NCAA Canadian Watch List 2020-21

[DrCoach]

Where is Okay from Drake

The Center from Kansas St?

[aminiaturebuddha]

Andrew Nembhard with a solid first game (11 points, 3 assists) for #1 Gonzaga in a great win over #6 Kansas.

Coaches just love Nembhard. Even though he just got cleared to play and despite Gonzaga being deep and not even planning on him, he still played 32 minutes. Looked like the same player he was in Florida -- saavy and in control, but not flashy.

But the real story for Gonzaga was Jalen Suggs, who already looks like an NBA player and if this game is any indication will be a great NBA PG. He has it all -- speed, strength, athleticism, a good shooting touch, and very good passing. The most impressive player I've seen in college so far (and yes, it's only one game, so should take this with a grain of salt).

As a team, Gonzaga looked really great and easily dispatched of a very good Kansas team.

Yeah, Gonzaga looks stacked this year. I'd love it if this was the year they finally put it all together and won the NCAA championship.

On Nembhard, it's hard to say at this point if his move will help or hurt his future prospects and possibility of getting an NBA shot. On the one hand, he was clearly outshined by some of his teammates, in this game namely Suggs, Kispert and Timme. On the other hand, he showed flashes of what he can do with more talented teammates, which would certainly be his role at the next level. He's definitely a net positive in that role, and seems like he can help put really talented players in a position to succeed. It's hard to say what that might be worth to NBA scouts if he continues to show more of that over the course of the season.

[Hair Canada]

Today was the first game day for two guys that I was quite looking forward to see.

Ben Mathurin didn't start for Arizona but played quite a bit and closed the game. I've seen him play better. His not the focal point of the Arizona offense. Still managed to finish with 12 points on 7-8 from the line but didn't shoot very well. Hope he gets better now that he's over the excitment of the first game.

Emmanuel Akot was also supposed to play but unfortunately couldn't travel with his team due to COVID protocols. He'll have to wait some more after already waiting two years to return to play. Gotta feel for him.

[Hair Canada]

Marcus Carr just on another level this year. After 35 in the season opener, today with 22 points and 3 assists on excellent shooting. Oh, and there's one more half to go in a tight game against Loyola Marymount... Really impressive. Scores from just about anywhere on the point. Not super quick, but really learned how to use changes of speed, floaters, and also showing a much better shooting touch. Pair that with the great passing and you have yourself an NBA player.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Marcus Carr just on another level this year. After 35 in the season opener, today with 22 points and 3 assists on excellent shooting. Oh, and there's one more half to go in a tight game against Loyola Marymount... Really impressive. Scores from just about anywhere on the point. Not super quick, but really learned how to use changes of speed, floaters, and also showing a much better shooting touch. Pair that with the great passing and you have yourself an NBA player.

He's turning out to be way better than I expected. I thought he was a solid PG that would end up with a half decent European career like Kenny Chery or someone like that. He might go way over those expectations.

[Hair Canada]

Yes, Carr looking very good so far. But need to give it some more time, especially to see if the good shooting holds, as this was perhaps the major issue in previous seasons.

Also like what Banton is showing. You'll see at the top of this thread that I was quite high on him despite not showing much till now because of how he looked like in high school. Glad to see him getting big minutes and showing his talent, particularly the passing at his hight.

BUT, I've seen some talks about him being a first-rounder. Really can't see that happening even if he maintains his current form. Beyond the murky shooting touch, it's mainly the defense that I'm concerned about. He somehow passes at this level with his length covering up for mistakes/insufficient effort and mediocre lateral movement (and he's still not a good defender). But who can he guard at the next level? He really can't stay with quick guards (1 or 2) and is too skinny, with a high center of gravity to prevent powerful players from getting just about anything they want in the paint. So where does that leave us? Maybe some less-talented wings? Even that is a stretch given that they will always be stronger and usually also quicker.

So I think he'll really have to bring something special on offense to be worth the gamble. And for that, he really needs to shoot...

