And you don't seem tired. [00:53:06] Speaker D: I don't. Oh, that's good. I feel like, yeah, I'm definitely. If I'm tired, it's definitely just mentally and emotionally. I could use a trip home, but I think it's been really amazing experience and I don't want to take it for granted and I don't want to look back and be like, dang, I wish I, like, enjoyed this more, had more fun. I'm trying to make the most of what I have and. And I got the amazing people working with me to get me healthy. So it's been amazing. [00:53:30] Speaker B: Yeah. And what are your thoughts just on Toronto Temple coming to the WNBA next season? I see your excitement on your face right now. How excited are you for that and what do you think it'll mean for the country? [00:53:41] Speaker D: I think it's so important, just like, because we want to grow the game and we want the talent coming out of Canada to be a lot deeper. I think it's like, it's so important for the game. It's so important for everything. And just like for Canadian players to be able to represent Canada in the wnba, I feel like is super important. So, like, having that exposure from Canada is going to be really great. [00:54:05] Speaker B: Last question for you. We got some people listening in over here. You guys want to join the podcast? [00:54:10] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:54:11] Speaker B: Teammate Teammate. Teammate. Say your name. [00:54:13] Speaker C: I'm Bella Hines. [00:54:14] Speaker B: Where are you from? I'm from Mexico and she's playing for the World team. [00:54:18] Speaker D: Yes. [00:54:18] Speaker B: Girl, give us a scouting report on. [00:54:21] Speaker C: Agamma K. She's just a great overall player. [00:54:24] Speaker D: I mean, she's a big guard. [00:54:26] Speaker E: She's. [00:54:26] Speaker D: What are you, six'two six'three six one. [00:54:28] Speaker C: Oh, six, one, six two. But she can handle the ball really well. She can shoot from all levels of the court. So she's just a great player all. [00:54:34] Speaker D: Around and can't wait to see her. [00:54:35] Speaker C: Play at South Carolina. [00:54:36] Speaker D: She going to lsu. [00:54:37] Speaker B: Lsu, that's rival, huh? [00:54:39] Speaker D: Yeah, we finna beat. [00:54:40] Speaker C: Oh, we gonna win. [00:54:42] Speaker D: No, they not. No. Okay, bye, Bella Heim. [00:54:46] Speaker B: And last question for you just to wrap this up. What's one thing maybe people should know about Agama Kir? Maybe off the court, maybe as a player, most underrated part about you, your game. Maybe people don't know. [00:54:59] Speaker D: I can cook. [00:55:00] Speaker B: Cook. [00:55:00] Speaker D: I can cook food. [00:55:01] Speaker B: Okay. [00:55:02] Speaker D: I'll be whipping it up in this kitchen. Don't worry. [00:55:04] Speaker B: I asked this to someone. Someone. My first guest said he can cook chicken parm. Can you cook chicken parm? [00:55:09] Speaker D: I can cook chicken parm. [00:55:10] Speaker B: Anything you need. [00:55:11] Speaker A: Okay. [00:55:11] Speaker D: I got it. [00:55:12] Speaker B: Okay. Anything else? What's your, like, go to dish? [00:55:15] Speaker D: Well, I mean, last year when I was at Crestwood, we had to cook a lot for ourselves, so it was like chicken parm or. Why did I say chicken parm? Chicken Alfredo. [00:55:23] Speaker B: Chicken Alfredo. [00:55:23] Speaker D: I made the Alfredo sauce from scratch. [00:55:25] Speaker A: Okay. [00:55:26] Speaker D: And the chicken, I made that. It wasn't from, like, it was raw, but I cooked it myself. But, yeah, I'm a chef, guys. Don't worry. [00:55:32] Speaker B: Okay? Okay. The garlic. You're chef certified. Thank you so much for. For joining the podcast. [00:55:39] Speaker D: Appreciate you having me. [00:55:40] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:55:40] Speaker B: Anything else you wanted to add? Just about. Gamma Cure. [00:55:43] Speaker D: Oh, am I for real? Just look out for Canadian basketball. It's going to be tough. [00:55:49] Speaker B: Stay tuned. I got MC here heading to South Carolina. You guys have to tap in. You're listening to the Canadian Basketball Show. We'll take a quick break. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osmond. I'm joined again by. By a special guest, the Canadian high school player of the year, Nidhin Yitsch. Did I pronounce that right? Yeah, perfect, perfect. Tell me, coming from Canada, you're in Portland for the hoop Summit. What are your thoughts so far? Just on Portland, the city, coming here, the weather. I've been asking Everybody, about the weather. What are your thoughts on it? [00:56:37] Speaker E: The weather? I mean, it's really beautiful outside. Lots of green, but it is a lot of rain. It's kind of windy right now, but I think we just came out of. I don't know. I think I prefer the scenery out here. [00:56:49] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell me about Kenny. High school player of the year. Just rewarded that. When did you find out and what was. What does that honor mean to you? [00:56:58] Speaker E: I actually found out, like, at halftime. [00:57:00] Speaker B: Oh, you didn't know? [00:57:01] Speaker E: No, I didn't know at all. So I was coming. I was