NCAA Canadian Watch List 2020-21

[aminiaturebuddha]

Latest Tankathon has Duarte now in the first round #28) and AJ Lawson in the last e second (#58).

Still no Ben Mathurin which is surprising, as he is still outperforming 1st round prospects with similar profiles.
I've been looking for Primo and Guerrier to show up somewhere too...but nothing yet.

Edit: Guerrier was 60, Carr 57 and Duarte 47 on Sam Vecenie's last Top 60 (Jan 8).

Primo has been pretty inconsistent so far, so he may need another year. He still has long stretches where he doesn't impact the game much.

But you can really see the talent. He plays great defence, and is just really smooth with the ball. I've seen him take a few step-back 3s this year that just look like an NBA move. I think he's one of those guys whose game might actually end up suiting the next level more. For now, though, another year in college might not be a bad thing for him.

[Hair Canada]

Well, that sucks. Chris Duarte just rolled his ankle and while he did that an opposing player landed on it. He looked to be in massive pain and couldn't step on his foot. Hope it's not serious but it sure didn't look good. He's been playing so well this season and just came back from a long COVID hiatus. Such a shame.

[Psubs]

Latest Tankathon has Duarte now in the first round #28) and AJ Lawson in the last e second (#58).

Still no Ben Mathurin which is surprising, as he is still outperforming 1st round prospects with similar profiles.
I've been looking for Primo and Guerrier to show up somewhere too...but nothing yet.

Edit: Guerrier was 60, Carr 57 and Duarte 47 on Sam Vecenie's last Top 60 (Jan 8).

He looks good!

Watch on YouTube

[Hair Canada]

A good day for a few of the boys.

Zach Edey looked really good against Minnesota (13 points and a couple of blocks in limited minutes). I still really like his aggressiveness, strength, and blanace at such a young age. Think he's going to be a terrific college player in a year or two (only plays 14 minutes a game now behind the dominant Tervon Williams). And then he'll earn some good bucks playing pro basketball somewhere.

Edey almost led Purdue to a win in Minnesota. But the Marcus Carr, who didn't have a great game, woke up and scored 8 points (two three-pointers) in the last two minutes to get a win for the Gophers. Carr didn't play that great since the beginning of the new year and his 3-point shooting really didn't look good (13 of 53 since January). Minnesota also didn't look that great. But hopefully he can end the season on a strong note. Would love to see him get a chance in the NBA next year.

Ben Mathurin continues to look like a first-round sleeper. 14 points today, shooting 3-6 from behind the arc and making a couple of winning plays in the last minutes. Doesn't always initiate enough for me, I think mainly because his handle is still not tight enough. But his shooting is spectacular (47% from 3; 85% from the line) and he has the size, athleticism, and defensive potential (not quite there yet) to be a good NBA player.

Another guy who looks on his way to the league is Duarte. Today, in a game for which he was doubtful after what looked like a bad ankle injury, he still had a nearly-perfect first half with 18 points, hitting his first 4 3-pointers. Didn't play that much in the second, and didn't add to his scoring tally, but also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals (leads the Pac-12 in steals). Omoruyi also with another solid game: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and his usual energy play.

And a word about the Boise State boys. Kigab continues to have his best college season. Scored 15 or more in 7 of the last 9 and brings his usual energy and intangibles on the defensive end.

But how about Emmanuel Akot? Until last week, in 3 college seasons, he never scored more than 13 points a game. This week, in 3 games, against very decent competition, he had 19, 13, and 16 today, also shooting well in all three (he also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals today). so has he finally turned the corner? Really too soon to tell. I watched him today and the talent is undeniable at his size. He's now coming off the bench but gets a good amount of minutes, playing on the ball. Made some very good reads (should have had at least twice as many assists, but his teammates missed easy layups). Can he show some consistency? If not, it wouldn't be the first time where a player looked good for a stretch and then went back to his ways. We'll see.

