U18 Men Will Compete in 2016 FIBA Americas in Chile

TORONTO, ON (June 4, 2016) – Canada Basketball is pleased to announce the 18 athletes invited to the U18 men’s national team tryouts and training camp, June 4th – 8th at Humber College – North Campus in Toronto, ON.

“We’re looking forward to working with this group,” said Roy Rana, head coach. “It will be a competitive camp as we look to put together the best team to compete in Chile at the FIBA Americas.”

Rana (Ryerson University) will be joined by assistants Jamie McNeilly (Virginia Tech), Kirby Schepp (University of Manitoba), Craig Beaucamp (University of Victoria) and mentor coach, Steve Konchalski (St. Francis Xavier).

The squad will re-group July 12th – 14th in Toronto for training prior to traveling to Valdivia, Chile for the 2016 U18 FIBA Americas from July 19th-23rd, where they will look to qualify for the 2017 U19 World Championships.

In 2015, the U19 men’s national team finished 5th at the U19 FIBA World Championships – the program’s best-ever finish. Canada is currently ranked 3rd worldwide in the FIBA youth men rankings.

A full list of athletes and coaches can be found below. For media requests, please contact bwilliams@basketball.ca.

2016 U18 TRAINING CAMP INVITEES

Name Position Height Hometown Club/School
Nickeil Alexander-Walker G 6’5 Scarborough, ON Hamilton Heights Christian
O’Shae Brissett F 6’8 Pickering, ON Findlay Prep
Alex Carson G 6’5 Lower Sackville, NS Sackville High School
Alex Christie C 6’11 Oakville, ON Holy Trinity Catholic SS
Nathan Darling G 6’3 Halifax, NS DeMantha Catholic
Shaivonte Gilgeous-Alexander G 6’4 Hamilton, ON Hamilton Heights Christian
Jake Hammell F 7’0 Kirkland Lake, ON IMG Academy
Jahvon Henry-Blair F 6’2 Brampton, ON Orangeville Prep
Jordan Henry G 5’9 Toronto, ON Pine Ridge Secondary School
Brandon John F 6’9 Brantford, ON The Hill Academy
Abu Kigab F 6’6 St. Catharines, ON Prolific Prep
Therren Shelton-Szmidt G 6’5 Mississauga, ON Hamilton Heights Christian
Shamiel Stevenson G 6’6 Oakville, ON Wasatch Academy
Aher Uguak F 6’6 Edmonton, AB Harry Ainlay
Josip Vrankic F 6’9 Etobicoke, ON Wasatch Academy
James Wagner F 6’7 Winnipeg, MB John Taylor Collegiate
Howard Washington Jr G 6’2 Buffalo, NY Athlete Institute
Lindell Wiggington G 5’10 Dartmouth, NS Oak Hill Academy

2016 U18 COACHING & STAFF

NAME POSITION HOMETOWN TEAM/CLUB
Roy Rana Head Coach Toronto, ON Ryerson University
Jamie McNeilly Assistant Coach Toronto, ON Virginia Tech University
Kirby Schepp Assistant Coach Winnipeg, MB University of Manitoba
Craig Beaucamp Assistant Coach Burnaby, BC University of Victoria
Krisjon Vargas Therapist Toronto, ON Canada Basketball
James DePoe Manager Toronto, ON Humber College
Ian Cohen Doctor Toronto, ON University of Toronto

2016 U18 SCHEDULE

DATE ITEM LOCATION
June 4th -8th, 2016 Tryouts & Training Humber College – North
July 12th-14th, 2016 Training Camp Humber College – North
July 15th – 18th, 2016 Training Valdivia, Chile
July 19th, 2016 Vs. Argentina U18 FIBA Americas
Valdivia, Chile
July 20th, 2016 Vs. Dominican Republic
July 21st, 2016 Vs. Brazil
July 22nd, 2016 Semi-Finals
July 23rd, 2016 Finals

Courtesy Drew Ebanks

Drew Ebanks

Drew Ebanks

Drew Ebanks

Often referred to as Mr. Canada Basketball, Ebanks has been an integral innovator and personality in both amateur and professional basketball. With a High Honours Diploma in Radio & Television Broadcasting (Seneca College) and experience in the financial services industry, Ebanks’ diverse educational background and work experience has allowed him to maximize On Point’s potential in becoming a leading basketball media, promotional and lifestyle brand.