Western Canada Prep Showcase Preview: Prospects You Need to Monitor

TJ Wal • WCPA via Edge School Instagram

The Western Canada Prep Academy Showcase has become a fixture on my scouting calendar. This will be my third year attending, and every time it delivers a mix of high-level competition, breakout performances, and a first look at the talent that will shape the next wave of Canadian basketball. WCPA has built this event into a stage where both proven names and hidden gems can shine, making it one of the most valuable early-season scouting stops in the country.

This year’s field features a combination of familiar faces I’ve tracked over the years and fresh prospects who are ready to show they belong on the radar. The schedule is loaded, and the matchups promise to give a real glimpse into where the talent out west is trending. With teams from Alberta, Ontario & the U.S. as well as prospects from South Sudan, United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian. As always, I’ve picked out one player from each team who I’ll be locked in on this weekend:

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TJ Wal | 6’6 | WCPA | 2026

TJ has quickly become one of the most complete players in the country, and the hype isn’t slowing down. Fresh off a 53-point outburst at the Edge School event in Calgary, he’s proven that he can dominate in multiple ways. His All-Canadian nod last year was just the start—schools already recognize his upside, and the list of programs showing interest keeps growing. What makes him special is how comfortable he is doing everything on the floor, from creating shots to defending multiple positions. He’s the type of player who can control the pace of a game without forcing it. I’m looking forward to seeing how he sets the tone as one of the showcase’s headliners.

Vlad Popa | 6’8 | Terror Prep | 2026

The younger brother of David Popa, Vlad brings a smooth handle and an advanced offensive bag for his size. What jumps out right away is his ability to make tough shots, whether it’s pulling up or finishing through contact. He’s athletic enough to play above the rim, and defenses have to stay alert for his lob-catching ability. While his brother carved out a reputation as a reliable scorer, Vlad looks like he’s carving his own lane with a versatile inside-out skill set. He’s still got plenty of room to grow, but the foundation is there for a very intriguing prospect. This showcase should be a great test for him.

Ayden Thomas-Sybbliss | 6’0 | Full Circle | 2026

Ayden brings a gritty, two-way presence to the floor that every team needs. He’s crafty with the ball in his hands, but what really stands out is how active he is defensively—he seems to pop up in every passing lane. Add in his willingness to rebound and dive on the floor, and you’ve got a guard who thrives in the hustle plays that can swing momentum. Offensively, he’s more than capable of breaking down his man and either finishing or setting up teammates. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and it shows. I’m curious to see how his toughness translates against some of the showcase’s bigger backcourts.

Coco Britt | 5’10 | Elite Futures Prep | 2026

Out of Los Angeles, Coco brings both pedigree and poise to this event. He’s a true point guard in every sense, capable of running an offense and setting the table for his teammates with precision. His sturdy frame allows him to hold his ground, and his fearless mentality means he never backs down from a challenge—no matter who’s across from him. Add in a 3.9 GPA, and you’re looking at a player who has the mental discipline to match his on-court skill. He’s got a style that makes teammates better, which is always valuable in a showcase setting. I think he’s going to turn some heads out west.

Jahmar Smith | 6’11 | WCPA Regional | 2026

Standing just a hair under seven feet, Jahmar is impossible to miss on the court. Hailing from London, UK, he’s still learning to fully coordinate his size and athleticism, but the raw tools are there in a big way. On film, he runs the floor like a forward and punishes the rim whenever he’s in striking distance. Right now, the biggest step for him is developing consistency with his hands and catching in traffic. Once that comes, his ceiling rises dramatically. There’s a lot of anticipation around seeing how far along he is in person at this event.

Noah Martin | 6’5 | WCPA RED | 2028

For a player who still has three full years of high school basketball ahead of him, Noah already looks like he belongs. His 6’5 frame and athleticism allow him to play above the rim, but what makes him stand out is his touch and polish around the basket. He can finish with either hand and doesn’t rely solely on power—he’s got finesse to his game as well. Physically, he’s strong enough to hold his own against older competition, and that experience will only speed up his development. Every time I watch him, he seems to add another wrinkle to his game. He’s one of the younger guys I’ll be keeping close tabs on during the showcase.

Wani John | 6’9 | PSA Prep | 2029

Few players in this event carry as much long-term intrigue as Wani. At 6’9 with guard-like flashes, he already projects as a modern stretch four who can handle and face up. His length and mobility make him a mismatch waiting to happen, and the foundation is there for a dynamic offensive player down the road. Right now, he’s still figuring out how to put it all together consistently, but the trajectory is really exciting. Watching his growth over the next couple of years will be fascinating, because he has the raw tools you can’t teach. He’s one of those prospects who could end up being a huge story in future editions of this event.

Titus Kennedy | 6’5 | Edge Varsity | 2027

Titus is the kind of player every coach loves to have—hard working, versatile, and willing to do the little things that win games. Defensively, he sets the tone with his effort and physicality, making him a reliable anchor on that end. Offensively, he’s shown the ability to finish inside while also stretching the floor when needed, which keeps defenses honest. His motor and toughness jump out right away, and he rarely takes a possession off. With his frame and approach, he projects as a steady two-way contributor who can impact the game without needing to dominate the ball. I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles the spotlight in this showcase setting.

Omari Wilford | 6’5 | PSA Prep | 2026

Omari is one of the more fluent scorers in this event, and he makes it look effortless at times. Out of British Columbia, he’s proven he can finish through and around traffic with composure, showing a knack for adjusting mid-air to get buckets. What makes him even tougher to guard is his ability to step out and knock down threes, forcing defenders to pick their poison. When he decides to attack downhill, he’s athletic enough to rise up and finish above the rim. His scoring versatility gives PSA a real weapon on offense . I’m eager to see how he asserts himself against top competition this weekend.

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Final Thoughts

The Western Canada Prep Academy Showcase never fails to deliver a great look at where the game is heading in this part of the country. Between established names like TJ Wal and high-upside prospects like Wani John, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Events like this give me a chance to see who’s ready to take the next step, who’s expanding their game, and who’s going to be on everyone’s radar moving forward. I’ll be back with a full recap after the dust settles, but one thing’s for sure—this year’s showcase has all the makings of another memorable weekend on the scouting trail.