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Buckle up, basketball fans, because Royal Crown Academy is making headlines once again! In the past 72 hours, three of their standout players have committed to post-secondary programs to continue their basketball careers at the next level. With these recent commitments & their incredibly successful season, RCA is proving that they are a breeding ground for top talent. The most recent of these commitments came from the 6'5 Swiss Army Knife, Michael Evbagharu. The versatile forward announced his commitment to Siena via Instagram, Siena & Head Coach Carmen Marciariello just picked up a top 10 prospect in Canada. Evbagharu's athleticism and ability to play multiple positions will make him a valuable asset to the Saints program. Frankly, I'm shocked he stayed on the board for this long. Not to be outdone, 7'0 Hunter Harding will be following in his brother Markus Harding's footsteps by committing to Central Michigan as well. With his towering size and impressive skillset, Hunter is sure to make an impact in the MAC conference. Hunter was featured in my most recent post about the Top 10 Unsigned Big Men in Canada & I dove into his play style a little further. I really do like seeing brothers be able to reunite at the post secondary level, kudos to the Harding brothers, especially Hunter today. And let's not forget about the incoming freshman who in my eyes is the top USPORTS recruit in 2023 thus far. Koat Thomas, one of the most versatile players in the Canadian high school basketball scene, has announced his commitment to St. Francis Xavier University. Despite having heard from D1 programs south of the border, Thomas has chosen to stay close to home and help the X-Men continue their winning ways under Head Coach Tyrell Vernon. Of course, we can't talk about Royal Crown Academy without mentioning their already impressive roster. David Simon, the 6'11 center who recently committed to San Diego, will anchor the paint for the Toreros with his size and skill. And let's not forget about their star point guard, Jahari Williamson, who has been committed to Valparaiso for quite some time now. With Williamson running the show at Royal Crown this past year he definitely had no shortage of weapons. With the final domino to fall on this RCA team is standout two-way guard Davanté Hackett who was also a member of Team Ontario. Hackett is sure to find a home for the next season the only question remains is, what school will be lucky enough to land him? On top of all of these recruits, Royal Crown has players like Oliver Lucas who's a rebounding machine with a ton of skill & has been making his name known on the AAU scene this spring. Not to mention Justus Haseley, an absolute phenom of a prospect in 2025 as well as his peer & teammate Austin Goode who is a solid player in his own right. So there you have it, folks. Royal Crown Academy is once again making headlines in the recruiting atmosphere and proving that they are an elite program here in Canada. With a roster filled with top talent going into 2023-24 , the sky is the limit for this squad. Stay tuned for more updates on the RCA basketball program!

After the recent news, David Simon of Royal Crown committing to San Diego has me thinking about what big men are left here in Canada? After Mike Nwoko (Miami), Colin Muholland (Chattanooga), Braeden MacVicar (Coastal Carolina), Thomas Ndong (Oklahoma State) and now David Simon gone, the number of big men north of the border is diminishing. However there are still some diamonds in the rough available in Canada. In this blog, we'll take a look at the top 10 unsigned big men prospects (no order) in Canada's 2023 class in my personal opinion, and explore their strengths, weaknesses, and potential destinations. Jacob Antchak | 6'8 | CTA West Jacob Antchak is built like a machine, a man amongst boys as I've said before in my previous article with Jacob. Jacob is the kind of prospect that if you back him into a corner he's going to fight, and by this I mean he doesn't back down from any challenges thrown his way. He possesses tremendous leadership skills on and off the court. His rebounding and active hands around the rim will translate immediately to the next level. Jacob is a guy that likes to get in the paint and mix it up, a work horse to say the very least. Versatile defender, able to switch on screens with confidence, making him a catalyst on defense. Not many players, signed or not that can compete with his physicality, he's an immediate impact prospect. The only slight would be his 3-point shooting consistency, not a weakness but at the same time not a strong suit. He's drawn interest from several Division I programs, including Wyoming, Clemson, Merrimack, UC San Diego and recently picked up an offer from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Hunter Harding | 7'0 | Royal Crown At 7'0, Hunter Harding is a towering presence in the paint. He's a center from Royal Crown who dominates on the defensive end of the floor. Harding is an exceptional shot-blocker, and uses his size and length to alter shots at the rim. He moves well for his size and has good footwork around the basket. Harding is still developing his offensive game, but has shown flashes of potential as a finisher around the rim. Hunter has incredibly soft mitts when catching entry passes or when in pick and pop scenario's. High