I made the road trip from Saskatoon to Edmonton to watch over 120 teams gathered in Edmonton for the 2024 Good Hoops Classic. Having coached in the ACAC from 2002-2010, I was able to watch 40+ games in facilities that were very familiar to me. Having watched hundreds of players over the years in these gyms, I can say the talent I saw this weekend will all have amazing basketball careers and coaches at all levels need to take note.
Favian Mbaoma
Position: F
Height: 6’9
School : WCPA
Club: Good Hoops 18U/ UPLAY West EYCL
Class: 2025
Favian was the dominate player in this tourney leading Good Hoops 18U to the platinum division title and picking up MVP honors along the way. He plays with a high motor that makes him a dominate rebounder and shot blocker. His ability to finish above the rim in traffic makes him a prospect that coaches can not afford to miss on.
Biong Deng
Position: G
Height: 6'3
School : St Joseph's (Brooks,AB)/WCPA
Club: Good Hoops 18U
Class: 2025
Biong is an athlete that you notice the second the game starts, at 6'3 his length is impressive and he uses it very effectively. Biong stood out to me as he pressed opposing guards right from the opening tip and did not let up, his energy and motor were simply amazing.
Liam Mitakaro
Position: PG
Height: 6'4
School: Harry Ainlay (2024/25)
Club: Jr Bears U17/ Genesis EYCL
Class: 2028 Liam is the entire package for a point guard, he showed poise leading his team to the championship game of the 18U division. He scored with ease at all 3 levels and showed maturity well above his years. It is hard to imagine that he was playing against kids 3 years older and he has not played a single high school game yet.
Clarence Suter
Position: F
Height: 6'7
School: WCPA
Club: Good Hoops 17U
Class: 2026
Clarence had a huge weekend that showed off his complete skill set. He used his size effectively to win battles for rebounds and finish with authority. He showed great IQ and passing touch, as well as the ability to knock down shots from anywhere. The most impressive attribute was his compete level. In a close semi final game, he had 3 monster dunks in the final 2 minutes that gave his team the win.
Isak Larsen
Position: G
Height: 6'1
School: Walter Murray (Saskatoon)
Club: Rise Above 15U
Class: 2027
Isak led a very good Rise Above Team from Saskatchewan to their division championship and was named MVP for his efforts. From pushing the ball on the break, to knocking down big 3's, Isak showed the ability to be a lead guard that coaches will love. He also has a physicality to his game that makes him a good defender at multiple positions.
Aleksander Popovic
Position: F
Height: 6'7
School: St Francis Xavier (Edmonton, AB)
Club: WEBA U17
Class: 2026
Aleksander is a big body that showed he can bang with bigger and older players throughout the weekend. Alek showed great ability to play in the post with soft hands and a nice finishing touch, he also knocked down shots all the way to the 3 point line. He will be a great prospect to watch as he progresses over the summer and gains strength.
Azariah Bumhira
Position: G
Height: 6'0
School: Louis St Laurent (Edmonton, AB)
Club: Good Hoops 15U
Class: 2028
Azariah is an upcoming guard in the class of 2028 who has great size and physicality for his age. He demonstrated a high compete level all weekend with a willingness to get on the floor for balls as well as rebound and guard. He impressed with tough finishes at the rim and shows potential for a lot of growth in the coming years.
Owen Cook
Position: G
Height: 5'11
School: Bishop James Mahoney (Saskatoon, SK)
Club: Rise Above 14U/ Genesis MADE8
Class: 2028
Owen has the ability to score the ball and showed that with multiple 30 point games over the weekend. He combines a high IQ that lets him get out on the break quickly, a quick first step that helps him get to the bucket and an improving 3 point shot that needs to be defended. Combine this with a willingness to play defense with is long frame, he is a player to watch.
Cole Miller
Position: G
Height: 6'3
School: Paul Kane (St. Albert, AB)
Club: Nxt Up
Class: 2027
Cole was impressive with his ability to shoot the ball in a variety of way. Off the break, catch and shoot, he showed an incredible ability to make tough shots throughout the tournament.
Austin Kielstra
Position: F
Height: 6'4
School: Bert Church (Airdire, AB)
Club: Rise Basketball
Class: 2027
Austin is a 6'4 player who mixes his very good shooting on the offensive end with a scrappy defensive game. He demonstrated an ability to really rebound the ball all weekend.
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