changing my undershirt, coming out the locker room, and then one of the workers there, she was just like, so we're just gonna need you to, like, come back. You won't. Canadian play of the year. And I was like. I was super surprised. Like, you know, it was crazy. [00:57:20] Speaker B: Yeah. What did it mean for you just to get that honor? [00:57:22] Speaker E: It meant everything. Like, it was definitely, like, one of my goals this year, but it was just actually surprising to, you know, that it became a reality. So it felt really special just to know that, like, all the hard work went through and that, you know, everything that led up to this point, like, you know, it was. It was all worth it. [00:57:43] Speaker B: Talk about. We're in Portland, like, I mentioned, representing Canada at the Hoop Summit. Have you watched the game Priors? What does this honor mean to you, playing the Hoop Summit? [00:57:52] Speaker E: Yeah, a lot of great players came from this. And just to know that I got this opportunity is really special. And just to be surrounded by a lot of amazing basketball players here right now, like, even some of my friends deny and I got. And then also on the American side, you know, like, seeing all of my other friends, you know, being able to, like, be here with them and playing against them, it's, you know, it's really cool. [00:58:14] Speaker B: How'd you hear you're getting invited to the hoops? [00:58:16] Speaker E: On it during practice. Yeah, we were doing, like, our vitamins. We were skipping rope. And then my coach, Coach Kip, he showed me the text message, and I was just so happy. I gave him a hug, you know, and it was overwhelming joy. [00:58:30] Speaker B: Talk about Kip. I was talking about with Danaya. She talked about how. How important he was just in terms of her development and helping her out. What has he meant to you, Kip? [00:58:43] Speaker E: It was a crazy two years for me, like, just going out to Fort Erie, very secluded. I think that coach Kip is one of the most influential basketball coaches you'll ever see out here. Like, he really just Pushes you, like, no matter how hard, like, he just pushes you. All the running, all, like, the early mornings, like, he just. He's just for the kids. Like, he just always wants people to get out there, you know? I appreciate him so much. Like, even through the hard days, like, he's just always. He's just always there for them. [00:59:17] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:59:17] Speaker A: Shout out to Kip. [00:59:18] Speaker B: Shout out to Kip. Tell me your basketball origin story. How'd you get into playing basketball? [00:59:24] Speaker E: I've always liked basketball. Growing up, like, it's. I feel like it's just been around our family a lot. Like, you know, watching the NBA finals and stuff, like, in the living room. But I'll shout out my brothers, my two older brothers, Goy and Bashesh. They started playing basketball first, I'd say around, like, the second grade. Well, when I was in the second grade. And then I'll just always be around them. Their tryouts, their practices, their games, you know, always just being there. I told my mom I wanted to start playing basketball. She wasn't too fond of that in the beginning, you know. You know, one of those, like, where they say it's, oh, it's for boys, you know, type basketball. [01:00:04] Speaker B: And so what is she. Her thoughts now, seeing you? [01:00:06] Speaker E: Oh, she's. She's so. She's so happy for me. And, you know, it only took a little bit, but once I was in grade seven, I started doing, like, refleague, you know, something small. But after that, I just knew I loved basketball. [01:00:23] Speaker B: Yeah. From Alberta. I'll be honest, when I hear Alberta, I think of maybe, like, the boonies. I'm not. Maybe not the boonies, but, like, cold, cold weather worse than Toronto. What was it like growing up in Alberta? Tell me, tell me, tell me. Educate me. Just on Alberta. [01:00:42] Speaker E: Alberta. I think it's really not that bad. Like, obviously we get really cold winters, but we also have, like, really hot summers. Yeah, I feel like it's. I feel like Toronto's colder, to be honest. [01:00:56] Speaker B: Yeah, that's the first I've heard that. [01:00:58] Speaker E: Yeah, I feel like Toronto's colder. Like, I feel like Calgary is more bipolar, but, you know, I don't know. I like it. [01:01:08] Speaker B: What are your thoughts on just the rising talent that's been coming out of Alberta? And how have you seen, like, basketball grow in the province? [01:01:16] Speaker E: I think that, you know, Alberta is not really known for basketball. So to see a lot of young talent starting to rise up, I think it's really important because obviously there's not as much opportunities as you can get. Like in Ontario, like, that's why I moved out there. But they're starting to get more recognization, and that's because, you know, of people that you kind of started that stepping stone for them. And so I think it's really nice that they get that recognization and then you are able to build up. [01:01:49] Speaker B: When was the last time you were out there? [01:01:51] Speaker E: Like Christmas? [01:01:52] Speaker B: Oh, it was one minute. And you talk about Fort Erie. You ended up there, played high school basketball there. How did you end up at Fort Erie? Tell me about the recruitment process. I know Kip does a good job over there. [01:02:06] Speaker E: I played for Supreme Hoops Canada in Calgary, and in 10th grade, my coach, Owen, he got contact with his people from Ottawa, and I was able to play at CCA Capital Quest Academy for a year. And I decided to make the move to Fort Erie. Like, Coach Kip reached out to me when I was trying to find other schools, and. And, yeah, for a while, I didn't even know. For a while, I didn't even know where I was going. Like, it was end of August, like, two weeks into September. I was confused. Like, I didn't know I was going. It was an overwhelming process, but coach Kip, he pulled through, and I was able to go there. [01:02:51] Speaker B: What sold you on for Erie? Because I've been there, and everyone I was talking, spoke to, whether it's Ishan Sharma, Leonard Miller, the talent is deep. That's coming out of there right now. [01:03:08] Speaker E: Yeah. [01:03:09] Speaker B: But people say, too, it's a place where you just focus on school and basketball. [01:03:15] Speaker C: Yeah. [01:03:15] Speaker B: What are your thoughts? What's with you on for you, would you say? Was that. Was that part of it? [01:03:19] Speaker E: Yeah. Coach K, he made a promise to me that he was going to help me no matter what, whether that was with school and basketball and just overall make me a better person. And so when I was on that visit, he really just harped on how much they push their players and how much better they get them. And I really trusted in him. And then Denia also played a part in that. You know, just telling me how it was there. You know, she wasn't, like, faking it. She was just telling me the truth on how it was. And so even on my visit, like, the culture, like, everybody, you know, saying hi to me, saying hi to my mom, you know, it made me feel comfortable. And so seeing the people and the coaches and just knowing where I was going to be, you know, it really sold me. [01:04:06] Speaker B: How well did you know Denia and a guy before coming out to Hoops Hunter I knew. [01:04:11] Speaker E: I think I got to know Deniah like that April at Canada camp and then I think that was the first time I met a got two. Yeah, me and Danaya, we clicked immediately at that camp and then we became best friends from there. So that was really cool. And then I got also been friends from that time. So it was really nice to have high caliber players like that, you know, and you know, just being able to be friends with people like that and just pushing each other, you know, having conversations, you know, that are hard, you know, some people to lean on. [01:04:44] Speaker C: Yeah. [01:04:45] Speaker B: And I asked you, there was five Kings that played in this game last year. [01:04:49] Speaker A: It's three. [01:04:49] Speaker B: You guys, what are your thoughts just on the talent coming up and you three. I feel like we just had a historic class in terms of college basketball freshmen. You guys are adding to that. What does it mean just for you guys to be here and kind of get a redemption right? I feel like you guys should have won last year. [01:05:10] Speaker E: Yeah, they definitely could have won last year with that. But Canadians are just on the rise up. Like you can see it from the teams that we play on become one Canada elite. Kia Nurse. Like we compete out there, whether that's AU high school, like we can compete with Americans out there. You know, it's unfortunate that we don't have like the resources and opportunities we do like they do in the States as Canada. But you know, like, we've always been here. We've always been here, but we just needed a place to showcase that and like here's the perfect way to do that. And you know, Team Canada and all the rest of those things. [01:05:49] Speaker B: I was going to ask you, Danahan decided to go to the States to play basketball. Did you have that option to people reach out to you and maybe why did. Did you stay in Canada and why did you want to? [01:06:00] Speaker E: Yeah, I did have the opportunity to play in the States even this year. But this year I felt connected with coach Kip in Fort Erie and I felt that like there was no point to move in the States because I felt like my journey there was just starting. So. Yeah. And then two years ago when I had the opportunity, it just wasn't like as open, I would say. Like, I felt like there wasn't really a need for me to be in the States at that moment. But you know, I'm happy with my decision. [01:06:37] Speaker B: Speaking about the States, you're going to be heading to Florida to play college basketball. Go Gators. They just won a national championship on the men's side. But talk me through your recruiting process, what was your first college offer? [01:06:49] Speaker E: My first college offer was the University of Cincinnati. I got that in 10th grade. It was actually my first time doing AAU with Canada Elite. And so that was a really overwhelming process, to be honest. Like, especially June 1, where, you know, all the coaches get the chance to text you and