release on his shot and the confidence to shoot the 3-ball as a trailing post or in the half court set. He has received an offer Cal State Fullerton as well as interest from several other mid major programs. Ebenezer Ogoh | 6'10 | Orangeville Prep Ebenezer Ogoh is a 6'10 power forward from Orangeville Prep, and a physical force on the court. He's a strong and athletic big man who excels in the paint. Ogoh is a ferocious rebounder, with a knack for finishing through contact. Multiple memorable rebounding outtings this past year for Orangeville where it seemed as if he was the only one on the court who could get a board on either end. He's also a solid defender, with the ability to alter shots at the rim, anticipate passes & disrupt the lanes. Ogoh is still developing his offensive game, but has shown potential as a scorer inside and outside the key. Could help a lot of LM-MM programs next season with his coachability and size. USPORTS programs should be putting on a full court press for a guy like Ogoh. Jaxon Koroll | 6'10 | Edge School Jaxon Koroll is a 6'10 center from Edge School with a polished offensive game. He's a skilled big man who can score in a variety of ways with experience South of the border at Long Island Lutheran as well as multiple stints in the EYBL including this year with UPLAY Western Alliance. Koroll has a nice touch around the basket, and can step out and hit the mid-range jumper with ease. He's also a good passer, with a high basketball IQ. Koroll is a solid rebounder and has the potential to be a good, if not a great defender. He's received an offer from Eastern New Mexico University & I would be shocked if he didn't receive more interest during EYBL. Andrejs Silconoks | 6'11 | New Hampton At 6'11, Andrejs Silconoks is a raw but intriguing prospect. He's a center from New Hampton with immense potential as he has only been playing for under 4 years. Silconoks is a long, athletic big man who runs the floor well and can finish above the rim. He's also developed a beautiful touch from beyond the arc, with the ability to hit the mid-range jumper at a high rate. Silconoks has the tools to be a solid defender and over the past season he put on some weight (238lbs) he can really be a strong presence in the paint. He's a low-risk, high-reward prospect, but one that could pay off in a big way. Silconoks has drawn interest from several D2 and USPORTS programs but could easily see him at the Division I level when it's all said and done. While the top tier of big men in Canada high school basketball is loaded with talent, there's also a strong second tier of prospects who have the potential to make an impact at the next level. In this article, we'll take a closer look at five of the top unsigned big men prospects in Canada. Elijah Amas | 6'8 | Fort Erie International Academy Elijah Amas is a 6'8 power forward from Fort Erie who has shown steady improvement throughout his high school career as he has only been playing for 3 years. My pro comparison for Elijah would be a Paul Millsap prototype. He's a strong and athletic big man who excels on the defensive end of the floor. Amas is an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder, with a ridiculously high motor and good instincts. A high academic prospect to boot. He's still developing his offensive game, but has the ability to create second chance opportunities or be a put-back dunk threat around the rim. Amas has drawn interest a plethora of USPORTS programs as well as NCAA Division 2 programs. As a high academic prospect Elijah is a high ceiling/ safe floor type of recruit in my eyes. Ali Sakho | 6'8 | Fort Erie Ali Sakho is a 6'8 power forward from Fort Erie who is a dynamic piece on the court alongisde Elijah Amas. He's a strong and athletic big man with a ton of finesse who can finish through contact around the rim. I think my pro comparison for Ali would be a mixture between David West with Rasheed Wallace's competitive spirit. Sakho plays with his heart on his sleeve and can really impact the momentum of the game on either end of the floor. He's still developing his offensive game, but has shown potential as a pick & pop threat. Would like to see where he ends up in a couple of years as he develops even further in the collegiate ranks. Affan Razaq | 6'8 | V3 Prep Affan Razaq is a 6'8 power forward from V3 Prep who is a versatile scorer. He's a skilled big man who can score in a variety of ways. A quiet leader, who shows great level of commitment to his craft and has been an integeral part of V3 Prep. Affan always stands out when I see him with his Toronto NuStep AAU program, as a unique prospect who could do a lot more given the opportunity. Amongst this list he's the most in between prospect when it comes to "is he a 4 or a 5?" However I believe Affan would make an incredible small ball 5-man at the USPORTS or CCAA level. A serviceable prospect with a ton of upside. Declan Cutler | 6'10 | St. Thomas Aquinas Declan Cutler is a 6'10 center from St. Thomas Aquinas who has shown steady improvement throughout his high school career. Declan is also running with Western Alliance (UPLAY) in the EYCL where he is 2nd on the team in FG% at 63.9 and he is also tied for 2nd on the team in rebounds with 36. He's a skilled big man who can score with efficiency using his soft touch. Declan is also currently 3rd in the EYCL with 1.9 blocks per game and is leading