CEGEP D2 Provincials Watchlist: 8 Players to Know

Written by:

QChoopslover - Marc

The Maple Minute

CEGEP is Québec’s unique bridge between high school and university competition. Since in Quebec high school ends at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years, where they compete in RSEQ leagues that serve as a key development stage before moving on to university. The D2 league sits just below D1 and remains a competitive and physical environment filled with older, more mature players who are often ready to contribute immediately at the next level. It has already produced notable names such as Ismaël Diouf at Northern Iowa, Sultan Bhatti at Brandon University, and Chris Evrard Malonga at Nipissing, with many more following that path each year.

The league is divided into two regions. The Sud Ouest, which includes nine teams from the greater Montréal area, is the deeper and more talent dense side of the league. The Nord Est, which includes eighteen teams from the Québec City region, brings its own style and depth. Both regions battle through their playoffs to send four teams each to Provincials, held this weekend from April 17 to 19 at Cégep Montmorency.

This watchlist focuses on the eight teams that qualified for Provincials and highlights one key player per program.

Jérémie Gibon

6'1 Class of 2027

Thetford

Thetford relies heavily on its top players to make plays, and Jérémieties everything together. He controlled the tempo throughout the regionals, using his IQ to pressure defenses, shoot confidently out of the pick-and-roll, and make the right reads even as fatigue set in. He also showed the ability to score at all three levels: transition buckets, threes, tough drives, and timely assists, all while bringing real defensive presence both on and off the ball. 

Julian Rosa

6'4 Class of 2026

Vanier

Julian was already featured in the last article for the way he operated as a true offensive hub, and that same versatility becomes even more important at Provincials. He screened, facilitated handoffs, posted smaller defenders, and even created in isolation, giving Vanier a forward who could generate offense from multiple spots on the floor. He also brought real defensive value, guarding multiple positions, jumping passing lanes, and controlling the glass with strength and consistency, which added another layer to his impact. Because Vanier’s half-court system runs through the middle with constant movement, backdoor actions, and handoff sequences, Julian’s decision-making and ability to read pressure were central to keeping their offense flowing. His blend of scoring, physicality, playmaking, and defensive presence fits perfectly with a team that relies on pace, cutting, and shared creation. He was the centerpiece that made their structure work.

Thomas Pépin

6'3

Class of 2026

Limoilou

Limoilou is one of the most complete teams in the league, with size, shooting, and multiple players who can take on responsibilities. Within that structure, Thomas brings a valuable blend of size, poise, and shot creation. He is a lights-out shooter on the catch and also has tough three-point shotmaking off the dribble, giving Limoilou a reliable option when possessions break down. His handle creates just enough separation to reach his spots, and he showed real variety as a shooter with pull-ups, catch-and-shoot looks, and quick pickups over contests. On a very balanced team, Thomas provides the spacing, decision-making, and individual scoring spark that elevates their offense.

Yann Paré

5'11 Class of 2027

André‑Laurendeau

Yann’s impact was already detailed in the previous article, where his feel, communication, and passing controlled the Sud Ouest bracket. Heading into Provincials, that same ability to manage tempo becomes even more important. AL plays with pace but also relies on structured half-court execution, and Yann’s command of actions, shot making, and ability to create advantages with his eyes make him the organizer who keeps everything connected. 

Elliot Lunn

6'1

Class of 2027

Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke plays at a fast pace, runs clean sets, and relies on multiple guards to initiate action, and Elliot fits that identity perfectly. He is a high-IQ ballhandler who controlled games with pace and elite footwork, scoring with touch while maintaining his line on drives. His three-point shooting showed real variety. Elliot’s ability to stay composed, create advantages, and make reads under pressure makes him the guard who keeps their offense flowing.

Julio Massa

6'5

Class of 2026

Dawson

Julio was already highlighted in the last article for the way he powered Dawson through the Sud Ouest playoffs, and those same strengths translate directly to Provincials. His full-court pressure, physical drives, and ability to turn his team defense into offense fit perfectly with Dawson’s fast-paced identity. What stands out now is how his physical tools, rebounding ability, and downhill pressure can influence matchups.

Nathan Champagne

6'1 Class of 2027

Séminaire de Sherbrooke

Nathan's IQ and ability to get to the rim consistently created the advantages his team needed. He finished with both hands, used deception and footwork to beat bigger defenders, and played far above his size on both ends. He often had to play out of position, defend larger matchups, and carry more responsibility than most guards in the league. His versatility and ability to draw made him the engine of a team that relied heavily on his creation.

Dardaye Bah

6'2

Class of 2028

Édouard‑Montpetit

Dardaye’s shot creation and composure were already highlighted in the previous article, and Provincials give him another stage to show why he was a First Team All-Star. He is not a pure rim attacker, but his pace, communication, and rebounding make him a stabilizing presence in most games. Édouard Montpetit leans on creators when sets break down, and Dardaye’s ability to manufacture offense under multiple situations makes him their anchor in tight moments.

Provincials tip off at Montmorency from April 17 to 19, and the quarterfinals are now set:

Vanier against Séminaire de Sherbrooke,

André Laurendeau against Sherbrooke,

Dawson vs Thetford and

Édouard Montpetit against Limoilou.

Each team arrives with a clear identity, and every player highlighted here represents the competitive edge that brought their program to this stage.

If you want more context, full game links, or notes on other standout players from across the league, you can reach out through my page. I share additional insights and help connect programs with athletes exploring their next steps.

Contact Info: https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover