Previewing Canada's FIBA U18 team with Maxime Meyer, Javion Tyndale and Deng Ngor

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign 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 Ban Osman. We're previewing this week the FIBA U18America Canada. Heading out to Mexico, I got the chance to head down to training camp at Humber College, sit down and chat with three key players set to represent Canada in Mexico. Had a great chat with Max Meyer, who's committed to Duke, Jayvion Tyndale, one of the top Canadian point guards in the class of 2027, who's at Mount Vert, and Alberta's own Dangan Gore, who's at Fort Erie. But before we get to those interviews with those three players, I want to preview this upcoming tournament. What we can expect from Canada, the roster and what you should be looking out for on this FIBA U18 roster. And to join me to do so is my guy, Joe Moussa, national scout at North Pole Hoops. How you doing, brother? [00:01:02] Speaker B: I'm good man. Thanks for having me again. [00:01:03] Speaker A: What's it like for you now? Busy, busy time of the summer. I know you guys wrapped up NPH finals, all that kind of stuff. [00:01:07] Speaker B: Yeah. So right now during the spring summer we got our showcase league going on. So a lot of club basketball from as young as seventh grade all the way to high school grade 12 divisions. So get a chance to see a lot of the guys that come home during the summer. They might play on a local team, get them in the league. And then we also have cnit, which is our summer tournament which goes on end of July. We're going to be out in Edmonton, Alberta in two weeks for a showcase session we're doing out there. So that should be really fun. And then going to be heading down to Peach Jam in July as well. So it's good. Men still get to be in the gym and still get to evaluate the talent. [00:01:45] Speaker A: Yeah, busy summer. Hopefully I'll be at Peach Jam too. The next wave of talent, your value and the next wave of talent in this tournament. Canada is set to play on Monday. We're recording this on Sunday evening game against Venezuela in the afternoon. Dominican Republic on Tuesday in Puerto Rico on Thursday. Let me go through the roster real quick because I want to get your analysis. You follow all these players development wise over the past few years. Let's go through the roster. Stefan Illich out of Kitchener, Max Myers out of Toronto. Dangan Gore at a Grand Prairie, Alberta. Malik Olajuwon, Houston, Texas. The son of Hakeem the Dream, Elijah Godson Akoku out of Ottawa Emmanuel Okobo out of Ottawa, Lewis Robinson out of Houston, Texas, JV On Tinder out of Mississauga, Matteo Venier out of France, Kamani Walters out of Toronto, Nathan Yabanyama, Alex Edmonton and Satumo Yugo out of Manitoba. What's your first impressions? I just went through the entire roster. What's your first impressions? This is a strong roster. [00:02:47] Speaker B: Yeah. So first impression on the roster. I'm actually impressed with how well rounded and I feel like how constructed. Well constructed it is. You know, I, I look at someone like Maxime in the middle. I feel like traditionally Canada might has always lacked the size in the front court or somebody like a really solid big for feeble play. I think he can be a difference maker. Obviously got Javon Tindale, who, who I believe is an elite difference maker at his point guard position. And then you got a lot of length on the wing. Dangan Gore, Godson Akoko Lyrus Robinson. You know, I, I think you got a lot of different pieces and we got a chance to compete. Truly, I think we have the talent. And just looking around at other rosters like Team USA put the roster out, it's good. Of course they're always going to be talented, but I think this could really be a time that we can capitalize given the talent. And then also having coach Charles Hantimakos at the helm, which I think was a huge decision, having a Canadian coach who, who knows these players really well. He's either coached a lot of these guys or coached against them and the relationships are really strong. So for me, what stood out is just how well rounded it looks. We got a good guard rotation, we got size in the front court, we got a good big, like I said, and we got length. So I think we got a chance to compete. Man, I'm really excited to watch these guys go out and play. We got dogs too. We got Kamani Walters coming off the bench and a lot of guys who really, really want to compete. And, and traditionally these guys are competing against each other during the year, obviously with Deng from Fort Erie and Kimani from Royal Crown. Those have kind of been the two Canadian prep heavyweights over the past few years. And they're dogs. Both those guys compete. So I'm looking forward to seeing them come together and bring that competitive edge to the global stage. So it's going to be good. I'm excited to watch these guys play. [00:04:28] Speaker A: Yeah, I think, dang, when I chat with him earlier this week, he talked about how Charles said he wants us to be the Most physical camp. He wants that to be how they set the tone. So, so it'll be interesting to see as a scout, what are you like specifically looking at during this tournament? What are you evaluating? Yeah. What are you going to be looking for? [00:04:46] Speaker B: Yeah, so for fiba, I think the FIBA platform and this setting of international play is ultimately like the ultimate evaluation setting really, because you're watching guys and you're seeing how well their game translates against the other best players from all around the world. So you're getting accustomed to seeing a new style of play every game. For, for me, I'm always looking for one. IQ stands out a lot. Like decision making, spatial awareness, basketball iq and obviously a lot of the transferable stuff. I think transfers at the feeble level, like the shooting, the passing, but also toughness. Like you're, you're. We're gonna go up against different teams and you know, different players from around the world. They're gonna want to test you. They're gonna, they might look at Canada and say like, oh come on, Canadians are nice. You know, we might have that reputation. So I want to see how, how our toughness usually is. And I think pretty good when it comes to that. And we've getting better and better year by year. But I would probably say the few things are IQ and toughness level are the two things for me that I'm looking for. [00:05:47] Speaker A: Yeah. Where would you rank this roster compared to maybe the last FIBA U18 roster that, that they had? [00:05:53] Speaker B: You know what, what this FIBA roster I feel like the last U18 team didn't have two years ago in, in the 2024 was solid. I think big man rotation and Maxime obviously anchoring a lot of that. If you look back at that team two years ago, our big man rotation was Merrill Aquintoc, who's at Texas Tech right now. But he was hurt him when he was on the floor. He was so impactful like he always is, but he was hurt. So he was struggling with that. And our other two bigs that year were Matt Dan and Olivier Ryu, both more like oversized bigs who struggled when it came to things like pick and roll, ball coverage, getting out on the perimeter and moving their feet. But now having a big like Maxime, who people rave about, his ability to switch out on ball screens, his ability to peel, switch and just cover that like a pro level big is what a lot of people are have been saying. I think he's going to be a major difference maker. And then a player like Javon, who is just so unpredictable and what we saw this past year with Mon Verd, his ability to take over games with his shooting, he has that it factor. He makes guys better. His decision making is so elite. Just split second, he comes down, he can make the read coming off of the ball screen. He knows when to get into the paint. He knows recognizing if they're in a drop coverage, he can make them pay with their shooting. So that type of player is the type of player like, man, I can see Jon going out and being like a top scorer in the whole tournament. I can see him going out and making like, you know, all tournament first team, especially if we have a deep run. I. I'm expecting big things from him. I think he can be a huge difference maker. So those are the two things I look at compared to the other teams is again, I think JVON and Maxime being those two difference makers at their position. Because traditionally we've, we've never really struggled with having like length on the perimeter, athleticism. If you look to that 2024 team, we had Tristan Beckford, Ifos, Oliogu. So we actually did pretty good with that run. And we still have a lot of that on the wing this year with Dang and Godson and Lyris and a lot of those guys. Nathan Yamba. Yamba. But I think having two really, really elite difference makers at their position between Javion and Maxime, I think they are. We're going to go as far as they take us ultimately, I believe. [00:08:10] Speaker A: What do you think Canada's identity in this tournament? You look at the roster here, you talk about the dogs that they have. That's where I noticed when I was at training camp, at the Easter camp, I'll be honest, I didn't have much impressions in terms of the Fib 18. And I think most people, if they're honest with you, they'll tell you they're most excited about the FIBU 17 World World cup more than they are about this roster. But when I watched the U18s in camp, I was like, these guys play hard. These guys are going to get after it. Which shocked me. What are your impressions and what do you think this identity will be like for Canada? [00:08:41] Speaker B: I think that's what's what it's going to be. And I think we have to hang our hat on that. Right? Like, I think we have a lot of guys who play with that competitive edge. Like I mentioned Kimani, I mentioned Dang lyrics is a competitor. Jvon, of course, is a pit bull when he's getting after it. So I think we really have to hang our hat on that because you combine that with a lot of our length that we have on perimeter, someone like a Satimo Yugu Adam, Winnipeg Manitoba, who can really come out and make a name for himself defensively with his length. So I think if we put that together with the physical tools we have, I think the identity is going to be a team that is going to get after it. They're going to be gritty. A lot of these guys have FIBA experience at this point, so I don't think they're going to be coming in, you know, intimidated by, by the, the, the atmosphere or, or the level of basketball or the gravity of it. And I think we can hang our hat on that because, you know, we're seeing it at every level. It's, it's like the team that wants it the most, they're the teams that are going to get after it. So I think that's something that we can really hang our hat on is, is that that grit and that competitive edge that we can have with these players. [00:09:43] Speaker A: You mentioned Charles, the head coach of this team. He did his, his due, you know, working with Canada on the prep school scene for years, coaching some of Canada's next best talent for over a decade plus, I would say. What was your reaction to him being named the head coach of this team and what do you expect from Charles? [00:10:05] Speaker B: I love that, man. I, I think again, having Canadian coaches is so key. The last couple guys, they did a solid job, but like, it's so important to have a coach. And Charles was on the staff last year, but now being the head coach, I think it's so important because he knows the players and he connects with a lot of these players on a different level, like having coached either the players or coached against them. And, and we talked about this team being full of dogs. Charles is a dog too. So that is going to spread on a lot of the players. And I've seen him coach. He's very passionate, he's very intense, but he's also great when it comes to X's and O's. He knows his personnel really well. Player tendencies, player strengths, player weaknesses, a lot of that stuff. Again, he just knows really well. And I think it was a great decision and I think that is what we needed ultimately is somebody that knows these players, has that deeper level connection with them and, and he has that. So I think there's honestly no better guy for the job. [00:10:57] Speaker A: What's your over under how many texts Charles gets? [00:11:00] Speaker B: Oh, he's Definitely going to get a couple. [00:11:02] Speaker A: Charles I know he's going to get after. I'll put in at least two. [00:11:06] Speaker B: I wonder if there's like a, a limit like there's in the NBA where you get X amount 2 for the whole tournament. Yeah, I, I can see him. I'm. I'm going to say, I'm going to say three, three or four depending on how, how much of a run. The deeper we go, the more he could potentially get. But you just gotta love that man because I've seen just knowing Charles for a while now and the teams that he's coached, his players love playing for him. They'll run through a wall for him and it's because he cares so much. You see your coach out there get attack, it's like, no, don't worry coach, we got you. Like, those are the type of guys that I feel like he's built and you can kind of tell it's a pretty