[TrueNorth31]

I see FIBA will now hold the World U19 in Latvia in June. I wonder what sort of team we could put together ? In the past we've had less
success in terms of turnout than with the U17 squad. Perhaps with Covid cancelling so many events last year players may be more amenable to getting some exposure with this squad. Any thoughts on a potential team ?

https://www.basketball.ca/news/latvia-named-as-host-of-fiba-u19-basketball-world-cup-2021

[Hair Canada]

I see FIBA will now hold the World U19 in Latvia in June. I wonder what sort of team we could put together ? In the past we've had less
success in terms of turnout than with the U17 squad. Perhaps with Covid cancelling so many events last year players may be more amenable to getting some exposure with this squad. Any thoughts on a potential team ?

https://www.basketball.ca/news/latvia-named-as-host-of-fiba-u19-basketball-world-cup-2021

Yes, could be interesting if it actually happens. My guess is that Mathurin will declare for the NBA draft if he continues in his current trajectory. If that's the case, my "dream team" Would include Primo, O-Max, Edey, Bediako, Houstan, Nembhard, Sharpe, Boakye, and Fisher. Maybe also one or two of Lestin, Charles, Ndjock-Tadjore, and Biel. Not very strong in terms of guard, so I would also consider names like Monegro, Clayton, Alamutu, Exacte, and Mahi.

That's a dream team and as you say likely most will not come, especially those who are already in college or about to enter. But I do like the class of 2022 and think that they can field a nice team (maybe with Fisher as the new coming of RJ?) even if the names are not that familiar right now.

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2038491

[TrueNorth31]

Thanks Hair - I hope they are able to put together a good U 19 squad.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Caught the second half of the Purdue-Indiana game this afternoon, and Zach Edey was dominant at times. I'm still not sure if he'll ever get to the NBA, as his lack of lateral quickness will make it difficult for him to defend in today's NBA, but he's definitely not just a big stiff out there. He has legitimate post moves, and a soft touch whenever he puts the ball up. He finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds, and was playing over Purdue's star Trevion Williams down the stretch.

He's also improved a bunch of little things since I saw him earlier in the year, even if his numbers aren't as eye-popping as they were at the beginning of the season. I'd agree with Hair's analysis that he should end up having a very good NCAA career, enough to turn him into a pro somewhere after he's done.

[Hair Canada]

Caught the second half of the Purdue-Indiana game this afternoon, and Zach Edey was dominant at times. I'm still not sure if he'll ever get to the NBA, as his lack of lateral quickness will make it difficult for him to defend in today's NBA, but he's definitely not just a big stiff out there. He has legitimate post moves, and a soft touch whenever he puts the ball up. He finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds, and was playing over Purdue's star Trevion Williams down the stretch.

He's also improved a bunch of little things since I saw him earlier in the year, even if his numbers aren't as eye-popping as they were at the beginning of the season. I'd agree with Hair's analysis that he should end up having a very good NCAA career, enough to turn him into a pro somewhere after he's done.

Ye, I happened to catch this game and the previous one as well (where he had 21 points and 8 rebounds in 18 minutes). He's been really good. It's worth noting that because he plays behind Williams, who's been Purdu's best player, Edey only got 14 minutes a game this season. But he's been very productive. Per-40 he's putting up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks as a freshman. I don't think he can actually play more than 20-25 minutes a game at this point because he tends to get into foul trouble. But at only 18 he's already almost an unstopable force at this level and it's scary to think how he'll look in two years if he continues to improve (Purdue is also young and going to be a really good team). I also love the way he plays. He's fearless and shows a lot of passion, and aggressiveness. Seems to really want to dominate.

Like you, I'm mainly worried about his slow feet on defense. NBA guards would eat him alive on the P&R. But maybe he could still improve on that and I even see some potential for an outside shot (right now he doesn't even look at the basket beyond 3 feet). A very interesting team Canada and European pro prospect I think.

[Hair Canada]

Conference championships are here. Good time to look at the seasons of various players who might be playing their last game any day now.

We all like to focus on the success stories (I know I do). But once in a while it's also helpful to look at the less successful, especially those from whom we had some expectations.

Kobe McEwen may have played his last college game today and it was not a pretty one. 21 minutes, 0-4 from the field (no points) 1 rebound, 2 TOs and 5 fouls. A bit of a sad way for a college career that started out with great expectations. He was considered one of the top-3 players in Canada in his class. And his freshman season gave quite a few to look forward to, with 15 points and 5 assists a game on 42% from 3.