[Hair Canada]

Where is Okay from Drake

The Center from Kansas St?

Okay Djamgouz has always been a strange case of hype by NPH (they actually had him as a top-5 player and potential leaguer). And I've seen others follow suit with the hype for some reason. but the truth is that he's a weak, not very skilled guard with mediocre athleticism. Thousands like him all over the place. Even the shooting, his calling card, is not that consistent. So yes, he's at Drake, but hardly getting minutes. I've watched him quite a bit and not sure he even becomes a pro at any level.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Hard to think of a Canadian prospect that's fallen off more in recent years than Emmanuel Akot. He can't even seem to get minutes off the bench for Boise State. I was never as high on him as some people, but I certainly didn't expect him to fall this far. Really don't know what happened to that guy.

Speaking of (possibly) disappointing prospects, I see that Cashius McNeilly didn't get into the game today for Texas A&M, and neither did Emmanuel Miller. Does anyone know what happened there? Was it just a coach's decision for both guys, or was there a Covid protocol or other reason they didn't see the court?

[Hair Canada]

For Akot, I think it might be related to COVID or something. First game I believe he wasn't with the team. Was surprised to see him get 2 minutes this last game. Not sure what went on then. Anyway, according to some interviews and articles about Boise State, he's actually made good progress over the last two years, especially in his handle and they were actually intending for him to be their starting PG (!) and one of their two best players along Derrick Alston. So we'll see how that plays out in the coming games. Hard for me to believe he's not going to get a serious chance if he's healthy.

McNeilly I don't know. Again, with COVID protocols it's sometimes to know what's going on, especially when someone doesn't get any minutes. Pretty sure Miller is a starter and will get many minutes.

[DoctaJ]

SOPHOMORES
• Sabry Philip, San Diego (6’4 SG from Edmonton). Very strong and explosive guard, a bit in the mold of Dort but less talented; would like to see him come into the scene.

Last I heard, Sabry was leaving San Diego to go to a JC in Texas - was back in the summer I think I read that. Haven't followed up, though.

[DrCoach]

Where is Okay from Drake

The Center from Kansas St?

Okay Djamgouz has always been a strange case of hype by NPH (they actually had him as a top-5 player and potential leaguer). And I've seen others follow suit with the hype for some reason. but the truth is that he's a weak, not very skilled guard with mediocre athleticism. Thousands like him all over the place. Even the shooting, his calling card, is not that consistent. So yes, he's at Drake, but hardly getting minutes. I've watched him quite a bit and not sure he even becomes a pro at any level.

And the Kansas St. Center???

[Hair Canada]

Where is Okay from Drake

The Center from Kansas St?

Okay Djamgouz has always been a strange case of hype by NPH (they actually had him as a top-5 player and potential leaguer). And I've seen others follow suit with the hype for some reason. but the truth is that he's a weak, not very skilled guard with mediocre athleticism. Thousands like him all over the place. Even the shooting, his calling card, is not that consistent. So yes, he's at Drake, but hardly getting minutes. I've watched him quite a bit and not sure he even becomes a pro at any level.

And the Kansas St. Center???

I actually wrote about Kaosi Ezeagu in the preview. Check it out (under "Juniors"). Watched him a bit this year. He's strong and long, a good shot-blocker, and plays with good energy, just like I said in the review. but still too heavy for the modern game and really not a good finisher, so I think the potential is limited.

[mojo13]

For Akot, I think it might be related to COVID or something. First game I believe he wasn't with the team. Was surprised to see him get 2 minutes this last game. Not sure what went on then. Anyway, according to some interviews and articles about Boise State, he's actually made good progress over the last two years, especially in his handle and they were actually intending for him to be their starting PG (!) and one of their two best players along Derrick Alston. So we'll see how that plays out in the coming games. Hard for me to believe he's not going to get a serious chance if he's healthy.