particular roster. Like I think he wanted his guys and I think he's going to make that work. Now we're probably going to talk about maybe a couple names that probably could have been on there too. I'm sure you got that loaded up. But you know, I think, I think that's, that's going to be good. I'm excited to see him. [00:11:55] Speaker A: Thoughts on him coming back? Obviously he was coaching at the D1 level. Pacific under Dave Smart now is headed to Orangeville where I think he coached for several years. [00:12:06] Speaker B: Yes, prior. [00:12:07] Speaker A: What are your thoughts on him heading to Orangeville, coming back to Canada? [00:12:10] Speaker B: I think it's huge, man. I think it's, it's huge for the game in Canada. Like this is a guy that in his first year with 40 year when he built that program, Leonard Miller, obviously who's in the league now and just year by year, not only producing and developing talent, but coaching them for the D1 level. So when they would have their open practice in the preseason and they would invite D1 coaches up, one thing the D1 coaches would always be impressed about, they're like this guy runs a lot of the same stuff that we do in practice. A lot of the rebounding drills, a lot of the different like small sided games and stuff that they do. So for him I think it's going to be big. It's another high level coach for these players to learn from. And I mean if we're just talking about the last five years, obviously I said Leonard, but there's that one 20, 24 year when they won the NPA that Ishan Sharma, Felix Ceres, Christian Nitu, Mariela Quenta, Chris Kumu, Braden Jackson, the list goes on. Like these are all guys that are playing D1 right now, obviously Leonard in the pros. So the track record is there, the expertise is there and you just need more, more of these high level coaches in Canada. Because like as much as we talk about the talent growing, like shout out to all the coaches, like I think they are a big reason behind a lot of this growth in talent and having coaches like him in the mix, it's only going to help grow the game. [00:13:24] Speaker A: Yeah, excited too. Gus is also joining in. Ben. [00:13:27] Speaker B: Yes. [00:13:28] Speaker A: From King Heights. Yep. Dream team coaching. [00:13:30] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:13:30] Speaker A: Honestly, honestly coming together pretty well. I'd be remiss. Not to mention one guy that's not on this roster who I think a lot of people were expecting. He was named to the training cap roster. I spoke to him at Basketball Without Borders in la. He told me he was interested. But then I chatted with him at Hoop Summit and I don't know if he was like 100% certain he was going to be there, but no. Paul Osuri, the top ranked prospect in the class of espn. What are your thoughts on him? I thought he would have helped a lot in this roster, demand a lot of attention. Obviously being the guy that he is, the tools that he has, obviously he's been playing Eybl Arizona Unity. What are your thoughts on no Paul. [00:14:11] Speaker B: It's tough. He's. He's a massive game changer. Right. With his length, his ability to essentially guard one through five at this level. His rim protection ability changes games. He's an anchor defensively and then offensively we've seen so much growth in his game. The, the added mid range, the ability to kind of like post up and fade over both shoulders, that's now coming along. Then he's obviously grown in a lot of other ways as well. So it's, it's hard to replace a guy like that. That's what like 6 10, 611 with a 73 wingspan, 40 inch vert. Like you don't just replace that with, with one player per se, but you basically try to, you know, fill in as much of those lengthy wings as possible to try to still have that type of defensive impact in the front court. But then I was also again looking at the USA roster like I'm looking at guys like Baba Olatunden who I believe is also up there with Paul in that 27 class. He's not on Team USA. Anthony Thompson is Ohio State Commit. He's not on that team, [00:15:08] Speaker A: so. [00:15:08] Speaker B: It's interesting, man. It's again like it's. I think this is pretty open. Obviously you would have loved our chances with Paul, but you gotta go next man up. That's it. Yeah. [00:15:18] Speaker A: I'm not too sure why he's not there right now. I've asked around, I haven't heard back yet. But my guess is he's probably thought it'd be best to work on his game or something like that. He might be planning on visits. I know, uh, he's been in constant communication with like Arkansas, North Carolina, those top programs. So he might be spending that time just focusing on himself during this time, you know, so. Nothing wrong with that, you know. So shout out to Paul, what player on this roster do you feel like is the most underrated nationally that maybe we might know of, we hear about? But could it surprise people? [00:15:57] Speaker B: Yeah, good question. So I think like the big name guys like Max Javeon, Liris Deng and then Godson to an extent those are like the names that people know about, right? But someone who I think could really break out and he's someone that I name dropped last time when I came on here as a, as a snub for the All Canadian game. Nathan Yamba, Yamba, Hyper athletic wing. He's got length about six' six, he can shoot the three, he's polished, he's got a natural scoring feel combined with a lot of elite physical tools. And you know who he's in the lab with? The architect, they call him Dwayne Washington, who obviously has a record of training guys like Shai and Shaden Sharp and Will Riley, the whole uplay camp, which now, Nathan is now under that wing, which is very exciting if you're looking at projection long term and what he looks like with this camp of people around him combined with his physical tools and his upside now this is definitely going to be his biggest stage. So again, when I talked about what I'm looking for, there's a lot of talent. But what I'm looking for at the FIBA level and anybody looks for at the feeble level, what really translates is the iq, the transferable skills. So let's see how well he shoots it at this level and the toughness. But if he's able to come in, shoot it like he usually does, and he's playing tough and confident and aggressive and there isn't really too much of a, of a lapse in terms of like a lot of the decision making stuff, then he has the chance to Make a serious impact man. Especially when you combine him with a point guard like Javeon, who's going to look to push the pace. He's going to see him on the wing, he can get a lot of transition opportunities and then he can play off the gravity of the other guys with the shooting ability. So. So that is definitely somebody I'm looking forward to seeing. Of course, if you guys follow the npa, we've always been high in Kimani Walters because of his ability to guard and the competitive edge he brings. Like, he might not be a guy that'll score 20, 25 points in a game. He's capable of doing that games here and there, but I think he's the type of guy that could lead the tournament in charges taken. He's probably gonna make some like viral clips. Like, he's the type of guy to like get in their face. He's a pest, but he loves that. And, and anybody that has him on his team, like, he's the type of guy you'd love to have. So I think those guys have a chance to really break out. So I'm really excited for them. Especially Nathan. I think he's got a chance to make a splash. [00:18:07] Speaker A: Liris Robinson, a guy that his father is Canadian, he's from Houston, Texas, but I got to watch him play at basketball the Borders All Star Weekend. He's a guy I think has one of the highest upsides in the class of 2027, I think. Went on a visit to Creighton earlier this year, playing well in the eybl. This is his first time playing for Canada and I know it means a lot to him and his family. What are your thoughts on Lyris? Because I think he was super key to Bella Vista winning the Chipotle national titles. I think. I don't know what it is, but this guy has a knack for getting offensive rebounds and I don't know how Charles in Canada plan to use them, but I expect him to be one of the main guys. What are your thoughts on that? [00:18:52] Speaker B: Absolutely. No, he's, he's, he's really, really talented man. And he's like you said, he's produced. He's, he's, he's a winner. He's put up numbers for a couple years on the EYBL circuit. I remember him being a leading scorer with AZ Unity. So he's the, the production is there, the potential is there. Efficient. He's got great basketball pedigree. Being the son of a player and he's just been a Lot of around a lot of high level stuff for a really long time. And then you take all that and you put it into the body of what five combo guard who's a above the rim athlete who can guard multiple positions. He's tough and he's skilled. Like he has a chance to, to be Canada's leading scorer essentially. You know, I think it'll be probably him or Javion, but lyrics. No, he's, he's, he's also going to be an X factor, I believe. Like he's someone that can really break out and really come out and, and you know, have a big tournament I think, you know. But he's really, he's really good. He's high major for sure. [00:19:46] Speaker A: Malik Olajuwon. [00:19:47] Speaker B: Yep. [00:19:48] Speaker A: A guy that. The last name speaks volumes, you know what I'm saying? Like he's a guy obviously the son of Hakeem we mentioned earlier and his brother played FIBA U19 last year and he was also in the mix of that didn't make the roster. But I remember people within Canada basketball told me he's a lock for FIBA U18 this upcoming summer. I know he's playing EYBL GL3 I believe. What are your thoughts on Malik Olajuwon? A bit of a, I wouldn't say less spoken about player, but I think this might be a chance for him to kind of to shine a bit. [00:20:25] Speaker B: He was really good during the Easter camp. Like he looked like one of the best players on the floor. His shooting I think is going to be an X factor, especially at the FIBA level. How important it is he can come in and play a massive role. And again just having more players like himself that can think the game at a high level are very crucial. Of course he's the son of an all time great so you know he's going to be taught to play the right way. He's played on some pretty elite like competitive stages as well. And again with the shooting, I think he could be a difference maker. But yeah, I was watching him during the Easter camp, I'm like, yeah, he's a no brainer, one of the best players on the floor for sure. And it's good to see these type of guys. And of course his brother like you said, was with the team last year. So it's good to see that type of involvement. But he's, he's got a chance to also have a big tournament. That, that, that's the thing. That's why like I'm so, I'm so high on this team because I think there's so many players on any given day that can come out and be the best player on the floor. There's Javeon, there's Dang, there's Lyris, there's Max, there's Malik. And then you have the guys off the bench that can funnel in and have a massive impact. So I think this team is. I'm excited for this team, man. I think it's one of our better teams in a while, this age group. [00:21:33] Speaker A: Yeah. What are your thoughts on Kyrie Taylor? A guy that I kind of probably expected to make the roster. Maybe I'm just naive and I've seen his clips. I've watched him a bit. What are your thoughts on him? Curry, Taylor? I've seen him rack up a few offers too. And playing well in the EYBL with you play. What are your thoughts on Kyrie Taylor kind of not being in the mix for this roster? Who's at camp? [00:21:52] Speaker B: Kyrie was at camp and again, another player that like, was really torching it during that Easter camp and. And I feel like a player like him is so crucial at the FIBA level, how unpredictable he plays. And he's the type of guy that if you're in an offensive drought, you can just give him the ball and you can kind of cook and create a lot of different things. And I actually would have seen him having a similar impact as Jordan Charles did last year. Remember that game against Team USA when we kept it close, we only lost by I think, six and Jordan was doing his thing. But again, that's a player who it's so hard to scout for because he's so unpredictable and his instincts are so sharp. And Kyrie is a player like that. He's produced, of course, with Uplay and he. He produced at the Easter camp. I think he would have really been a good piece for this team. But obviously, you know, the coach might have had a certain preference based off what their guard rotation already has, but he's a monster either way. He's going to be a really good player. One of the best players in his class for sure. Like, he's different. Like those type of guards you always love to see. And of course, like you said, I think he picked up Virginia Tech, Wyoming and a couple other schools at that high major level. So he's. He would have been a good piece for sure. [00:22:59] Speaker A: It's interesting you bring up Jordan Charles because I think at one point he wasn't. He was about to get cut from that FIBA U19 