call you. At first I thought it was, like, really cool. And, like, because it is a cool process, like, you know, it's. You know, it's something that you never imagined, but it does get overwhelming at sometimes. And so, like, my coaches had to remind me that, like, you know, I can take a break. You know, it's not. I don't have to do all these calls in one day, you know, but at the end, it was really worth it. [01:07:31] Speaker B: Danai was Talking about at 12, a bunch of college coaches just texted her. Was that the same thing for you? [01:07:37] Speaker E: Yeah. Like, I walked in there and just filled with coaches. High major, mid major, low major, all the colleges. And when I seen that, I was like, wow, this is real. Like, I'm playing in front of these coaches that I'm, like, seeing on tv. [01:07:53] Speaker B: Yeah. Florida, what was your top five schools? [01:07:59] Speaker E: My top five was Florida, Ole Miss, Washington, Syracuse, and Michigan. [01:08:05] Speaker B: And what sold you on Florida? [01:08:07] Speaker E: Florida. [01:08:08] Speaker B: Just the outside, the weather. [01:08:10] Speaker E: Oh, yeah, yeah. Coach Kelly and her coaching staff, they're just. They were just so welcoming on my visit. Even last year, my school for Erie, we went on, like, an unofficial team visit there when we was playing out there. And so even that time, they were so welcoming, and, you know, I just felt the love. And so on my official visit, it was just. I felt so comfortable there. You know, I could see myself going to that school, you know, apart from playing basketball. You know, I just felt so comfortable there. And the coaching staff made me so comfortable. The girls, like, they just seemed like a vibe, you know, And I felt like it was very diverse and that I could mesh well in there. [01:08:56] Speaker B: What are you most excited about? College basketball. [01:09:00] Speaker E: Definitely playing, but also, you know, just. Just being there and just experiencing everything, you know, it's not like a regular experience, so I'm just trying to, like, live it, live it out to the fullest, you know, get my experiences and the memories. [01:09:18] Speaker B: Yeah. You played for Canada basketball last summer. Was it the FIBA America? No. And tell me, what was that experience like for you? And when was the first time Canada basketball reached out to? [01:09:29] Speaker E: First time Canada basketball reached out to me was in 11th grade, and I got the opportunity to play in the training camp. That happens in April. And from there, I didn't play that year because it wasn't my age group. But then the next year when I got to try out, yeah, I made it. And honestly, that experience is like nothing. It's really like nothing because you're really playing well. We went to South America. We went to Colombia. And so while I was there, I was just really thinking about it. Like, I'm really in, like, a whole different country that's, like, not the States. And so I was thinking how crazy it was that basketball can bring you so many places. And so it was a really special opportunity. And then being out there with my friends, too, you know, I was just really living the life. [01:10:24] Speaker B: Favorite part about that whole experience, probably. [01:10:28] Speaker E: The last night after it was all done, we were all just, like, in the hallways with the other team, and we were just, like, vibing and meshing all together, you know, just having fun. And also, we did fall short to Team usa. [01:10:45] Speaker B: We don't mention that here on this podcast. [01:10:48] Speaker E: Yeah, but, you know, it was. I would say we did really well. And so it's really just setting us up for this year, and I think that we have a really good chance of that. [01:10:57] Speaker B: So I was gonna ask Plans to play for this summer. [01:11:00] Speaker E: Definitely. [01:11:01] Speaker B: Definitely. Definitely. Danaya said the same thing a guy said. Also said there's interest, but she's been dealing with an injury, too. [01:11:08] Speaker A: Now heading to college. [01:11:10] Speaker B: What are you trying to hone in on? Maybe improve or sharpen up. Preparing for the next stage. [01:11:20] Speaker E: Trying to get stronger, like, get my body stronger, but also just starting to eat better and stuff, getting ready for, like, getting. Getting college ready, getting my body right. And then also, also mentally preparing for, you know, anything that could happen, whether, you know, I'm playing, playing the bench or, you know, just overall working on my game and then just trying to become more consistent, you know, because I feel like I've been, like. This year, I feel like I've been like. There's some games where I'm playing, like, really well. I feel really in the mode, and there's some games, you know, where I'm shying away, and so I'm just working on building myself better in that aspect. Yeah. [01:12:06] Speaker B: Yeah. How would you describe your game to the people? What's your scouting report? People that don't know. Nadianych. [01:12:12] Speaker E: I mean, I don't know what's on other people's scouting report, but I would say that I'm really versatile. So I can get to the rim, I can shoot it. I