McNeilly I don't know. Again, with COVID protocols it's sometimes to know what's going on, especially when someone doesn't get any minutes. Pretty sure Miller is a starter and will get many minutes.

Yeah I had to double check the Boise St boxscore when you said Akot played two minutes. I heard he was out (Covid related protocols) and wasn't even on the trip. Also have seen his coach (and fans) talking like he was the best player on the team. I'd give that one some time to see how it shakes out.

Same with the hype train Carr and Banton are getting just 2 games in. Need to give it time to see if it is real (Carr for one has two years of shooting 39% to shake off). People love to scream first rounder the first week or two only to see things revert to the mean over time. Fingers crossed these are real jumps though....

Santa Clara is looking pretty good , winning their first three behind Vrankic (21.3 PPG and 9 RPG) and Bediako(8.7 PPG and 11 RPG)

[Hair Canada]

Carr continues his phenomenal start to this season.

Started the game tonight with a weak first half -- 1 of 7 from the field for 5 points. The balls just didn't get in and his teamates did not convert good passes. But he didn't put his head down. 8 of 9 in the second half for 21 additional points. And this beautiful game winner:

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[RaptorsNorth]

Carr continues his phenomenal start to this season.

Started the game tonight with a weak first half -- 1 of 7 from the field for 5 points. The balls just didn't get in and his teamates did not convert good passes. But he didn't put his head down. 8 of 9 in the second half for 21 additional points. And this beautiful game winner:

Read on Twitter

?s=20

carr is going to be a problem. His handles are crazy but like guys like Fred he’s going to have to prove himself because of his height.

[RaptorsNorth]

Where is Lindell Wigginton ? I remember some guys on here were high on him.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Where is Lindell Wigginton ? I remember some guys on here were high on him.

Wigginton left Iowa State after his sophomore year last year (almost certainly a bad decision), and ended up going undrafted. He bounced around the G-League last season, and last I heard was playing in Israel.

[themount33]

I absolutely love this thread. I come back to it every day.

Keep up the great work gentlemen and thank you.

[Hair Canada]

Where is Lindell Wigginton ? I remember some guys on here were high on him.

Wigginton left Iowa State after his sophomore year last year (almost certainly a bad decision), and ended up going undrafted. He bounced around the G-League last season, and last I heard was playing in Israel.

I posted some follow-ups on Wigginton in the Team Canada thread. Watched him a couple of times when he played in Israel. He was simply horrific. Shot really badly and, as always, did not take good decisions. Personally, I'm completely off him as a Team Canada prospect and certainly as an NBA prospect. Good athlete but always has been plagued by his inability to make good decisions on the court + inconsistent shooting, which at his size (around 6'1) is just a complete killer. Wish things were different, as I would love to see a Nova Scotia player in the NBA. Maybe Nate Darling on a two-way contract will get some chances this year.

[mojo13]

Where is Lindell Wigginton ? I remember some guys on here were high on him.

Wigginton left Iowa State after his sophomore year last year (almost certainly a bad decision), and ended up going undrafted. He bounced around the G-League last season, and last I heard was playing in Israel.

I posted some follow-ups on Wigginton in the Team Canada thread. Watched him a couple of times when he played in Israel. He was simply horrific. Shot really badly and, as always, did not take good decisions. Personally, I'm completely off him as a Team Canada prospect and certainly as an NBA prospect. Good athlete but always has been plagued by his inability to make good decisions on the court + inconsistent shooting, which at his size (around 6'1) is just a complete killer. Wish things were different, as I would love to see a Nova Scotia player in the NBA. Maybe Nate Darling on a two-way contract will get some chances this year.

Wigginton has been around the Twolves during the bubble, doing workouts and I think attended a prospects camp held by the Twolves. He'll probably be in their camp and end up on their G League team for another go around in the G. However I agree with Hair - very unlikely he cracks the NBA. He may not have much of a career in Europe either. Might go the path of like XRM, just floating around the summer leagues, CEBL, NBL, maybe even get a 10 day once in a blue moon.