roster and then what he did against USA Basketball, they're like, he's the reason why that was a game 100, you know, and just the. The creation. He talked about the being unpredictable, that. That helps in this type of tournament, you know, and just having the confidence that you can go and get a bucket on anybody. [00:23:25] Speaker B: That. [00:23:25] Speaker A: That's huge in these type of tournaments. Yeah. I have a question for you, though. I don't think this was in consideration, but would you have called up any of the FIBA U17 guys? I'm talking about the Isaiah Hamilton of the worlds, those type of guys. I don't think this was even discussed, maybe because these guys are obviously gearing up for the World cup and that the timetable maybe didn't work or if that's too close to each other. But is it asking too much to. To look at FIBA U17 guys for this roster? What are your thoughts on that? [00:24:00] Speaker B: Of course, you know, Isaiah Hamilton, Isaiah Clark, Liam Mitocaro. No doubt those got Kenyan, St. Louis. Like, that's how good the 28 and 29 classes are. Is. There's no doubt that these guys, a handful of them, could have come in and played a significant role on this team. But like you said, I think the gravity of it being a World cup tournament at that level and the talent we have and the opportunity we have go out and medal, I think that's what they're trying to do with this team. As much as they would have helped, I think they want to make sure that, hey, let's give ourselves a legit chance at both of these things. Now, maybe if they stacked up on one team, then maybe that would have. That would increase their odds at winning the U18, but I don't mind that. And a lot of people have been saying that, like, you know, they've been wanting to see certain players play up or whatever the case is. I think it's like, you know, you got a chance to continue to dominate and ultimately go out and medal at the World Cup. I think that would be a big opportunity for the 17, so they would have had an impact. But I think. I think they. They made the right choice there, leaving them, letting them rock. [00:24:58] Speaker A: You talked about Max Myers. Obviously, he's the vet on this roster. It's crazy because if he plays FIBA U19 next year, he would have played FIBA U16, U17, 19, 18 and 19 in the span of what, like five years? What are your thoughts on him? Decision to go to Duke? Thoughts on that? [00:25:16] Speaker B: That's. That's big time, man. And I think he's going to be a really, really good project for them. [00:25:20] Speaker C: Now. [00:25:21] Speaker B: Does he go in this year? Is he a backup? Is he the third string? I think two to three years. He's going to be on some NBA radars because of, like I said, his ability to play and defend ball screens as a big I think is so sought after right now in the NBA level. And then you combine that with some really elite touch around the rim. Good hands, really good iq spatial awareness for his size, his ability to kind of play back to the basket and of course at a size being a legit seven footer as a big man prospect, like I don't think there are, you know, basically as good as it gets for him. So I think going to Duke is huge opportunity to develop. Obviously playing in a Power Power 5 conference and continue to grow from there. And playing with Canada, basketball is continuing to build. So we're seeing him get better and better and better. And I think he was a big reason for why we were as solid as we were last year because again, a lot of times we struggle with that solid FIBA big and he's able to come in and I see him being a staple of the program for a long time. You know, even going for the senior national team as, as, you know, obviously he continues to grow, but no, he's, he's good. I think he's definitely a big. That's going to be on NBA radars sooner than later. [00:26:33] Speaker A: Yeah, I definitely think he's going to be in the mix for the national team sooner than. Than later because they're desperate. They're desperate for a big like Max, so. And I think he's a sneaky passer. Very smart kid. Just chatting with him. Yes, very smart. So excited to see what he does in his tournament and at Duke. Does this team have enough shooting to you though, thinking about it just like knock down shooters. And then a second part to that question. Why do Canadians develop a shot so late? It feels like that process takes a bit. But. But do you feel like this roster [00:27:05] Speaker B: has enough shooting so best shooters on the team? You look at jvon, you look at Malik. And then after that, like it could be. It could be up for grabs now depending on what type of lineup they want to put. Do they try to put maybe Yamba Yamba in there? Dang is an okay shooter. Godson's an okay shooter. I can definitely see that being a struggle. Now to your point, why with Canadians does that seem like it's always a struggle? I've actually always had a theory [00:27:34] Speaker A: What? [00:27:34] Speaker B: What? It's May 31, I think, what, one or two weeks ago, it was freezing up here. It might have been hailing freezing weather up until mid May, and then it's gonna get nice. June, July, August. So my theory is because of that, like, think being think. Imagine growing up in Cali. It's nice weather all year round. You're probably outside hooping for 12 months a year compared to maybe three months a year. Now, obviously nowadays, kids have access to trainers and kids have access to gyms. [00:28:00] Speaker A: But that was tough, right? [00:28:01] Speaker B: That's tough. And then it's not always. Like, not everybody has those resources, and, like, not every day you can get in the gym. Now, in the summertime growing up, we would be. When the weather's nice, you're out playing ball with your boys for five, six, seven, eight hours a day. No. No matter what. Now just imagine multiplying that by three. That's always been my theory. Why? And even if you look at kids from the west coast, like, British Columbia traditionally produces a lot more skilled players. Now, not to say that they're. They're tropical weather out there, but it's definitely more mild than it is here. And then if you look on the west coast, like Cali, like, again, a lot of skill, a lot of shooting, a lot. A lot of that type of. Because, you know, is it that. Because of that? That's my theory. I don't know if that's. [00:28:40] Speaker A: If. [00:28:40] Speaker B: If might have to put a study together to try to see if there's any, you know, merit to that, but, you know, that's my theory. I think it's two, three months of summer, eight months of rough weather. Of course you want to get in the gym as much as you can, but you gotta find a way. But then who. Who are the best shooters that are Canadians? Jamal Murray. What was he doing during the winter? The guy was going out with his dad and shoveling snow. So. Still getting his shots up. So it's like you got to be a psycho like that to kind of find a. An extreme obstacle and work your way around it. So if that's anybody, you know, out there that wants to get some shots up in the winter, just look at what Jamal Murray was doing, man. He was getting out there with a shovel. He's making sure he's getting his shots of even in January, February. But I believe that that has to play a role, right? You know, look at the kids, maybe that moved down to the States when they were 14. Maybe they just had more access to. To Rims all year round where some kids didn't. So that's, you know, that's a theory of mine. I don't think it has anything to do with coaching per se or, or lack of information. I think we've caught up in a long way and we're going to continue to catch up. But that's, that's what I'm putting it [00:29:46] Speaker A: to is I like this theory. I like this theory a lot. It's, you know, I've never heard it, but it's. That's a good thought provoking, something to think about. You know, before I let you go, I want to get to some predictions. Your thoughts kind of like, what do you think the starting lineup. What would be your starting lineup if you had to put a five together with this roster? [00:30:08] Speaker B: I would go Javeon at the 1, Lyris at the 2, Godson at the 3, Dang at the 4. So you got nice length at your forward spots and then of course max at the 5. That way off the bench, you still got Nate Yambayamba, you still got Kimani, you still got Stefan Ilic, Malik Olajuwon. Now maybe you slot. Depending on the size of the matchup. I think I, I think you got leaders who's like six five. Godson and Dang are probably about six eight. So like. But if you're playing a team maybe that doesn't have as much size, maybe you slot Malik in there to have some more floor spacing and some more shooting. But I think that would be the five out go to because you can kind of have good size in the front court. You have really, really good guard play with Javion and Lyris, and then you have some guys off the bench who can come in and give you a punch. But then there's probably a few guys that are interchangeable. Maybe Nathan comes out and he's shooting it really well. So maybe they slot him at the three, dang at the four. I think is really interesting because of his defensive versatility. And he actually had some of his best years with Fort Erie under Charles when he was playing at the 4. Because. Because what he does really well is his motor, his rebounding, his ability to disrupt plays and blow things up defensively. And then if it's creating mismatches on. On offense, he can beat a big off the bounce or maybe he can post up someone smaller. So I think that's what I would go to have some versatility. And then off of that, you probably just go off of matchups and who's hot Predictions. [00:31:37] Speaker A: Which player do you think will lead this team in scoring? [00:31:40] Speaker B: Going to go with Jon. I'm going to say Jon Lyrus, but I like Jon just because like his, his confidence coming in off the season. He just had like he's going to come in blazing hot deep range shooting ability to take over games. I can see him leading us in scoring and assists. Like I said, I think he has a chance to be like a all tournament first team guy, stuff the stat sheet in a lot of the categories and lead us to some big wins. But again, Lyris could come out and do what he's done his whole life and just come out and get buckets and just produce at a high level like he always had. So I'd probably say those two if I were to lean to. [00:32:18] Speaker A: Yeah. Likely to have the ball in their hands. [00:32:20] Speaker B: Exactly. [00:32:20] Speaker A: How many guys on this roster do you see potentially in the league? You have to give me a number. [00:32:25] Speaker B: I like Max as a big. Like I said, Lyris and Dang have like the physical upside and kind of the profile of a pro at their position with the positional size, the length, the athleticism and the growing skill sets. And then like Javion is just so good that like we shouldn't even be surprised if he goes all the way because he's, he's like a one of one type of player and I'm sure he shocked a lot of people this year, including myself, being on a top team and, and looking like the best point guard in a lot of matchups and taking down some five star point guards and of course his pedigree and, and who his uncle is and the type of access to skill development that he has. So I would probably say three or four guys that I can, I can see making the league off the seam. [00:33:16] Speaker A: Which player do you see having a breakout in this tournament? [00:33:21] Speaker B: Nathan. Nathan. Yamba. Yamba. I think with the combination of his physical tools, his ability to shoot it, his, his, his track record is continuing to grow. So of course him and Dang were on that Team Alberta team last year that won summer games and Nathan has had some good games with uplay on the EYBL circuit. So I think as his confidence is continuing to grow and grow and grow and of course like I said, getting in the gym with Dwayne Washington is huge. I think they're going to be highly prepared for this moment and he has a chance to kind of make a name for himself and, and put himself on the same level of guys like Lus and dang and even Max and Javon. Right. So I, I, I like him as my breakout guy for sure. [00:33:59] Speaker A: What's one Canadian prospect maybe that's not on this roster that people should know about for the future? [00:34:05] Speaker B: Yep, yep. In this class that, in that, yeah. So we talked about Kyrie. I think Kyrie Taylor definitely could have [00:34:14] Speaker A: been on that team. [00:34:16] Speaker B: Isaac Ganda I think could have been interesting. He's a 610 big that probably could have provided some floor spacing at his size. Alessandro Acosta, Rays, I think is, is another one. He was on the training camp roster, so he was on the 18 and he just committed to Winston Salem Christian. So he's going to go down there and he plays Mississauga Monarchs in the summer. He's like a 6, 7, 6, 8 like playmaking guard that can score it. He's got a lot of polish to his game, really good IQ and really, really hard worker. Like I've, I've, I watch him and I see a rare passion from him which you don't really see a lot and really the want to be great. And I've been watching him for