play defense. So, yeah, it's whatever people want to put on there. But I think that my game's really special and, you know, there's nothing like it. [01:12:34] Speaker B: Any favorite players you had coming up? [01:12:37] Speaker E: I actually didn't start watching basketball until like the 11th grade, but growing up, I'd definitely say, you know, Kobe LeBron and then Kobe's daughter Gigi. I watched her a lot growing up. So her passing, I feel like it really drove me. And so then that's even why, like, I wear number two. And so, yeah, I really liked her. But right now I'd definitely say Kevin Durant, you know, just because I feel like I see the similarities. And then Aja Wilson. Arike. Yeah, there's a lot of great players out there. [01:13:17] Speaker B: Toronto, Temple, just joined, is going to be joining the NBA WWE next season. How excited are you for that and what do you think it'll mean for the country? [01:13:27] Speaker E: I'm really excited for that. I mean, it just really opens up opportunities for, you know, us Canadians and if we want to go back home, you know, get to play in the W and, you know, it just opens a lot more opportunities for everybody because there's not much teams in the WNBA and you can really make it first round and get cut the next season. So, you know, it's, you know, it's a hard process, but for us Canadians, you know, it's really special because now we have somewhere to represent our country and you know, right here in the, in our home. So it's really cool. [01:13:59] Speaker B: Goals heading into college next season. [01:14:03] Speaker E: Goals. I know it's going to be challenging, but I really do want to become freshman of the year, however that is, I just want to be able to produce for my team and, you know, just have a good freshman season because I feel like freshman season you can't get that back. So I really want to do well and produce for my team and then just have a good experience with that and then I want to get to the tournament, NCAA tournament also. [01:14:31] Speaker B: So what's it like watching that on tv? [01:14:34] Speaker E: I love it. You know, just like having a alarm set on my phone ready to get to watching and so, yeah, it's a really fun, fun experience just to like watch all the games happen. You know, I was rooting for Florida the whole time, so just to see them come out with that win, you know, it was really good. [01:14:51] Speaker B: What's your dream? One on one matchup, A player you want to take. Yeah. Face square off against. Putting you on the spot. [01:15:00] Speaker E: Oh, I never really thought of that dream one on one matchup agent Wilson, probably. [01:15:07] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:15:07] Speaker E: Agent Wilson, bro. I would say Kevin Durant, but I'd get. [01:15:14] Speaker B: He'll just shoot. [01:15:14] Speaker E: I'll get cooked. [01:15:15] Speaker B: That guy will just. Yeah, seven foot, shoot over top. [01:15:18] Speaker E: Yeah. I mean, I still do it, even if that means, like, I lose. But, yeah, I'll take the L on that one. [01:15:25] Speaker B: Yeah. Any advice for. For Hoopers maybe coming up that Alberta, Like I said, there's not a lot of talent that come out of there. I think BYU Lanny Gibb might be one of the only people that have come out of there. What do you say to people that are looking at yourself making it to Hoop Summit team representing Canada, about just what they need to work on or just getting to this point? What's your biggest advice for Canadian Hoopers coming up? [01:15:54] Speaker E: I'll say that it's really all about the hard work and how much you want it. I feel like I've always set, like, many goals for myself throughout the course of the years. Just setting many goals for myself and then looking back on it just to remember, like, why I'm doing this. And because there's going to be those hard mental moments where you're not going to like basketball and, you know, it happens more frequently than you want. So just remembering that you're not just an athlete, you're a person. So if you need to take time for yourself, that's cool. And yeah, just work hard. Even saying affirmations to your health, to yourself to like, help you, that will help you in the mental aspect. And then if you really just want to get better, you just really have to love the game and like, stay in the gym, because I know I, I struggle with that and I'll say that openly, but just like stay in the gym, you know, just, just start to love the hard things. And then for kids in Alberta, like, you know, it's. It's hard. It is hard, but, you know, you just got to do what you got to do to meet your goals. [01:17:05] Speaker B: Nadianych Playing for Canada at the Nike Hoop Summit. One of the rising talents. A name that you should follow, follow, you should get to know and you'll recognize in college basketball. Nidianius, thank you so much for joining the podcast. Any last words? [01:17:19] Speaker E: Thank you. It was great to be here. You know, love talking, love chatting it up. So, yeah, I really appreciate this. [01:17:27] Speaker B: Appreciate it. Listen to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. And that is a wrap from the Nike Hoop Summit sa.