But it's been down hill pretty much from there on. Second year at Utah State was decent but without any progress. And then the move to Marquette for two disapointing years, in which he also had to deal with some mental health issues, and ending with him coming from the bench. Hard to see a future for him playing pro basketball right now. Too bad because the talent is there, but that's just not enough.

[mojo13]

Also note the U19s are confirmed fir Latvia this summer.

We could pull together a nice team if all breaks right.

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[Hair Canada]

Also note the U19s are confirmed fir Latvia this summer.

We could pull together a nice team if all breaks right.

Read on Twitter

?s=21

Yes, it can be a really nice team and even more if a few of the best college players (current and incoming) show up. And if the championship even takes place eventually...

[Hair Canada]

Continuing with players who just finished their seasons:

Dalano Banton started this season with a splash, showing a bit of everything (well, not including outside shooting) and igniting the imagination of a few scouts, with even some talk about a potential first-round selection in the coming draft (I never really saw it to be honest).

He ends it in a most disappointing fashion, coming off the bench of perhaps the weakest team in the Big 10. Basically, he had 10 first relatively strong games but then really took a step back, mostly scoring in single digits while also taking a dip in assists and overall contribution. Finished the season with 25% from 3, 40% from the field, and 66% from the line. You can still see the potential as a lengthy 6'9 playmaker. But his thin frame is a liability on defense and the if cannot substantially improve the shooting he'll be going nowhere.

Shamiel Stevenson playing next to Banton also had a pretty disappointing season. Didn't get much credit from Hoiberg but also shot the ball poorly (18% from 3) and turned the ball over too much, playing aggressively but not always making good decisions on the court.

And just so it's not all negative, let's talk about one player who had a really good season -- Emmanuel Miller. Texas A&M is done, but Miller was once again excellent in its final game with 22 and 9. He finishes the season with really good 16 and 8 averages on a good 57% from the field and an impressive 82% from the line (5 attempts per game). But he also only took 6 three-pointers and missed all of them... That's the one area that can really propel his career, currently playing as an undersized PF. The free throw percentage suggests that it's not a matter of touch. Now it's time to get into the lab and work on this relentlessly. Next year he might be playing in an "all-Canadian" team, alongside a couple of interesting freshmen in Javonte Brown and Cashius McNeilly.

[casoldi]

Continuing with players who just finished their seasons:

Dalano Banton started this season with a splash, showing a bit of everything (well, not including outside shooting) and igniting the imagination of a few scouts, with even some talk about a potential first-round selection in the coming draft (I never really saw it to be honest).

He ends it in a most disappointing fashion, coming off the bench of perhaps the weakest team in the Big 10. Basically, he had 10 first relatively strong games but then really took a step back, mostly scoring in single digits while also taking a dip in assists and overall contribution. Finished the season with 25% from 3, 40% from the field, and 66% from the line. You can still see the potential as a lengthy 6'9 playmaker. But his thin frame is a liability on defense and the if cannot substantially improve the shooting he'll be going nowhere.

Shamiel Stevenson playing next to Banton also had a pretty disappointing season. Didn't get much credit from Hoiberg but also shot the ball poorly (18% from 3) and turned the ball over too much, playing aggressively but not always making good decisions on the court.

And just so it's not all negative, let's talk about one player who had a really good season -- Emmanuel Miller. Texas A&M is done, but Miller was once again excellent in its final game with 22 and 9. He finishes the season with really good 16 and 8 averages on a good 57% from the field and an impressive 82% from the line (5 attempts per game). But he also only took 6 three-pointers and missed all of them... That's the one area that can really propel his career, currently playing as an undersized PF. The free throw percentage suggests that it's not a matter of touch. Now it's time to get into the lab and work on this relentlessly. Next year he might be playing in an "all-Canadian" team, alongside a couple of interesting freshmen in Javonte Brown and Cashius McNeilly.

Would Cashius McNeilly still be a freshman next year? I feel like he was the same class as Miller who would be a junior.

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

[Hair Canada]

He was. But was a redshirt in his first year and then again this year citing COVID concerns.

[Hair Canada]

Quincy Guerrier's season probably also done. Can't see the mediocre Syracuse being invited to the big dance. Finished with a 14 and 10 game that looks pretty much like what he brought all season.