a few years now just being in the NPH ecosystem and then also when I'm looking at players, I'm looking at again who's in their circle. So for Nathan, why I like his upside is because he was in his circle and for Alessandro, he's got a nice circle of like the Mississauga Monarchs guys. So guys that coach Jaden Sharpe, Caleb Houston, guys from that Mississauga region and they think that he can be that next one. I think he's gonna have a huge year. He's gonna blow up this year at Winston Salem Christian. He's been a pretty, pretty big name in the NPA for the past couple years and I'm excited for him to take the next step. And he's just a great kid too, so you know he's gonna put in the work and get better. So I think that's definitely a name to look out for in that class. [00:35:34] Speaker A: Where do you rank the importance of playing field basketball and like how much does performing on a stage like this help you when it comes to recruitment? Nil. NBA. Because I know a lot of NBA scouts are going to be at the U17 World Cup. I've chatted with a bunch that are excited to be there, but how much do you think a performance like that on this stage could help? [00:35:54] Speaker B: So the three major evaluation settings are prep AU and fiba. I where I rank Feebas. I actually put it at number one. Interesting. It's because it is like you see a guys aau, they can get out. AAU is more fast paced up and down. So it's easier to have a good game prep. There's going to be more scouting because you're going up against coaches than they have game plans and they have schemes. Fiba, you almost don't know what to expect. You're playing against Venezuela, you're playing against different countries with different philosophies, different coaching staff. In a lot of cases, guys that are bigger and stronger, more physical than you. So it's like the guys that produce on all three levels and. And especially the FIBA level are usually the guys that have the best careers. Caleb Houston really catapulted his trajection, his trajectory. Sorry. On the FIBA level. And a lot of guys have in the past as well. [00:36:45] Speaker A: RJ Barrett. [00:36:46] Speaker B: RJ Barrett, of course, leading the the U19s to a gold medal in 2017, like, that was huge. So it's like that really shows. Like, okay, this guy is producing against a different country. So it's like it's hard to game plan for him. And it's a foreign environment. It's. Everything is just completely different with fiba. So the guys that produce at this level, I put a lot of weight into that because it's like, okay, you can produce here, then you can. You can basically produce everywhere and anywhere. [00:37:14] Speaker A: Does this team have a chance for gold against USA basketball? I think USA basketball has lost a U18America. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does this team have a chance? What are your predictions for Canada? [00:37:26] Speaker B: I think we got a chance, man. This is. I think this could be the year that we can shock a lot of people. And it's not only because what we have going on, but again, I'm looking at the Team USA team. I'm like, we can take these guys, man. Of course they got the five stars, but there's a lot of players that would have had an impact that aren't on that team. And I think we can match up with them. Well, I think we have some of the size concerns checked off that in the past might have been an issue. And if we're gonna do it, I think it's going to be this year. It's gonna be good for me to finally be able to cheer for a team. Usually I'm neutral, right. We're evaluating talent. I'm not cheering for a team at the prep or the AAU level. But if it's Canada and they're wearing Canada across their chest and it's that red and white. Then we're all in and we're all, we're all going to be cheering for our boys, but I think this is a chance we can go out and we can shake some things up. Look how we did last year in the U19s against Team USA. It's the closest we've played them in a while and that team was a lot better than the USA team that's going in now. Obviously our team is different, but I think our team can be just as good, if not better than that team. And I think it's up for the grabs, man. I think we got the talent, we got the coaching. It seems like we got the connectivity and everything. So at least meddling. I'm saying we're at least going to meddle. [00:38:38] Speaker A: At least meddling. Games obviously start Monday against Venezuela. Look out for that. I don't want to jump to U17s just yet, but early thoughts, obviously that's coming up later in June and any thoughts on that heading to that, I'll probably get you on. We'll talk about that. [00:38:55] Speaker B: Yeah, for sure. And I think again talking about how good that 28 class is and even some of the 29s that might get called up, this was the team that basically last year for the U16s, it was Isaiah Hamilton, Kenyon St. Louis, Liam Medicaro, and they did really, really well. We got to the championship game. Isaiah Hamilton was hurt, so obviously he would have been a huge difference maker. But just watching how those guys are like doing like the Canada elite, that age group, they're, they're dominating on the Under Armour circuit. Like, I think we, we got a really good crop of talent for that age group and I'm expecting us to be competitive and same thing, go out and medal and shoot, even try to win the whole thing. Like Isaiah Hamilton can go out and prove that he's the best prospect in the world. I think he's, I think he's that level. So we go out and we do our thing then I think, I think we're gonna shock some people on both [00:39:46] Speaker A: age groups, if I'm not wrong. I think ESPN ranked him number two in their class just recently, so in the class of 2020, so that's huge. So shout out to Isaiah. Shout out to you, Joe. Appreciate your, your expertise, always filling us in on the prospects we need to watch out for. And yeah, appreciate you for joining in. We'll take a quick little break and bring you those interviews with Max Myers with Javion Tyndale, Dang and Gore and training camp with the FIB 18. Stay tuned after this quick club break. Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm joined by a real seven footer. I would say something that a lot of Canadian basketball fans have been praying for in the system is committed to play at Duke next year is Toronto's own Max Meyer. How are you doing brother? [00:40:41] Speaker C: 71 by the way. [00:40:42] Speaker A: 7 1? Yeah, you gotta create it at least 7 foot, man. We've been, we've been praying. When I tell you like we look at the national teams and Zachy, you might be the only tall guy at points, you know, so I'm excited to see you play FIBA U18 training cap. Tell me, what's it been? Like few days, what's the mood like around camp and getting ready for PBU18? [00:41:01] Speaker C: It's been good, you know, it's kind of a shorter camp than usual, so we're really getting to it to be honest. We've got 18 guys and yeah, everything's super competitive. That's definitely one thing that they've kind of instilled in us for this team. Like we're going to be gritty, we're going to be super competitive and we're not, we're not going to let anyone out tough us. [00:41:20] Speaker A: So I was going to ask you that because at first people look at the U17 roster and it's like, okay, that class is loaded. But then I watched you guys in April at the Eastern Cap, I'm like, this has a lot of dogs on this roster. How competitive has camp been from April to now and what type of style do you think you guys can play? [00:41:44] Speaker C: Well, to be honest, we have so much length and athleticism that yeah, it's in terms of like defending and offense, everything just flows really well. Like we have some really great defenders, some guys who are just capable, like outrage playmakers. So I think we're going to be able to play fast, but we also have enough talent and kind of the skill set to play in that half court. So I think we, we could kind of do it all. [00:42:06] Speaker A: I heard RJ Barrett stop by to camp. What was that like hearing from a guy that has been there, been in your shoes, done it now in the league? [00:42:14] Speaker C: It's good. You know, he actually won that U19 world gold medal, so that was kind of the last time Canada won it big. So, you know, it's, it's, it's always really nice to have those guys around and hear, hear from players who have kind of been. Been where we're at right now. [00:42:30] Speaker A: I want you to take me through your basketball journey a bit like, where did it all begin for you? Because I see. Talk about seven foot one. [00:42:37] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:42:37] Speaker A: You know, like, people like you don't grow around, you know, like, it's. It's so cool to see your progression. I remember watching it, Phoebe U16s till now. Tell me, how'd you get into basketball, though? [00:42:49] Speaker C: So my mom actually played youth sports. She played at Lavalle University in Quebec. But she's tall. Actually, she's. She's about 6 2. And my dad, he's 6, 10. He didn't really play basketball growing up, but he's more a rugby player and some other stuff. Me, myself, I never played basketball growing up. I really played hockey. Yeah, hockey was my main sport. I played double A, Toronto Eagles, Hummer Valley Sharks. That was. I played in gthl. So, yeah. Yeah, I got some, some really good players right now who used to play with me in college right now. And Team Canada. Team usa. So that's, that's kind of where it all started for me. And then going to eighth grade year, going into freshman year, you know, I was about six, six, probably. Yeah, I'll say six, six. And I just couldn't find skates, like they were big enough. I was a size 15. And you know, my mom had always. She always wanted me to play basketball because that was kind of her sport, obviously. But I tried it that. That summer we were working out, I was working out with her and we had done some, some summer stuff with a couple teams and I really kind of piqued my interest and I've always [00:43:57] Speaker D: loved it since then. [00:43:58] Speaker A: That's amazing. Were you always this tall? You talk about your pops being 6:10, your mom 6, 2, played. Were you always this tall or did you have a growth spurt? [00:44:06] Speaker C: I mean, I did have a growth spurt. I think. Seventh grade, I was about six one, six, two. And by end of eighth grade, I was like, yeah, six, six, just about. But I mean, I was always like a tall kid. I was taller than my teacher in second grade. So, yeah, that's. That's something I remember. [00:44:23] Speaker A: Runs in the family. You talk about playing baseball. Was it baseball? Hockey. [00:44:28] Speaker C: Just hockey. Soccer too. Yeah. [00:44:30] Speaker A: Nice. So what was your position in those sports? [00:44:33] Speaker C: I was a goalie in soccer. Yeah, this is. [00:44:35] Speaker A: Score it. Are you. [00:44:36] Speaker C: Yeah. Nobody. But yeah, soccer. They got some, some big goalies for sure. [00:44:40] Speaker A: Was there a moment you realized, I can take this thing pretty far, Take basketball to the next Level. When did that hit you? [00:44:49] Speaker C: So I'd say it was probably my freshman year. I was obviously really new to the game and had a lot to learn. I mean, still now got a lot to learn. But I had walked into my first Canada basketball trout and it was a year up and my mom had kind of brought me along. I didn't really know what I was getting into. She hadn't told me too much about where she was taking me, but she kind of dropped me off. I walked in a little bit scared. And Yeah, I was a 6, 6, 7, 6, 8, pretty, pretty tall kid. So they kind of saw me and I guess saw something in me that I didn't really see myself. Like every I. Yeah, basically that whole year, all those camps, I would tell my mom, like, yeah, I haven't been cut yet. Like, she didn't believe me when I was telling her I haven't been cut yet. Like, I never played basketball before. But, you know, obviously they saw something in me and yeah, that's why I'm here today. [00:45:40] Speaker A: What age did you end up leaving Canada to go play prep school? Img. Tell me about that decision and how it all came to be following like a lineage I look at as like big men that have done it. Charles did it, Olivier did it, Zach, Eddie did it. You're following those guys footsteps. Tell me about decision and how IMG came, came apart. [00:45:58] Speaker C: So it was the end of my ninth grade year and for ninth grade I was still going to school in Toronto, but I was at a public school called Humberside. And yeah, I was playing junior varsity, but, you know, it wasn't super sports focused and I was really trying to get. Get serious with it. So in my mind I wanted to be somewhere where I was going to be able to live, live and breathe basketball every single day. And you know, Canada basketball kind of helped me make that transition. Obviously you mentioned Livy Ryu, Zach, Edie, Dwight, Powell actually also went to img. So there's, there's strong. Yeah, yeah, for sure. It's definitely a pathway. [00:46:38] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. How would you describe daily life at img? What was that you just