Who Stood Out? Top Prospects at the Shayok Summer Showcase in Ottawa

The 3rd annual Shayok Summer Showcase returned with authority this past weekend, delivering a two-day basketball spectacle in Ottawa that shined a spotlight on some of the country’s brightest up-and-coming talent. Saturday kicked off with a combine that tested vertical leap, agility, and speed—pushing athletes to showcase their explosiveness and conditioning in front of evaluators. Sunday followed with a full slate of highly competitive showcase games where intensity, skill, and grit were on full display. With a wide range of prospects from the classes of 2025 through 2029, this event brought out raw talent, established stars, and emerging names hungry to make a mark. Below is a full scouting breakdown of the standout performers from the weekend.

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Miles Hamilton – DC United – 2026 – 6’6”

Miles Hamilton’s shooting ability was simply on another level. The DC United wing nailed contested jumpers in high-pressure moments, especially during the semi-finals, where he knocked down multiple tough shots with a defender draped on him. With a strong frame and elite shot-making ability, Hamilton has the tools to thrive as a scoring wing at the next level.

Kur Lual – Shayok Next Wave – 2026 – 6’7”

Kur Lual was electric from start to finish, ultimately earning MVP honors. He has a long, fluid frame and plays with a killer instinct that separates him from his peers. Scoring efficiently from all three levels, Lual also picked up an offer from Canisius University, capping off a breakout weekend.

Bami Olusakin – Team Compass London – 2026 – 6’8”

The strongest player in the gym, Bami Olusakin is a traditional big who relishes physicality. He thrives with his back to the basket and makes life miserable for defenders in the paint. His imposing presence and willingness to mix it up inside made him a force all weekend long.

Ibrahim Gaas – Shayok Next Wave – 2028 – 6’7”

At just 2028, Ibrahim Gaas already boasts a long frame and smooth shooting mechanics. He was one of the youngest players at the showcase but showed maturity beyond his years, especially with how well he accepted coaching. Gaas has long-term upside and a hunger to grow.

Guandong Chol – Shayok Next Wave – 2027 – 6’1”

Chol is a tough-nosed point guard who controlled tempo and attacked with confidence. His ability to break defenders down off the bounce, stretch the floor, and find angles to the rim made him an engine for his squad. He played with poise and embraced his role as a floor general.

Eric Carson – Team Compass London – 2026 – 6’7”

Carson stood out as a true two-way threat. He showed range on his jumper, ran the floor hard, and demonstrated excellent mobility. Defensively, his ability to switch across multiple positions made him invaluable.

Davis Zacharias-Streib – Team Compass London – 2026 – 6’5”

Arguably the most explosive athlete in the gym, Zacharias-Streib brought intensity and fire. He flies above the rim and brings an edge to every possession. He’s coachable and projects well as a high-energy wing with upside.

Owen Shoemaker – Team Compass London – 2026 – 6’4”

Shoemaker’s combination of size and skill at the point guard position is rare. He sees the floor exceptionally well and makes quality decisions with the ball. His crafty style and smart shot selection stood out in multiple games.

Jack Brumley – DC United – 2026 – 6’9”

Brumley is a legitimate stretch-4 who can hit from deep and operate with polish in the post. He reminded me of Jerry Armstrong of Texas Western from Glory Road, only taller and smoother. His shooting touch at his size gives him real value in modern offenses.

Chamring Deng – Shayok Next Wave – 2027 – 6’8”

Deng displayed an impressive shooting touch during combine testing and games. He was crucial in Shayok Next Wave’s title run and brought an inside-out versatility that made him difficult to match up with. His size and shooting combination is rare at this age.

Callum Smith – TPF – 2026 – 6’10”

Smith continues to prove why he’s one of Canada’s top big men. He has an elite feel for the game, can stretch the floor, and protect the rim with consistency. His performances reinforced what I’ve seen from him at Ridley College—steady, skilled, and reliable.

Divine Eseyie – Evolution – 2026 – 6’7”

A long wing with flair, Eseyie stood out for his handle and ability to get above the rim. He has the size and skill to play multiple positions. One of the weekend’s most intriguing prospects, he has a high ceiling if he continues to refine his game.

Olivier Desjardins – Evolution – 2026 – 6’8”

Familiar to me from Fort Erie, Desjardins showcased fluid movement and strong defensive instincts. He covers ground well and can switch defensively with ease. His ability to guard multiple spots and make smart plays was on full display.

Noah Kaniki – Team Compass London – 2025 – 6’3”

A floor general with a college-ready mindset, Kaniki is already committed to a D3 program in Pittsburgh. He played like a seasoned veteran—vocal, composed, and willing to take on big assignments. His leadership was felt in every game.

Keo Neptune – Shayok Next Wave – 2029 – 6’1”

Neptune played far beyond his years, going toe-to-toe with much older competition. His control in the midrange and poise as a primary ball handler were truly impressive. The future is very bright for this young PG.

