As the glass of summer is now almost empty & the new basketball season approaches, anticipation builds for Tony House's Canada Top Flight program based out of Ottawa, Ontario. With an impressive roster and a track record of success, House believes his National Gold team will emerge as one of the top programs in the country. With a roster brimming with talent, including both established players and hidden gems, Canada Top Flight is poised to challenge for one of the top 5 teams in Ontario and draw the attention of Division 1 college coaches across America.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Tony House over the phone where he took some time to break down their schedule for the season, some of his most highly touted prospects, the history behind Canada Top Flight Academy heading into their 8th season and much more. Here is the conversation between the Canadian Prep coaching icon and myself:
Bin Basil – 6'8, 2024 F
Having played for Canada Top Flight last season and participating in the 3SSB circuit with Brookwood Elite, Basil has become one of the most sought-after big men in the country. He has garnered interest from 20-25 Division I schools, with the heaviest coming from VCU, Wichita State, Albany & Butler. Tony House tells me "the sky is the limit, a lot of pressure is going to be put on his broad shoulders... but I think he can handle it."
Adriel Nyorha – 6'6, 2025 PG
Nyorha, a promising point guard, formerly stuck in the post at his previous high school. Adriel is a 6'6 prospect who was the tallest player on his HS team and had no other choice but to play the 5 man. Tony having the terrific foresight that he does has moved Nyorha to the 1 slot and he has since has attracted interest from high-major Division 1 programs such as Ohio State, Wichita State, Oregon, and more. His exceptional skills and court vision make him a valuable asset for Canada Top Flight. With the steady movement to big guards in the NCAA I expect some very good things from Adriel in the near future.
Sam Akot – 6'7, 2024 W
Akot, with interest from Division 1 schools like Stonehill, Marshall, and Pepperdine, is a talented wing player. With his athleticism and versatility, he is set to make a significant impact on the team this season. He will be coming off an impressive season with Red Rush during the AAU circuit. I had the chance to see Sam play in person at the Ball Don't Stop High School Showcase game at the Toronto Pan-Am Centre earlier this month & he thoroughly impressed by my standards. I can't help but draw a recency bias comparison to the newest member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Leonard Miller. The frame and the way he moves on the court reminded me a lot of the G-League standout. I think Sam Akot could be a dark horse to compete for a spot in the top 10 in the country when the 2024 season concludes.
Ayob Daniel – 6'8, 2024 F
After playing at Minnesota Prep, Daniel returns home to play for Canada Top Flight. His height, length, and skill set have attracted interest from Old Dominion, Jacksonville, Wichita State, Baylor, and more. With an outstanding frame for his age, Daniel can get down hill and explode to the rim whilst still possessing a soft touch. Daniel played with Dream Vision this summer demonstrating his playmaking ability from both the high & low post. With some reps on the Mr. Dish or whatever the kids are using I believe Daniel could improve on his shot mechanics and become a serious threat at the collegiate level.
Kaymon Grouse – 6'0, 2024 G
Considered a top guard from Nova Scotia, Grouse has already caught the attention of Florida State. With high-level USPORTS and lower-level Division 1 potential, Grouse adds depth and skill to the team. I like what I have seen on film from Grouse as a smaller guard who can get his shot off fairly consistently and effectively. Will have some adjusting to do in the fast-paced Ontario game but I believe he could be a crucial piece to success for CTA.
Ty Tounkara – 6'3, 2024 G
Coming off a season-ending injury, Tounkara is eager to make his mark this year. With interest from both USPRTS and Division 1/D2 programs, he is projected to be a key starter for Canada Top Flight and is poised to impress. Standing at 6'3 he has average size at the position but with a lot of attention focused on the Big 3 in Basil, Akot & Nyorha he should see some lighter defensive matchups that Ty is known to capitalize on.
Dylan Kayijuka – 6'2, 2025 G
Kayijuka, a top high school guard from Ottawa, has already established himself as a standout player on the U17 Ottawa Elite team and within the city. His contributions and growth this season will set the stage for a promising post-grad year.
Ateny Kuol – 6'2, 2025 G
Hailing from London, Ontario, Kuol is considered one of the top guards in the 2025 class. Together with Nyorha and Kayijuka, he forms an outstanding backcourt that will undoubtedly make an impact for Canada Top Flight. Recently he's been running with STRIVE Hoops out of London, ON. An up and coming program to say the least with a lot of talent throughout the roster. I have evaluated Coach Lopez's program for two seasons & any prospect that comes out of STRIVE Hoops is a dog. Ateny has that long hair factor that makes him look faster than he already is, I really think he'll be a stock riser in the class of 2025 after a season with the CTA National Gold program.
Dave Hutton – 6'1, 2024 G
Hutton, a Montreal native, played for Canada Top Flight's Gold team last season, showcasing his skills as a reliable 3-and-D player. With his solid USPORTS interest, Hutton brings experience and versatility to the team.
Tony House's Canada Top Flight program, entering its 8th season, is ready to make it one for the history books. With a proven track record of success and numerous post-secondary players, House's ambition to not only win but help his players achieve their goals is second to none. Recently getting accepted into the OSBA, expect this National Gold squad to make some serious noise. With a roster featuring highly sought-after players like Bin Basil and Adriel Nyorha, as well as promising talents like Ateny Kuol and Ayob Daniel, Canada Top Flight is set to challenge for the OSBA Championship. Expect Division 1 coaches to flock for insight on the CTA boys`, tracking their games and witnessing the rise of these talented athletes, some of whom are destined to explode onto the national basketball scene.