graduated to? It's kind of funny too. You played with Aziz, now you're about to play with his younger brother. [00:46:49] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:46:49] Speaker A: What's that like? And tell me about the life of img. [00:46:51] Speaker C: Yeah, no, IMG is good. I mean, I go to class in the mornings from usually about 7:30 to 11:30, and then afternoons is all basketball. So we're lifting team practice, skills workouts, and then we'll go eat dinner and get back in the gym after that. So it's, it's definitely a lifestyle. [00:47:08] Speaker A: What was the recruitment process for you coming? Do you remember your first offer? [00:47:14] Speaker C: I want to say my first offer was from UCF when Mamadou was there. Yeah, yeah, they, they had reached out to me after the U17 World Cup. [00:47:24] Speaker A: So what was that whole process? Duke obviously involved. Tell me about that one. Duke got involved. What was your reaction? Because I think about the Canadians that have played for Duke, RJ Barrett, and then it's you now. Yeah, the last few, you know. [00:47:36] Speaker C: Yeah, no, it was, it was great. I obviously had, I had kind of settled on a, some, some final schools, but we went to an NBA Academy event in Abu Dhabi actually with my school. And yeah, Duke, they kind of saw me, reached out. It did happen quite fast. But you know, when you look at the legacy that they've got there and just kind of the dominance, it was a no brainer for me. [00:48:03] Speaker A: Yeah. Was there a moment that you realized, like, Duke's a school, I want to [00:48:08] Speaker C: say on the visit, like just kind of seeing what they had going on over there in terms of the culture, the player development. I mean, I made it out to a game. The atmosphere was incredible. So, yeah, I'm really excited to get out there. [00:48:20] Speaker A: What can you tell me about the atmosphere over there? What game did you watch? I'm guessing you're watching. Was it Camboozer and those guys? [00:48:25] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. So they were playing Georgia Tech at home and it was, it was during the winter break. We had just played in John Wall and that was nearby North Carolina. So my dad drove down and we went to, to catch a game. But the crazy part is there, there wasn't even students or anything since it was, it was holiday break and it was still, still jumping. So that's, that was a sign for me. [00:48:47] Speaker A: You talked about it like, how surreal was it getting recruited by Duke, a program with such history. Like, we look at it as like, like top five college program, top two, maybe. Like it's, it's up there. And like I mentioned, first Canadian since, since R.J. barrett. What does it say about your rise too, as a player when you talked about you were playing? Not like you started pretty late, right? [00:49:09] Speaker C: Yeah. So I mean, when you talk about the legacy and kind of the brand, that's not really what I was looking at when I say I started late. I never had a dream school for basketball. Like I was a Maple Leafs fan growing up. Like, that's, that's what we would Watch on tv. So for me, I think it was really like the connection I established with the coaching staff and just what they're able to offer me in terms of player development and where they see me in the future. [00:49:35] Speaker A: When you get on campus for. Dude, tell me about that. And what's something that you're focused on summer development wise for yourself? [00:49:40] Speaker C: I get in campus June 15, which is basically a week after America. So it's a, it's a quick turnaround throughout the summer. You know, I'm gonna definitely be lifting a lot, trying to, trying to put on some muscle. I'm about 2:30 now, so we gotta, gotta, gotta go up from there. But yeah, skills workouts, it's, it's gonna be a good summer. [00:49:58] Speaker A: What's there. You talked about it like Duke, when a program calls, their development plan is probably crazy. [00:50:04] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:50:04] Speaker A: What's that like for you? What kind of plan do they have for you laid out and what are you most excited about? [00:50:10] Speaker C: I mean, obviously there's a lot of skills to refine in terms of just kind of post stuff, but obviously they kind of see me as a passer and I think I've showcased that a little bit. But you'll, you'll see some more. [00:50:22] Speaker A: Yeah. What are you most excited about? Heading to Duke? [00:50:27] Speaker C: I just want to see, see what it's like just going to school and obviously it's a, it's a great academic institution as well. But yeah, team practice, meeting up with the guys. I'm really looking forward to that. [00:50:39] Speaker A: Yeah. Played at the FIBA U19 World Cup. I thought you were real impressive during that whole run, even being younger. What was that experience like for you? Just like being in that environment in a World Cup. And you guys battled against USA Basketball too. [00:50:52] Speaker C: Yeah, no, I think that was, that was a super talented group and it was a great opportunity for me just to kind of go and test myself against some good competition. I mean, there's Germany had a couple bigs right now. Hans Steinbach, he's getting drafted. I mean, obviously USA was very good. M. Johnson. There was some, some real talent in that competition and I think that just gave me a chance. Yeah. To, to kind of measure myself and see where I'm at. [00:51:20] Speaker A: What are you taking from that experience last year that you kind of, I look at you kind of like the vet on this type of roster. [00:51:25] Speaker C: Yeah. I think FIBA is a really physical game. So there's kind of a standard that you have to set out of the jump. So just letting the guys on our squad kind of know what the standard is, and that's what we have to carry into this tournament. [00:51:41] Speaker A: What do you remember about the first time Canada calling you to play? You talked about it, like going to that camp and fourth straight year playing for Canada. I think if you play FIFA U19 again next year. [00:51:52] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:51:53] Speaker A: You might go down as probably one of the most games played for an age group guy from playing U16, U17, 19 last year, 18 and then 19 again. Like, are you not tired? Like, what's that? What's that like? I'm guessing it's an honor for you to put can on your chest. [00:52:07] Speaker C: Yeah. No, I think honestly, this is a highlight of my summer. I really look forward to this every year and I think it would just be a great opportunity for me just to keep coming back. You said the first time I put the Canada under Z, I think, yeah. Like you said, I thought I was getting cut after every camp. My mom did not believe me. She's like, no, you know, they. They wanted me back. They wanted me back. So it was. It was just surreal. Like, I was surprised, honestly, but it was, it was a great opportunity. [00:52:37] Speaker A: What does it mean for you? Just like rocking Canada on the chess and playing on these stages. And guessing means extra special to your mom played too. You talked about that. [00:52:46] Speaker C: Yeah, it's awesome. I mean, my family, there, a lot of them up in Quebec, they love to support and my mom, she's French Canadian, so this is definitely a part of my identity and just means everything. [00:52:59] Speaker A: Speak any French? [00:52:59] Speaker C: I do. Yeah. [00:53:00] Speaker A: Let me hear some words. [00:53:01] Speaker C: What do you want me to say? [00:53:04] Speaker A: Tell me the best poutine spot in Quebec. Say it in French. See, I didn't speak any. I took extended French. [00:53:22] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:53:23] Speaker A: I think you said. Correct me if I'm wrong, your mom has. Makes the best poutine. [00:53:26] Speaker C: No, I'm terrible French. Almost. No, I. I always go visit my. My grandma up there, so I was close. Yeah. [00:53:35] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:53:35] Speaker C: When. When we go, we drive up. There's. There's a spot that we stop at. [00:53:40] Speaker A: Any players that you kind of like model your game after that, you kind of like see your mold in that you kind of like want to take stuff from. [00:53:48] Speaker C: I think if I. Long term, if I was able to be as versatile as Jokic, that's. That's kind of the dream. I study Hakeem in the post a lot. Just the way he finishes and he's able to get open, create space for himself. That's. That's the least something I. I look to implement in my own game. [00:54:06] Speaker A: What can People expect from yourself this tournament coming as. Like I said, the vet. [00:54:11] Speaker C: Yeah, I think I just want to be a leader, like set the tone for the team and a little bit of everything, you know, passing, rebounding, scoring. I'm trying to do it all out there. [00:54:22] Speaker A: Max Myers, one of the top up and coming players out of Canada. A real seven footer. Seven foot one. [00:54:27] Speaker C: Seven foot one. [00:54:28] Speaker A: Seven foot one. Like heading to Duke next year. I can't wait to watch you at the FIBA U18s and I can't thank you enough for dropping by, chatting with us and yeah, excited to watch. What can we expect? You guys winning gold, taking down USA for sure. [00:54:41] Speaker E: Hell yeah. [00:54:42] Speaker A: We'll see it. Max. Can't thank you enough. We'll be back after this quick little break. [00:54:45] Speaker C: Thanks for having me. [00:54:56] Speaker A: Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm joined by a guy that helped lead one of the most known high school programs in North America, the Chipotle national title game. He's been putting up numbers in the eyb. I got to come check out uplay this season. I'll probably head out to Vegas soon and watch some play over there. He is one of the top point guards coming out of Canada. It's Mississauga's own Javion Tyndale. Welcome to the show, brother. [00:55:23] Speaker D: Thank you for having me. [00:55:24] Speaker A: Appreciate you coming on FBU 18 training camp. What's the mood like right now? I've been asking people that and getting ready for this tournament. And for you, Phoebe, U18, it's very exciting. [00:55:35] Speaker D: A lot of people, you know, underestimate Canada. You know, for basketball, we're more like a hockey sport. And just me being in America, I mean, we. I get made fun of, you know, just for never winning or, you know, just. You play teams not being as successful as they should be, you know, everyone's ready to, to make a, you know, a shock. Like everyone's ready to shock the world. And, you know, we feel like the underdogs and, you know, we're ready to. Ready. We're really ready to go. [00:56:05] Speaker A: How competitive has training camp been? Because I saw you guys in April, you weren't there because you're obviously competing in the Chipotle and then you went to the all Canadian stuff. But I was like, this roster got some dogs. You know, I was kind of shocked to see that. What's been your impressions of. Of camp and just how competitive it's been? [00:56:21] Speaker D: It's been very, very competitive, you know, very physical. That's one of the things we're Focusing on just not getting punked. You know, Canadian people are, you know, soft. Other people saying, nice, too nice. And that's really what we're focusing on, not being the nice guys and just, you know, really showing everyone what Canada basketball really has to offer and, you know, just being dogs all around the floor. [00:56:45] Speaker A: Take me through your basketball journey, because I remember watching you at Crown, and I was like, who is this point guard that, like, has the ball, like, kind of on a tether, you know, like, you controlled it no matter what. Now at Montver, arguably the best program in North America. Tell me about that, the Journey. And how'd you get into basketball? [00:57:01] Speaker D: Well, my uncle. A lot of people know my uncle, David Tyndale. He played basketball at York University for four years. I think he won a lot of accolades and led his team to a lot of playoff appearances. Well, when I was younger, I watched a lot of his games, and from there I just fell in love with basketball. I started, you know, playing outside. I didn't really train at the. At start, but I started playing outside. And then, you know, I eventually picked up a lot of skill, you know, very fast. And my uncle, you know, plays a big role in that. He helped me a lot. Like, a lot. Like, I can't even thank him enough. I don't thank him enough. But, I mean, yeah, he helped me a lot. And eventually I ended up getting into Royal Crown, you know, my freshman year. You know, I learned a lot of things playing against older guys, bigger guys. A lot of people said my game would never translate to the high school level. And, you know, I always use that as motivation and just proving everyone wrong. And, you know, when I made the switch to Monvere, the same, you know, people were saying my game wouldn't transfer in America. And, you know, the first year, I started off, you know, struggling a little bit, and I took some self evaluation, you know, kind of getting back to my circle, staying close with my