his team with a total of 13 blocks through two sessions. The one thing, like most big men, is his shooting touch could be developed some more. He's also a good passer, with a high basketball IQ. Declan is a solid rebounder and has the potential to be an elite rim protector at the collegiate level. He's sure to pick up some interest after the EYBL if he continues to defend the paint at a high clip. Sam Lufuluabo | 6'11 | United Scholastic Academy Sam Lufuluabo is a raw but interesting prospect. He's a 6'11 center from United Scholastic this past season and played with CTA as well in the past. Lufuluabo is a long, multifaceted big man who runs the floor well and can finish above the rim. He's also shown flashes of a developing outside game, and a fairly polished mid-range game. Lufuluabo has that finesse you need as a new age big man where he can put the ball on the ground and the 3-point line and get to the rim against slower defenders. Lufuluabo has been flying under the radar as he plays behind Arden Begaj who is one of the top prospects in 2024. Could be a major sleeper with size that you simply cannot teach. In conclusion, while the top tier of big men prospects in Canada high school basketball gets the most attention, there are also plenty of talented players in the tiers below who are worth keeping an eye on.

In recent years, Canadian basketball has grown exponentially, producing some of the best talent in the world. David Simon, a 6'11 center at Royal Crown Academy, is one of the most promising big men in the Canadian high school basketball scene. He has been recognized as the BioSteel Player of the Year, an accolade given to the top Canadian high school basketball player. Simon’s unique motor and mindset make him a standout player in the country’s recruiting class. Simon played his travel ball with the Northern Kings and the Windsor JR. Lancers and his final Prep season with Royal Crown, where he showcased his skill set as a versatile big man. He has the ability to protect the rim, pick and roll, and is a lob threat, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. His leadership skills and coachability have also been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Despite receiving offers from multiple schools, Simon committed to the University of San Diego, a decision that has been hailed as a major steal in this year’s Canadian recruiting class. San Diego competes in the West Coast Conference, a mid-major conference that has produced NBA stars like Damian Lillard and John Stockton. The conference is known for its competitive play and has produced NCAA tournament contenders in recent years. Simon’s commitment to San Diego not only speaks to his talent as a player but also to the growth of Canadian basketball. Over the years, Canada has produced some of the best basketball players in the world, including NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, and Jamal Murray. The country’s basketball scene has experienced significant growth in recent years, thanks to the development of grassroots programs and an increase in exposure and investment in the sport. As a result, Canadian players have been increasingly sought after by NCAA programs, with several top recruits committing to high-profile schools. Simon’s commitment to San Diego is a testament to the fact that Canadian basketball is producing top-tier talent, and NCAA programs are taking notice. Simon’s commitment to San Diego is not only significant for Canadian basketball but also for his own career. The University of San Diego has a history of developing NBA talent, with former players like Brandon Johnson and Gyno Pomare going on to play professionally as well as coaches such as Bernie Bickerstaff, David Fizdale, Mike Brown, James Borrego, Hank Egan, Chris Grant and Eric Musselman. The school’s coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Lavin, has a reputation for developing players and helping them reach their potential. For Simon, playing for San Diego presents an opportunity to continue to develop his skills as a player and potentially reach the next level. The school’s focus on player development and the competitive nature of the West Coast Conference provides the ideal environment for Simon to thrive. In conclusion, David Simon’s commitment to the University of San Diego is a major steal in this year’s Canadian recruiting class. His unique skill set and leadership abilities make him a standout player in the Canadian high school basketball scene. Simon’s commitment to San Diego not only speaks to the growth of Canadian basketball but also presents an opportunity for him to develop his skills and potentially reach the next level. With the support of San Diego’s coaching staff and the competitive nature of the West Coast Conference, Simon has the potential to become one of the best big men in college basketball.