Shayok Summer Showcase Returns to Ottawa: Talent, Testing, and High-Level Hoops

One of the marquee events on the Canadian summer basketball calendar is back and bigger than ever. The 3rd Annual Shayok Summer Showcase, hosted by Ottawa native and former NBA player Marial Shayok, is set to bring high-level competition and elite exposure opportunities to the nation’s capital. With a carefully curated mix of prospects from across Ontario, this year’s showcase offers a weekend packed with testing, mentorship, and meaningful on-court evaluations.

The two-day event will run from June 28–29 at St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa. Saturday kicks off with a pro-style combine, while Sunday features a full slate of games culminating in a championship, a dunk contest, and even a special 1v1 influencer matchup.

Saturday Combine: Testing, Mentorship, and College-Level Prep

The Saturday Combine (invite-only) is designed to mirror the pre-college environment athletes will face at the next level. From 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, athletes will go through detailed testing — including height, wingspan, max vertical, and sprint times — followed by a skills segment featuring 3-man weaves, fill-behind shooting, and 3-point shooting. The day will wrap up with 3-on-3 scrimmages to evaluate decision-making and team play under pressure.

Group 1 and Group 2, featuring players from teams like Phoenix Basketball, Ottawa Next Level X, Team Compass, DC United, Evolution, and more, will rotate through drills in structured blocks. A highlight of the day will be the Pro Insight Mentorship Session, which gives athletes rare access to former and current pros like Marial Shayok, Kevin Zabo, Wenyen Gabriel, Nuni Omot, Yassin Joseph, and others — offering a raw and honest look into life at the next level.

Sunday Showcase: Live Games, Dunk Contest, and Championship Energy

Sunday is game day — and it’s where reputations are made.

The showcase format features two pools of competition, with each team playing multiple round-robin games. Pool play begins at 9:30 AM and runs through the afternoon, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semifinals. From there, winners meet in the championship game at 5:55 PM, preceded by a dunk contest and a fun 1v1 battle between social media influencer MK and a U16 standout.

With stakes high and talent deeper than ever, expect a competitive and fast-paced environment — perfect for evaluating which prospects are ready to take the next step.

Key Players to Watch

6’3 Dylan Kayijuka – Evolution Basketball

Kayijuka enters the event with a reputation as a relentless two-way guard. He combines an explosive first step with a physical frame that allows him to guard multiple positions. His presence on both ends should anchor Evolution’s backcourt, and he’ll be tested against some of the deeper guard pools in the field.

6’7 Eric Carson – London Compass

Carson brings fluid athleticism and versatility to the forward spot. With a smooth jumper and the ability to attack closeouts, he’s dangerous from the perimeter but can also finish through contact inside. Compass will rely on his length and scoring touch to stretch defenses all weekend long.

6’9 Jack Brumley – DC United

Brumley is one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the field. Standing 6’9” with a promising frame nd soft touch around the rim, he has shown flashes of being a true inside-out threat. How well he can attack the rim & operate in the paint will be a key storyline in DC United’s run.

6’8 Daniel Duala-Ekoko – Ottawa Phoenix

A name buzzing in local circles, Duala-Ekoko brings size, strength, and mobility to the forward position. He’s capable of rim running in transition and anchoring the paint defensively. If he can flash some perimeter skill in front of college coaches, expect his recruitment to rise.

6’5 Ismael Amadou – Ottawa Next Level (ONLX)

Amadou is built like a cornerback but moves like a wing. He’s known for his motor and willingness to defend the other team’s best player. Expect him to make his mark on the defensive end early, while looking to expand his offensive bag throughout the weekend.

6’6 Pedro Wamba – Louis-Riel Rebelles

Wamba brings bounce and excitement to the wing. A true vertical athlete with highlight-reel potential, he thrives in transition and finishes well above the rim. An elite frame combined with pure power on his finishes above the rim, he’s a sleeper candidate to steal the show.

This weekend in Ottawa won’t just be about winning — it’s about competing, learning, and getting better. Whether you’re a coach, scout, or fan of Canadian basketball, the Shayok Summer Showcase is a can’t-miss event.

Stay tuned to The Maple Minute for full coverage, scouting notes, and player interviews from the event.