uncle and film studies, and a lot of, like, countless hours. You know, my second year, I kind of broke through and exceeded a lot of expectations from, you know, everybody, even myself. I never thought I was going to do what I did this year. And, you know, I'm thankful for myself just to step up in that, in that moment and, you know, lead my team to the championship. Unfortunately, we lost to another Canadian point guard. [00:58:46] Speaker A: But that's your cousin. Yeah, we'll talk about that. Because I talked to Miles at Hoop Summit, and he was like, it was so cool. Just two cousins battling on a stage. Canadiens, like. Like, I will ask you about that in a sec. But you talked about the jump to Mount Vert. What was that like, the transition? Because you're going to a program like, on the walls, you're seeing NBA player, NBA player, NBA player, All Star, all like, you know what Mount Verde is, right? What was that like? And, like, getting over there, I'm guessing it was a bit of adjustment, but now, like, being that program and. And having the keys to run the offense. [00:59:22] Speaker D: Yeah, it was crazy because when I got the call, I mean, I didn't believe it. I was in my. I was at home, and the coach called my mom, and I wasn't supposed to know. Coach called my mom, and he was saying Marvir Academy, and. And I'm thinking Cooper Flag. Like, all these big guys, big names, and I'm like, no way. Like, no way. This is like the school I'm talking about. So I end up going. And like, you know, it was. It was very, very challenging at first. Like, everyone was just like me. Everyone was athletic, taller, bigger, stronger. I was playing against guys like Dante Allen, who's at Miami in the acc, CJ Ingram, who's at Florida and the sec. Like, I'm playing against these big level big guys. Like, these guys are strong, bigger than me, you know, older than me, know a lot more. And it was challenging. And I eventually just adjusted. And, you know, the way I found time on the floor was just in practice where I was going at them like I would never back down. I feel like that's what really set my game up for this year. And just my confidence going to the AAU summer because I didn't really play a lot, so a lot of people. My uncle kind of told me, like, you know, I was getting worse and, you know, just to motivate me, things like that. And I really wanted to prove him. Like, I'm not getting worse. Like, I'm just taking. You know, like, this game's mental. I was really taking a mental gap, you know, that year, and it translated a lot for the next year. So now I could teach a lot of these younger guys that were coming in, and even some of the older guys, like, I'm ready. I'm here to play. You know what I mean? [01:01:02] Speaker A: Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think people expected you guys to get the Chipotle. Like, I don't think you guys started off that well, but then I think you might have be prolific at one point. [01:01:11] Speaker D: Yeah, we start. We started off 04. [01:01:13] Speaker A: Damn. [01:01:13] Speaker D: We lost our first preseason game. To Central point. Guy had 35 points on us, but we lost our first game in Mount Verde, like, in years, and it was our team that lost the first game, and we lost three in a row consecutively. And we're all looking at each other like, man, what are we gonna do? Like, we can't be the worst mall vert team. [01:01:34] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:01:34] Speaker D: You know, so we ended up losing a few guys. Some guys got hurt, unfortunately. And that just. We had five guys, really, that we. We really played is me, Joe Filon, who's at ucla, Dahani Miller, who's at Kent State, Omnida Lancy, who's. Who's. I think he's 39th in the country, and Bo Daniels, 55th in the country. So that was our starting five, and we had no one else to really, you know, help contribute, but, like, you know, Nikos Kalisjones, who's at Furman. And we had a lot of young guys, unexperienced, guys that haven't played in, like, you know, EYBL Scholastics and a lot of, like, these big tournaments. Right. It's a lot of pressure. And when we beat Prolific, it was like, guys, we can actually do this. And after that, everything took off. [01:02:20] Speaker A: What was like going up against your cousin in the. Miles Sadler headed to West Virginia and a battle when you guys. He's telling me you guys realized your cousins, I think, was randomly. But what was that like when you guys played against each other? [01:02:34] Speaker D: It was crazy. In the fifth grade, we found out we're cousins. We're playing on the same AU team. I knew him for a long time. I just didn't know we were cousins. [01:02:42] Speaker A: Thank you. [01:02:44] Speaker D: I didn't know we're cousins. And we found out. Grant, my grandfather told me. I think it's his grandmother and my grandfather related. So, yeah, we found out we were cousins. And then, yeah, from there. And then we played each other and, you know, in the finals. And it was like, it was crazy to see him on the other team. Like, it's just. It was surreal. Like, a lot of people didn't understand, like, the backstory and how much times I played him. And, you know, unfortunately, he won, but I'm gonna get him back for sure. [01:03:15] Speaker A: College. Yeah, College tap in. I'll be waiting for that. You mentioned your uncle David Tyndale trains a lot of NBA guys. Dylan Brooks, notably. How often would you just see that and, like, that kind of rub off on you, where I'm guessing you're in the gym with those guys and you're going through the same workouts, and it's like, hey, I can compete at this level. And it's just contagious. Right where they're. Dylan Brooks's work ethic is probably rubbing off on you. [01:03:40] Speaker D: Yeah. The first NBA player I saw, you know, my uncle trained was Dick Stauskas. He's from Mississauga. Nick Stauskis. He used to train hard. Like, very, very hard. [01:03:49] Speaker A: Elite shooter. [01:03:50] Speaker D: And it was like, I watched how he shot. My uncle used to tell me, like, just watch. Don't even speak. Don't do anything. Just watch. And I would watch exactly how he landed and how his shot was the same every time. And the way he's running in the conditioning, like, he's actually pushing himself to the point where, like, he's. When he's twisting his shirt, there's water coming out, like, sweat off of his shirt. So, like, that was like. I wanted to. I wanted to do that. I wanted to have, like, sweat coming off my shirt, too. Just, you know, just working that hard. I just. I was insane. I was insane. I wanted to work that hard, you know, to. My body couldn't do it anymore. And then Dylan Brooks, obviously was at Oregon. I didn't know my uncle trained him. I saw. I didn't know who he was until he was in the NBA. So, yeah, Dylan Broach. And then, like, just a lot of guys, and I just study all of them. I just see how they act in workouts. I just see how, like, you know, their preparation from before, from after, what they eat. I just pay attention to a lot of little details like that, yeah, Isaiah [01:04:55] Speaker A: Hamilton is about to join you at Mount Vert. Did you hit him up like, yo, slide over over here, man. It's beautiful. Like, did you talk to him at all? What's. What's the excitement level having him? [01:05:05] Speaker D: Well, what people don't know is I told him from the start of the year, this year, I said, yo, like, this will be a great spot for us. And from there, he kind of. He didn't really, like, commit right away, but I was telling him, like, over the season, like, yo, like, you could. You see what we're doing? Like, we need you. You would be a great, great fit. We need you here in Canadian connection duo. And, you know, yeah, I'm excited to [01:05:32] Speaker A: see the lobs thrown, the way he jumps up and you just floating it up to him. That's going to be very exciting. I think ESPN just ranked him, like, number two in the class of 2028. [01:05:42] Speaker D: Yeah. [01:05:43] Speaker A: What's the latest in your Recruitment. Tell me about that and talking to college coaches. What's that? What's that been like? YBL sessions going very well for you so far? [01:05:50] Speaker D: Yeah, well, today I found out I was ranked 89th in the country on ESPN out of the 100. [01:05:56] Speaker A: You know, how's that make you feel? [01:05:59] Speaker D: It's a good feeling, but I know there's a lot I can definitely get higher. There's a lot of guys up there that I'm gonna catch a lot of names I've written down. Recruitment, I'm. I'm going to commit pretty soon. I'm very excited. I gotta still take these visits, but you know, the, the decisions, you know, coming down, coming close. Yeah. [01:06:20] Speaker A: Excited. [01:06:20] Speaker D: Yeah, very, very excited to ride where I go next year. [01:06:24] Speaker A: For you though, like, what do you look for in a school? Just tell me about that. And how do you see your game translating to the next level? [01:06:30] Speaker D: I look for an opportunity. An opportunity is all I'm all I'm asking for a fair chance. You know, I know they bring a lot of transfers. So, you know, obviously I said, I mentioned I worked my way on the floor, you know, at Montverd my first year. So, you know, I'm not new to that, you know, I know it's not going to just be handed to me. So just an opportunity, you know, and just a family like environment where like I'm being coached. Not just, not just, you know, like as a person, you know, like just simple tasks like that and just, you know, it's, it's a, it's a good environment. [01:07:05] Speaker A: And yeah, I feel like you're underrated. I feel like you have an underdog type of story. Similar to Miles, kind of way. Like Miles is like, he's been killing it and it's still like not even McDonald's All American, which is kind of crazy, you know. But when people talk about you, they talk same thing with Miles, talk about the height. What's that like for you? Like, trying to overcome that and then also just like showing that like hard over height at points to where it's like you are dominating in the high school stage. And that stuff doesn't really matter. [01:07:32] Speaker D: You know, I don't really pay attention to the, you know, the height stuff because, you know, if you can play basketball, you can play basketball. Obviously they, they try and challenge, they try and say there's a challenge, like a difference. If you're a 6, 5 point guard and a 5, 9 point guard, the 6, 5 point guard could do stuff that, you know, I feel like my Height's an advantage. You know, I feel like miles height was definitely an advantage. You couldn't stop him from coming off the ball screen. He's splitting. He's getting the areas you can't get to. So, like, I feel like it's a. It's a big advantage, and there's a lot of small guards coming up in the 2027 class. You're going to see, like, not all of us are six five and six, six, six, four. I mean, Beckham Black is the only guard that's, like, above, you know, the height limit. That's a point guard. [01:08:18] Speaker A: Yep. [01:08:18] Speaker D: But every other guard is, you know, barely even six foot. And you're gonna see a big change, a big shift in. In the college basketball in the next years. [01:08:29] Speaker A: When did you get a call to play this? Tell me about that. And what was that reaction where it's like, I'm expecting the ball to be in your hands a lot. [01:08:36] Speaker D: Yeah, I was with. I was in my dorm at Monverd, and some of the Team USA guys were there, and I was just telling them, like, yo, y', all. Y'. All. Y' all gonna see something, like, real soon. Like, it's not gonna be easy. Like, you know what I'm saying? They haven't lost ever in. In the U17 or U18. But this year, like, it could be a real. Real, like, difference. Real challenge for them. [01:09:01] Speaker A: Yeah. And for you, what players do you like watching? And maybe, like, model. You're not model, but, like, take bits and pieces from and to add to [01:09:10] Speaker D: your game, you know, not to give away any of my uncle's sauce or nothing, but, you know, before. Before my games, I like to watch a lot of con sex in transition. This is. I'm giving the exact regimen exactly what I do. Okay. So, yeah, I want to pay. Y' all might want to pay attention. [01:09:25] Speaker A: This is Gems right here. [01:09:27] Speaker D: I like to watch Colin sex and transition before my games, you know, because he. He's able to dissect, you know, the floor balance while having the ball still in his hands. I like watching Tyrese Maxey's transition clips. And then I like watching Brunson's isos. The way he uses his patience, his pace, obviously, Steph Curry, the way he can create separation. Triyoung. I like watching triyoung. His floater. When he knows to pass, when he knows to shoot. Yeah, Players like that. [01:10:04] Speaker A: Yeah. For yourself. What can we expect from JV on tender this upcoming tournament? Fiber U18. And just watching you play, you can [01:10:15] Speaker D: expect a real Real dog. Like a real team leader. Like floor general. Just when they need a. When they need something, I'm going to be doing it. And, you know, I think it's all just. We're all just gonna gel. And not saying just for me, but in general, I think we all