Mikey Aghomon – TPF – 2026 – 6’8”

Aghomon ran the floor like a guard and finished like a power forward. His athleticism and rim protection were both standouts. He also showed the ability to defend multiple positions, giving him real two-way value.

Christian Kouame – TPF – 2026 – 6’5”

Kouame is a vocal leader and versatile forward who reminded me of Josh Omojafo. His defensive awareness and high-motor approach make him a valuable glue guy. He also flashed playmaking ability from the wing.

Ruey Ruey – TPF – 2026 – 6’6”

Ruey may have been the best overall prospect at the showcase. His ability to attack the rim, finish through contact, and play hard on both ends earned him an offer from Canisius University. He’ll be ranked high for us at The Maple Minute heading into the final season of his high school career.

Ben Fofana – TPF – 2026 – 6’1”

Fofana is a dynamic shot creator with a tight handle. He hit step-backs, pull-ups, and made life difficult for defenders. His confidence and skill as a lead guard were impossible to ignore.

Jayden Banyi – Shayok Next Wave – 2026 – 5’10”

Banyi earned Defensive Player of the Showcase honors for a reason. He was relentless on the ball, forced turnovers, and disrupted opposing guards all day. His toughness set the tone for his squad. Showed great leadership and has the ability to lock up kids with D1 offers.

Kairo Charles – DC United – 2027 – 6’0”

Charles has advanced instincts and fearlessness that belie his age. He created shots for teammates, attacked gaps, and showed a mature feel for tempo. Keep an eye on this young guard moving forward.

Emmanuel Oko-Oboh – Shayok Next Wave – 2025 – 6’9”

A recent Brock University commit, Oko-Oboh brings elite size and defensive impact. He altered shots around the rim and showed signs of offensive growth. He’s a long-term piece worth investing in.

Tyrell Wallace – Evolution – 2026 – 6’2”

Wallace has been on my radar for a while and continues to show polish and explosiveness. He creates off the bounce and isn’t afraid of contact. His maturity and steady demeanor give him a true PG presence.

Dylan Kayijuka – Evolution – 2026 – 6’3”

One of the purest scorers in the gym, Kayijuka is a high-level shot maker. His ball-handling was elite and his ability to score in silence earned him the "silent assassin" label. Defenders had a hard time staying in front of him all weekend.

Marcus Scipio – Phoenix – 2026 – 6’5”

Scipio played with poise and confidence on the wing. He’s shifty off the bounce and capable of finishing in traffic. His quiet demeanor didn’t hide the grit and competitiveness he brought to every play.

Yothan Mutonkole – Louis Riel – 2028 – 6’0”

Nicknamed “Yo-Yo,” Mutonkole has elite handle and long arms. His gritty playstyle and ability to break down defenders made him a standout for his squad. He’s a tough, fearless guard to watch for in the years ahead.

Daniel Duala-Ekoko – Phoenix – 2026 – 6’8”

Duala-Ekoko was a brick wall in the paint. He rim-ran hard, held his ground defensively, and owned his space. His strength and effort level impressed throughout.

Joseph Irakoze – Evolution – 2025 – 6’8”

Committed to the University of Ottawa, Irakoze played with great balance and effort. He switched defensively and handled the ball well for a forward. A strong foundational piece for his next level.

Elijah Isaac – Evolution – 2026 – 6’5”

Isaac thrived in transition and had a handful of electric dunks. He guarded his position well and brought great energy. He’s a spark plug who can tilt momentum in his team’s favor.

Ali Donmez – ONLX – 2026 – 6’3”

Donmez played with a cool, composed demeanor and made good decisions with the ball. He shot the ball well and never forced the issue. A player who plays beyond the box score.

Junior Gough – TPF – 2026 – 6’1”

Gough hit shots with hands in his face and rallied his team in high-leverage moments. He was a vocal leader and emotional spark. His confidence was infectious.

Wadensky Mervilus – Louis Riel – 2027 – 6’5”

Mervilus showed flashes of potential that caught my attention. One of the tallest on his team, he was able to play inside effectively. He’s a project piece, but a worthy one.

Justin Tounkara – Evolution – 2025 – 6’5”

Committed to the University of Ottawa, Justin Tounkara showed exactly why he’s one of the most college-ready scorers in the region. He played a pivotal role in Evolution’s success throughout the weekend, consistently creating offense both on and off the ball. With a smooth shooting stroke, deep range, and the ability to score in bunches, Tounkara was one of the purest scorers on the floor—always under control, always dangerous.

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Final Take

The Shayok Summer Showcase proved once again that Canada’s pipeline of basketball talent is as deep as ever. Between athletic bigs, confident shot-makers, and high-IQ guards, the event delivered a complete picture of who’s next in the Ottawa hoops scene. With players earning college offers and showcasing pro potential, this weekend in Ottawa was nothing short of special—and The Maple Minute will be watching closely as these young stars continue their ascent.