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to talk about one of the hottest prospects in the 2024 class: Oliver Faubert. This 6'10 four-man out of Brookwood Elite has been turning heads on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, and the offers are starting to roll in. In the past few weeks alone, Faubert has received offers from some impressive programs. We're talking about Ole Miss, Wyoming, Seton Hall, and Arizona State, folks. That's not just some small-time interest, that's some big-time attention from some big-time programs. And it's no wonder why. Faubert is an absolute force on the court. He's dynamic, he's versatile, and he's got the size and athleticism that coaches drool over. At 6'10, he's a towering presence in the paint, but he's also got the handles and the shooting range to be a threat from beyond the arc. But it's not just his physical attributes that make Faubert such a coveted prospect. This kid is a basketball junkie. He lives and breathes the game, and it shows in the way he plays. He's got a high basketball IQ, he's a natural leader on the court, and he's got that intangible "it" factor that separates the great players from the good ones. That's why it's no surprise that On3 recently ranked Faubert 97th overall in the class of 2024. This kid is the real deal, and he's only going to get better as he continues to develop his game. So what can we expect from Faubert as we head into the rest of the AAU season? Well, one thing's for sure: he's going to be a hot commodity. Coaches from all over the country are going to be clamoring for a chance to see him play, and the offers are only going to keep coming. But for now, let's just sit back and appreciate the talent that we're seeing on display. Oliver Faubert is the kind of player that only comes around once in a while, and we're lucky to be able to watch him grow and develop into the star that we all know he's destined to be.

Baraka Okojie is a name that is becoming a main stay in basketball recruiting, especially here in Canada. Standing at 6'3, he's a point guard who possesses a rare combination of speed, agility, and finesse on the court. As one of the most recruited PG prospects in the class of 2024, Okojie is already turning heads and drawing attention from some of the top programs in the country. But it's not just his physical attributes that make him stand out. Okojie is also a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the court. He has a keen understanding of the game and is able to make smart decisions on the fly, which is a rare trait for a player his age. His vision and passing ability are second to none, and he's able to create opportunities for his teammates with ease. Being the younger brother of Howard University forward Ose Okojie has clearly been an advantage for Baraka. He's had someone to look up to and learn from, and it's clear that he's been able to take some of the lessons he's learned and apply them to his game. But he's also his own player, with his own unique style and skill set. Baraka currently holds offers from Stonehill, NJIT, St. Bonaventure, George Mason & now most recently, Tulane University. At the DME Academy, Okojie is the floor general, the player who sets the tone and leads by example. He's a top 10 Canadian prospect in the class of 2024, and it's easy to see why. He's a dynamic player who can take over a game at any moment, and he's only going to get better with time. For those who haven't seen him play yet, Okojie is a player to keep an eye on. He's a rising star in the basketball world, and he's sure to make an impact at the next level. With his combination of speed, agility, and finesse, along with his versatility and basketball IQ, there's no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him. It's only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in the basketball world, both in Canada and beyond.

If you're a basketball fan in Canada, you might be looking for a way to keep up with the latest news and developments in the world of Canadian basketball. Enter The Maple Minute, a Canadian basketball podcast hosted by Josh Millican and featuring a variety of guests. This podcast covers Canadian talent at all levels, including amateur, collegiate, and professional players. One of the things that sets The Maple Minute apart is the breadth of its coverage. This podcast is active on a variety of platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and blog posts. This allows fans to stay up-to-date with Canadian basketball news and developments no matter where they are or what platform they prefer. As for the host, Josh Millican brings a wealth of experience to the table. With over 15 years of experience coaching and scouting basketball, he has an expert eye for talent and a deep understanding of the game. He uses this experience to provide insightful analysis and commentary on the latest developments in Canadian basketball. Listeners can expect to hear about a variety of topics on The Maple Minute, including player profiles, game analysis, and team news. Additionally, Millican and his guests will provide insights into the state of Canadian basketball more broadly, including developments at the amateur and collegiate levels. One of the great things about The Maple Minute is that it's accessible to fans at all levels. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just looking to learn more about Canadian basketball, there's something here for you. The podcast is engaging, informative, and provides a window into the exciting world of basketball in Canada. Overall, The Maple Minute is a must-listen for any basketball fan in Canada. With expert analysis, engaging content, and a broad range of coverage, it's the perfect way to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in Canadian basketball. Whether you're a casual fan or a serious basketball enthusiast, you won't want to miss this podcast.