like each other and we all have one common goal. So, you know. [01:10:40] Speaker A: Yeah, I need some trash talking. Can I expect that from you? Because I saw you at the All Canadian game and you're. You're going at it with some guys, you know, so I need that type of energy. [01:10:48] Speaker D: No, for sure. That's. [01:10:49] Speaker E: That's me. [01:10:49] Speaker D: That's what gets myself going. That's a little trick, you know, if you're not feeling it talking yourself or talking to someone else, you have to respond back. So. [01:10:59] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:10:59] Speaker A: And last thing for you, wearing Canada chess, what does that mean for you? [01:11:03] Speaker D: It's crazy. It's an honor. When I got my jersey, I couldn't stop smiling because my last. Like, my last name is on the jersey. And my favorite number, too. I picked number three. That's my number. So it's. It's crazy, you know, my uncle was number 11 and my dad's number 11, and everyone in my family wore number 11 and. And I just wanted to pick my own thing. I like number three, the way it looked. It's my grandmother's favorite number. So. You know Marva Tyndale, she's an author from Mississauga. I grew up with her a lot, so just to represent, you know, my grandma and. Yeah. [01:11:37] Speaker A: Shout out to grandma. This one's for you. Excited to watch you. Javion Tindale, FIBA U18, one of the top point guards coming out of Canada, will continue to fall. I'm gonna come check you out. Eybl. That's a promise. All right. [01:11:47] Speaker D: Yes, sir. [01:11:48] Speaker A: We'll be back after this with another player. FIBU 18 training camp after this. [01:11:54] Speaker D: Yes, sir. [01:12:04] Speaker A: Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball Show. I'm joined by one of the top players in the class of 2027. It's coming off of OSBA championship. I know you like to hear that from Fort Erie. He's been racking up NCAA offers. From left to right, it's Alberta's own Dangan Gore. [01:12:21] Speaker B: Welcome, brother. [01:12:21] Speaker C: How you doing, sir? [01:12:22] Speaker E: I'm good, man. How are you? [01:12:23] Speaker A: Good, good, good. Nice to see you. Last time I saw you, I think it would have been OSB championships. FBU 18 training camp. It's good to see you here. What's the mood like? Tell me about that. What's the vibe, like, getting ready for this tournament. [01:12:35] Speaker E: I'm very excited. I mean, I've been. I've been dreaming about this moment for a while, ever since I started playing basketball. Like, Team Canada was one of the things that was on my list. And then, like, I've been cut a couple of times, like U17 a couple years ago. Last year, U19, I was hurt, but, like, U18, this is my year. So I'm just very excited and honored to play. [01:12:56] Speaker A: You talk about a bulletin material being part of this team. What's that, like, wearing can on your chest come from where you come from? [01:13:03] Speaker E: I mean, it means. It means everything. I mean, Alberta, like, we don't really have that many good basketball players. I'd say, like tj, Wall, Patrick on Amali, a couple Boo Boo Benjamin, a couple guys that played for. For Team Canada from Alberta. And then me and Nathan. Like, I'm just happy that we're both next up and playing and representing Alberta. [01:13:22] Speaker A: I want to talk about Alberta basketball. I feel like you guys are on the rise. Yeah, I had Kev on this podcast, you know, Cav my guy, and he was like, I think Alberta might be the best province. I think he said. I think he might have said Alberta. It might have been Ontario and then. [01:13:35] Speaker D: Or might have been. [01:13:36] Speaker A: You might have said Alberta, Quebec and then Ontario. I feel like Ontario is lacking for you. Like, what's it like seeing the rise in Alberta basketball, seeing you guys compete and just like, showcase your talents? [01:13:48] Speaker E: I mean, like, Alberta, like. Like, we. We definitely have guys down there, like, starting to have the resources. Like, we got a lot of trainers, Kenny Cakes, Dave Singleton. We got coaches like Eddie Richardson as well, Matt Daly. Like, we have all the resources there. It's just like, I feel like a lot of people didn't have, like, the. The competitiveness that, you know, some of us have. So that's why, like, when I name guys like TJ and Patrick and Booboo, like, those are guys who compete. And then me, like, I feel like I just got a different type of level of competitiveness to me. And that's what I really bring this summer to Team Alberta. Like, training camp. We were going at it, like, we're really. I mean, there was some fights. You know, a lot of. [01:14:29] Speaker A: I love to hear that. [01:14:30] Speaker E: You know what I mean? That's how we really compete out there. And then, like, as you've seen, like, we brought it to Canada games. I mean, we lost our first game to Quebec, but, you know, we had to take one loss just to. To Build from it. And that's what we really did. So that was great, winning that championship. [01:14:45] Speaker A: My favorite thing about you, we'll get into a bit, is just like I call you, like, if I wanted to be like, if I was good at basketball. [01:14:51] Speaker E: Yeah. [01:14:51] Speaker A: And I was a guy, I like to play like you, to be honest, just like the dog, you know, like the. Like you talk trash at points, you know, it's like that type of like, I feel like it's. It's the lost start, it's kind of going away, it's still there, but it's kind of like you bring that competitive fire. But when did you get into basketball? Tell me about that. What's your origin story getting to this game? And how did it all start for you? [01:15:11] Speaker E: So before I actually used to play soccer, I used to play soccer until I was about 11 or 12 years old. 12 years old. I had like a little growth spurt. I grew from like 5, 6 to like, I think it was 5, 10, 5, 11. And I was the tallest of my grade 6 class. And then I was like, I gotta start, you know, using my height to something. So that just decided I should start playing basketball. And then, yeah, I had a little trainer back home, started training with him a bit, and then started taking it more seriously. And then a couple years go by, I think I was 14, 15. That's when I met Eddie Richardson. And then he got me started with Genesis, played, made hoops. And then it's been up since then for sure. [01:15:52] Speaker A: What was it like growing up in Alberta, too? Just talking about. Because when I think of Alberta, I'm like, what is there to do outside of Banff? Like, what is there? Like, what was it like growing up in Alberta? [01:16:00] Speaker E: So I'm. I'm originally from Grand Prairie, Alberta. It's a small city, northern Alberta. I was there till I was about, I think 14, 15, before I moved to Calgary. You know, growing up there, like the black community, I'd say it's not small, but it's not big. Like, there's not that many now. There's a lot of black people, but back then, and like until about like 2023, 2022, before I moved, like, there wasn't that many black people, but like the black people, everybody really knew each other. So it was kind of like a family. Grand Prairie, you know, basketball over there, though, it's nothing serious, to be honest. I was like, when I was 14, that's when I started playing Genesis. But I was still somewhat living in Grand Prairie, but I was Staying in my auntie's house in Calgary for most of the time. And like it was, it's. It's different out there. Especially like basketball wise in Grand Prairie. Not, not competitive at all. So that's what really made my decision to move to Calgary. And also my dad was, he was also working in Calgary, so it kind of made sense for just our whole family to move over there. And yeah, in Calgary, I feel like the basketball, it's, it's pretty big there. There's a lot of good clubs. I'd say they got Genesis Supreme Rise, Prolific Sports House. Like there's, there's definitely the resources there and the clubs there. It's just like, not as I said, like the competitiveness. It's just. It's not really there in everyone. There's a couple guys like that. But basketball right now, it's starting to, to grow more over there for sure. [01:17:30] Speaker A: Your rise talk about it too. At Fort Erie, playing in the grind session, what's that been like for you? And I'm watching, I'm gonna come watch out some EYBL games later I think in July. But you guys have been, you've been racking up offers left and right. What's that been like? [01:17:46] Speaker E: So I'm actually playing on Adidas. [01:17:48] Speaker A: Sorry, you're playing Lou Dortort Elite? Sorry. Yes. [01:17:50] Speaker E: And I just, I really think first with that, that was a great switch. I just feel like I got more opportunity at Lieu Dort to showcase my skills. And I just like, don't get me wrong, Uplay is a great program. They have the great players. But you know, when you're playing with a lot of great players, you don't really have the chance to show everything. But yet when I'm on Brooklyn, there's still great players there, but I'm really the main guy there. So I, you know, I get the ball a lot. I have more room to make mistakes, I'd say. And the coaches really believe in me there for sure. What was the other question? [01:18:24] Speaker A: Sorry for yourself, like going to Fort Erie talk about that decision. [01:18:27] Speaker E: Oh yeah. I mean, I feel like playing the grind session too. Yeah, playing the grind session. I mean first that thing, it's very competitive over there. Every game is usually close. You know, you got a lot of great players there, coaches coming out to watch and it's just amazing environment to compete in and just making the decision to go to Fort Erie. So first it was actually, I think it was October 2023 or 2024. That was 2024. I was with Edge on the varsity team, and we went over to Fort Erie and we actually played them. I wasn't playing that much, but just watching them, the way they play. They play, the way they act, how they're like a family there, it just felt like. And looked so pro. And then ever since that day, I watched them play, I wanted to come here, like, a lot, but I never, like, reached out to the coach. So then time went on, and then I was playing Nike with Genesis, and then Cavachon reached out to me, and then Tutu called me, said, oh, you know, Cav Likes, you should think about coming here. In my mind, I wanted to come here, like, since. So once he called me, like, it was a decision like this. Like, I was. My dad was like, oh, take your time. But, you know, I. I wanted to make a decision quick because I knew I wanted to come here for sure. [01:19:44] Speaker A: Yeah. Tell me about the latest in your recruitment. What's that been like? You got offers from West Virginia, Georgia Tech recently? No. You know, these offered you San Diego recently, New Mexico, Ball State. What's that been like, getting all these schools reach out and guessing? It's been everything you've kind of been hoping for. [01:20:01] Speaker E: Yeah, I mean, like, if I was little, looking back, like, looking. Looking at this, I'd be like. Like, wow. Like, you know, I'd be proud of myself for sure. I still have a long way to go, but right now I feel like I'm in a very good position. My recruitment's been starting to heat up these last couple weeks in Adidas. I've been playing pretty good. I got. Actually got hit in the lip last. Last week during the live period, and I only played one game. I got stitches, Five of them. So I just got them out. But even though I didn't play, I still got quite a bit of offers, got coaches texting me. So, you know, it's starting to heat up. I haven't really thought about where I'm going yet. I just want to finish out the season, you know, see what I got at the end. Towards the end of aau and then start cutting it down and we'll see from there. [01:20:47] Speaker A: What are you looking for in school? When it comes to, like, this is sort of my style. This is kind of how I fit and. Yeah. What's the ideal school for you? [01:20:57] Speaker E: Well, for me, I prioritize development over everything. I really want to go to a school that would put time into me, effort into me, and, you know, how it's. It's really a business now and, like, if one guy's not playing good, they'll just say, you know, get to the next guy. And that's not what I'm really looking for. I'm looking for somewhere that I can just develop, you know, one, two, three years get there. Because my goal is NBA for sure. And I just want to go somewhere that can develop me the fastest and the best. And also I really like family environment as well. Like for Erie, I feel like everybody around me, like they love each other. You know, like in the dorms, we're always going to each other's room, you know, talking to each other, conversating. 