Like Miller, he had a very solid season, certainly better than I expected. 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. Again like Miller, he's an undersized PF that makes it work under the basket with some toughness, decent athleticism, good strength, and heart. Showed a bit more outside shooting than Miller (31%) but certainly not enough to be a 3&D. And I also think he's a bit less fluid than Miller offensively. Will probably come back for another college season and hopefully he can continue to progress, though I have some doubts about it and this might be who he is (he's a year and a half older than Miller).

[Hair Canada]

And here goes Marcus Carr as well. Not a great last game for Carr, who was 4/20 from the field with two and a half minutes to go and the Gophers were down 14. He brought them back almost all by himself (with steals, rebounds, and 11 points, including two clutch 3-pointers) to a one-point game. But it wasn't enough and his season is done.

And what a season it was. He strated it off looking like arguably the best PG in all of college basketball during his first 10 games. Minnesota also looked great with big wins over Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State and they were at some point ranked top-15 in the country. But then his shooting pretty much fell of a cliff and teams started double-teaming him with size to prevent him from tkaing over. And the Gophers also started to look bad, exposing the limited talent around him. Carr still had a couple of big games, including a career-high 41, but no longer looked like a first-round draft pick.

So where are we now? I think he has a tough decision to make. If he declares, I don't think he'll be drafted. Does he come back for another year? Not sure he'll look any better if he does. But maybe the Gophers will. Does he try his luck with a two-way or a season in the G-league? Your guess is as good as mine.

At any rate, he's one of the Canadian college players that I the most fun watching. Lots of heart, a great handle, and some fantastic clutch genes. Not sure it's enough for the big league but sometimes it's nice to just enjoy players as they dominate in college without worrying too much about what's next. And I know I sure did.

[DreamTeam09]

And here goes Marcus Carr as well. Not a great last game for Carr, who was 4/20 from the field with two and a half minutes to go and the Gophers were down 14. He brought them back almost all by himself (with steals, rebounds, and 11 points, including two clutch 3-pointers) to a one-point game. But it wasn't enough and his season is done.

And what a season it was. He strated it off looking like arguably the best PG in all of college basketball during his first 10 games. Minnesota also looked great with big wins over Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State and they were at some point ranked top-15 in the country. But then his shooting pretty much fell of a cliff and teams started double-teaming him with size to prevent him from tkaing over. And the Gophers also started to look bad, exposing the limited talent around him. Carr still had a couple of big games, including a career-high 41, but no longer looked like a first-round draft pick.

So where are we now? I think he has a tough decision to make. If he declares, I don't think he'll be drafted. Does he come back for another year? Not sure he'll look any better if he does. But maybe the Gophers will. Does he try his luck with a two-way or a season in the G-league? Your guess is as good as mine.

At any rate, he's one of the Canadian college players that I the most fun watching. Lots of heart, a great handle, and some fantastic clutch genes. Not sure it's enough for the big league but sometimes it's nice to just enjoy players as they dominate in college without worrying too much about what's next. And I know I sure did.

I unno, he looked like a leaguer to me, Clutch, heart of a lion, and has a modern day PG type of game. He looks like he has an NBA body for the PG spot and I don't see how he would be the worst backup PG in the NBA next year. I'd take a flier on him if you're a vet team in need of a backup PG. Clippers or Utah and he could ball right away, or a team like Det or something

[Hair Canada]

It's all true regarding Carr, which is why I enjoy watching him play. And I really would be happy if someone gives him a shot as a backup guard.

But the main reason I think it's goind to be an uphill battle is the shooting. He finished the season shooting 31% from 3 and 38% from the field (never shot better than 40% in his college career). And that's including his good start. Without it it looks even worse. It would be really hard to carve a spot with this kind of shooting when you don't bring to the table elite athleticism, speed, strength, defense, or even passing. Heart and winner mentality is just not enough at these levels and the PG position is incredibly stcked and competitive. I'll admit I thoguht he was there too after his hot start but it's going to be really hard.

[Hair Canada]

AJ Lawson's season also done. He's made some improvement this year. More consistent game-to-game, though still had a couple of weak ones. Scored more than last year, but efficiency is still lacking, as is decision making. A very good defender though and has a nose for steals. All in all, not enough I think to get him to the NBA. Another year in SC? Maybe. But it remains a gamble. Maybe he's just not good enough to be an NBA player?