2K. You know, there's a bunch of stuff we do over there. [01:21:42] Speaker A: Play 2K? [01:21:43] Speaker E: Yeah, a little bit. Not too much. I'm more. I like playing Warzone, Call of Duty, Wars. That's why I really play. [01:21:47] Speaker A: Let me know if you want the belts. I'm gonna use Victor though. [01:21:52] Speaker D: It's kind of unfair for sure. [01:21:55] Speaker E: But yeah, I really like the, the family like culture for sure. And you know, like nil. [01:22:02] Speaker D: Money is a. [01:22:03] Speaker E: It's a big thing. But for me it's development over money for sure. Because, you know, the development will get you money in the long run. [01:22:10] Speaker A: Of course. And how do you see your game plan, like translating to the college level? [01:22:14] Speaker E: Oh, well, I feel like from last year, like, as you've seen, I wasn't really shooting the ball that much. Attacking. I was really mostly playing the five, I guess I'd say. But I say that really, like I can, I can defend, I can block shots. Right now I'm working on my playmaking coming downhill. I feel like when that's coming in, coming in. All right. Like I'll be really dangerous at the college level. I also feel like my 3 point shots looking very consistent. So that will also translate and as well, like, I don't know if most people know, but I'm really big on leadership too. Like at the camp, like whoever's on my team, like when we're attacking mismatches, like I'm coming in, bringing them together. I'm talking a lot, you know, bringing energy. People have their head down. I'm bringing it up. So I feel like that leadership would also take me far at the college level. [01:23:04] Speaker A: Yeah. What is Charles kind of expecting from you? I know you know him well for Erie ties. And what is he expecting from you in this PBUA team? [01:23:10] Speaker E: Well, he's expecting. I'd say I think he's expecting the most out of everyone because he knows me the best, you know. Like, we've had talks. Like, there's a lot of stuff he wants me to do, and I got an offensive rebound a lot. He wants me to. He say. He says I'm getting a little soft on the defensive side, so he wants me to get that fiery anger back, he says. And, like, he's just really expecting the best for me. Leadership as well. Like, he wants me to lead these guys, you know, because I know. I know what he's looking for as well. So, you know, I'm just wanting to apply that to the rest of the team. [01:23:44] Speaker A: Yeah. What's the chemistry? You talked about it, like. And I watched the April camp. [01:23:49] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:23:50] Speaker A: I think watch the scrimmages, and I was kind of shocked. I was like. Not to say, like, I didn't expect much from the Phoebe U18s. [01:23:57] Speaker E: Yeah. [01:23:58] Speaker A: But I was like, you guys have some dogs. I was, like, shocked that you dunked on a guy and, like, stared him down, looked him down. That video still going viral. And then I was like, this is some dogs. You got some. Some. What can we expect from this team? [01:24:12] Speaker E: Yeah, I mean, like, one thing Charles said at the start of training camp, he said he wants this to be the most physical training camp Mike Meeks has ever seen. And I feel like that's what we're. We're. We're showing right now. And just I feel like the chemistry, like, you know, most of these guys I already know pretty well, but, like, some of them as well. [01:24:31] Speaker B: Like. [01:24:31] Speaker E: Like some of the godson, I don't really know him too much, but right now we're already cool. Like, I'm starting to know him really well, and it's just like, I feel like we already got that chemistry built up. Like, we all like each other. Nobody. I don't think anybody's showing fake love or anything. And we're just. I feel like we're also already moving, like, that family culture that I'm looking for in a college program. I'd say yeah, yeah. [01:24:51] Speaker A: For you. Any players you like watching that you kind of. I wouldn't say model, but, like, take bits and pieces that you add to your game. [01:24:58] Speaker E: Well, I'm trying to. I'm trying to. I don't really. I wouldn't say watch anybody to, like, model my game after, but I'd say Kawhi Leonard. I'm trying to. I'm trying to model it now because the way he just beats his man, one or two dribbles, and it's just very physical. You know what I mean? Like, he bumps into his into. His guy gets into the mid range. That's something I'm looking for as well. Yeah, I'd say. Really? Really. Kawhi Leonard, that's someone that I look up to. [01:25:27] Speaker A: Did you have a fair player growing up or maybe Canadian player that you. That you watched? [01:25:31] Speaker E: Well, my favorite player is of all time is kd. I love watching him play. His highlights are just electric. But right now, Anthony Edwards for sure. [01:25:41] Speaker A: Yeah. I feel like you kind of. And where's talks a lot of trash. [01:25:46] Speaker B: That's what I. [01:25:47] Speaker A: Can I get this promise? [01:25:48] Speaker E: Yeah. [01:25:48] Speaker A: If you guys play usa, I need you to talk trash. I need you to like, you know, I need to tell them, yo, we got some talent over here and it's gonna be a good show. What can we expect you from you and kind of like going into maybe your senior year goals for yourself. Kind of looking into like maybe this summer and like ahead. [01:26:07] Speaker E: Oh, well, I mean, first to just commit to a. To a great college program. I haven't really made my decision, but I'd rather do it earlier in the year and just really focus on winning. I want to cause for Erie. They're losing quite a bit of guys, but we got a lot of guys coming in, and I just want to set the expectation as soon as everybody comes in, you know, I want to be the leader as well, lead all the guys and just have a very successful, successful season for sure. [01:26:35] Speaker A: You talked about it. Losing guys. Eli's going to Santa Clara. Promise is going to George Washington. What's that like where it's like now all eyes on you. [01:26:43] Speaker D: Yeah. [01:26:44] Speaker A: Balls in your hands. You ready for this? Shout to them, you know, but they did the thing too. [01:26:48] Speaker E: Shout out them for sure. I mean, I'd say this year I was. I was really like. I wouldn't say. I'd say I was reliable on them quite a bit. Like, you know, I'm not getting a bucket. I just see Promise. I'm like, let me just give him the bucks. You know, I trust. I trust him. [01:27:00] Speaker A: Like, you know what I mean? [01:27:02] Speaker E: Yeah. Same with Eli. Like, I know we can just go get a bucket, but I feel like, yeah, there's. There's a lot of pressure on me. Kemi, Steve, Darnell, Devonte, they're all letting me know, you know, that. That next year it's. It's your year. You're going to be having the ball a lot. And you know, like, me and. Me and Darnell are in the gym twice a day working out or lifting weights a lot too, you know, getting Ready for that, Working on a lot of passing playmaking. So I'm just going to be ready to show all that. For sure. I'm excited. [01:27:32] Speaker A: I mentioned one, obviously, OSP championships. What was that like, that experience? And I would say I think Promise was hurt during the NPAs. You guys probably have a shot at that potentially. That game against really goes a bit different. Yeah. What was that like winning OSBAs and then MPS to where it's like you guys probably thought you could bring it to. [01:27:56] Speaker E: I feel like osba, it felt like, to be honest, it felt fake. Winning, like it felt fake. [01:28:03] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:28:04] Speaker E: Winning with those guys especially, you know, like Promise, Eli, Anthony Ponga, PC Davin, like Crew, all these guys, man. Like, like we're just with each other so much. Like, it, it was just. It felt great winning like the, the last couple seconds of the game, like it felt the slowest ever. Yeah, for sure. Like, I was watching the ball go. Somebody shot a half court. I was watching the ball go up. I was like, damn, it's been in the air for a minute. But like that game especially as well, you know, Promise was just amazing, you know, like, I just literally just gave him the ball, told him, you know, do whatever, because I know, I know he's going to score, get to the line. And that's what he did. He had about like 30 or something. But after that, translating to Ridley NPA, I feel like one thing as well is like since they lost osba, you know, you seen how we were celebrating too. Like, probably brought some type of grit or, you know, something out of them. So they brought that for sure. And I feel like we were also like a little bit too relaxed and, you know, without Promise, we should have been even more hungry, you know, especially me to get my own because, you know, that's one of the main scorers out. But yeah, we got, we got smacked. We weren't ready for that. But, you know, next year I promise you, like, we'll be ready for that for sure. [01:29:17] Speaker A: Redemption season on the way for you off the court. [01:29:21] Speaker E: What's. [01:29:21] Speaker A: What's something people don't know about? Dang. Like what do you like doing free time? Do you have favorite show? Like, what's. [01:29:26] Speaker E: So. Right now I'm actually watching Snowfall. [01:29:28] Speaker A: Okay. [01:29:28] Speaker E: TV show. You know, it's. [01:29:30] Speaker A: It's a really good idea to tap in. [01:29:31] Speaker E: Yeah. [01:29:31] Speaker B: You need to tell the homies. [01:29:32] Speaker A: Watch. I'm like, I don't know. [01:29:33] Speaker E: It's long though. I'm not going. It's long. But like, I mean, I feel like, because At Fort Erie, you're really just hooping or nothing else to do. So that's really one thing I really do in my free time. I also like playing Warzone, GTA and 2K with my friends as well. A game a bit. And then I'm also a big fan of anime. You know, I really like One Piece, you know, Naruto, Attack on Titan. Those are. Those are my three favorites right now. And you know, I love watching anime as well, for sure. [01:30:02] Speaker A: What I'll say too about you is I feel like you got a large support system. Yeah, I see on. We post anything about you on TikTok. Yeah, the comments are just about what's that like, seeing like, I'm guessing a lot of support back home. What's. What's that like for you? [01:30:14] Speaker E: Like, I feel like when I go back home, I feel like I'm. I'd say like everybody knows when I'm back home, I guess because I feel like every time I'm there, people see me, you know, they'll come for pictures and stuff. I don't think I'm like a celebrity or anything, but like, I just, I love, I love seeing the love for sure. And like, because Alberta, they don't have, you know, that many great players are, like, when people are great out there, like, you don't really see them come back a lot. But like me, like, I'll go back to Genesis, you know, go show them love at games. Last year I played for them too. Like, I love the support back home a lot for sure. [01:30:49] Speaker A: I see you got the South Sudan. [01:30:51] Speaker D: Yeah. [01:30:52] Speaker A: Bracelet. Tell me about that. And I'm East African, so, you know, me's a bit different for me too. But what's that like seeing the wave of talent too? Talk about Marriott, Texas Tech, you know, like you guys are putting on what's that like to represent Canada, but also South Sudan. [01:31:05] Speaker E: I mean, like, I feel like South Sudan's a really big part of me, you know, you see a lot of people, a lot of South Sudan's wearing this bracelet. I got this from my mom a couple years ago. But one thing that, like, you know, when I put this on is just knowing that South Sudan is like, when I went there, it's not really. There's not anything there, to be honest. Like, looking back, like, I went back home to the village because that's where my parents are from. And like, there's really, like, there's nothing there, to be honest. Like, there's a market that's like about five minutes from my dad's house. But, like, there's all there is, is like tea, maybe chickens to buy. Like, there's not much you can buy there. So I think it just made me, like, realize I got to appreciate everything a lot because I went back home. I think it was 20, 19 when I was younger too. And ever since then, like, I just feel like I've appreciated everything more, you know, knowing that, like, I got a lot of cousins, like when I was there, they're asking me, they're like, because they think I'm from America. So they're like, oh, can we come to America? Can you take me to America? I'm like, no, it's not as works. You need a passport and everything. So, like, you know, I got a big, big, big part in my heart for, for South Sudan for sure. And that's why I really wear this bracelet. [01:32:16] Speaker A: Shout out to South Sudan. Excited to watch you play for Canada. Can I get a. I need a poster. I told you, I need trash talking. [01:32:23] Speaker E: I got you. [01:32:23] Speaker A: We need the clips, you know, the ora farmer. We need that. So dang, excited to watch you again. Fiber U18 training camp. And yeah, appreciate you just taking the time chatting with us and we're excited to watch you play this summer. [01:32:37] Speaker D: Thank you. [01:32:38] Speaker E: I enjoyed this for sure. Thank you very much. [01:32:40] Speaker A: This has been the Canadian Basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball FIBA U18 training camp as they get set to head out to Mexico hoping to bring a gold. Can't thank you enough, Max, Javion and Dang for joining us. And we out.