On Point Scouting Exclusive by OPS Scouting Director Josue Sedjro

The first annual Pro Can Invitational event took place this past weekend at The Playground Durham in Oshawa on Day 1 and Durham College on Day 2 two and showcased a lot of under-the-radar talent. On Point Scouting (OPS) took in the event and breaks down five intriguing players from the Combine games of Day one. For the purpose of contextualizing the analysis below, OPS defines the level competition according to the following tiering system for non-NBA leagues: 

Tier 1  Euroleague, Eurocup, ACB, NBA Summer League 
Tier 2  Spanish, French, Bundesliga, Top Greece teams, Top Israel teams, Italy, Top Russian teams, China, NBL 
Tier 3  Adriatic, Israel, BBL, CEBL, Russia, top Belgium team 
Tier 4  Poland, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Romania 
Tier 5  Netherlands, NBL Canada 

Maxime Boursiquot 6’5″ G/F (University of Ottawa) 

Projected Role: Secondary Ball-Handler, Combo Wing 

Performance: Boursiquot stood out in both games with a range of skillsets. He displayed an ability to put the ball on the deck and attack the basket. He shot the ball fairly well despite a slow release speed, but was clearly at his best attacking the rim. Defensively, he made multiple effort plays and use his physicality to stonewall opponents’ drives to the rim. He showed his versatility and used his big frame to swallow defensive rebounds. He played with intensity and consistency throughout the scrimmage and combine games. Overall, Boursiquot made an impression on OPS that he may be able to succeed as a role player for a team in leagues such as the Adriatic League, Novo Basquete Brazil or the CEBL. 

Jordan Lyons 6’7″ G/F (Simon Fraser University) 

Projected Role: Tertiary ball-handler, Combo Wing 

Performance: Lyons made an immediate impression on OPS with his frame and athletic tools. He may have been the best pure athlete at the Pro Can Invitational. Left-handed, he made use of his tools in transition but struggled finishing with touch at the rim, especially in traffic. He displayed good length in passing lanes, but effort waxed and waned too much to be a true dominant defensive force. Overall, Lyons stood out to OPS with his raw tools and projects to be a role player in first division leagues such as in Portugal, Finland and Mexico. 

Jayden Coke 6’6″ G (Vancouver Island) 

Projected Role: Tertiary ball-handler, Combo Guard 

Performance: Coke did a good job running out and creating easy baskets from himself. He was at his best when playing off teammates’ penetration and attacking closeouts. He ran into trouble when he tried to create for himself off isolation plays as his first step and decision-making were uneven. Defensively, he used his length to disrupt the point of attack and deflecting passes. His energy and activity can negate bad positioning but, in this environment, his length made up for a lot of errors. Overall, Coke projects to be a role player in first division leagues such as in Portugal, Finland and Mexico. 

Quinton Gray: 6’3″ G (Queen’s University) 

Projected Role: Secondary Ball-handler, Combo guard 

Performance: Gray shot the ball well and provided a constant gravity element on and off the ball. He managed to penetrate the teeth of the defence and draw attention to kick it out to open teammates. He did a good job running point making use of his vision and his body to create separation and maintain advantages that he created on the ball. Defensively, he competed and used the tools given to him. Overall, Gray projects as a capable player with potential to compete in the Adriatic League, Novo Basquete Brazil or the CEBL. 

Eric Rwahwire: 6’5″ F (University of Toronto) 

Role: Tertiary ball-handler, Wing 

Performance: Rwahwire has probably the most interesting frame as a wing of the Pro Can Invitational and left the impression that he can add even more definition to his body. He can play on and off the ball but is more effective attacking off the catch. He showed great dexterity, finishing on both sides of the rim, while unlocking deceptive speed. Defensively, he used his frame to defend a couple bigs at times to interesting results. Overall, Rwahwire projects as a player capable of competing in leagues such as Portugal, Finland and Mexico. 

Pro Can Invitational Day 2 –Canadian Professional Prospects Game Scouting Recap

Day 2 of the Pro Can Invitational saw the Canadian Professional Prospects Game take place at Durham College Sunday evening. OPS took in the game and highlighted 3 players that stood out in different ways. 

Best all-around performer: Maxime Bousiquot 6’5″ G/F (University of Ottawa) 

Maxime Boursiquot stood out in this game with his defensive work. He displayed great stoutness and strength defending a couple drives, stole the ball in the backcourt for a lay-up and even blocked a couple shots on the perimeter. Similar to the Saturday games, his conditioning was at a top-tier level and it fueled a lot of his defensive effort. He displayed good basketball IQ with good cutting and a clear understanding of his role within offensive sets. Clearly, he can be successful right off the jump in a support role while working to develop his game off the dribble and his shot. He finished the game with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 1 steal on 8-12 from the field and won MVP honors. Include Interview link when posted 

Best athlete: Jordan Lyons 6’7″ G/F (Simon Fraser University) 

Jordan Lyons certainly staked his claim as the best athlete present in this game. He got going early by attacking the rim early in the game and with force. The open floor is where he is at his best and where he can unleash his athleticism. While his shot still requires work, he can attack the rim when given an advantage. Defensively, his athleticism allowed him to close down openings and creases in the defence very quickly. He finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and a block on 9-15 from the field. 

Best scorer: Malcolm Glanville 6’4″ G (University of Guelph) 

Malcolm Glanville shot the ball early and often but provided a spark for Team White team when the team struggled offensively. He is clearly a rhythm shooter that is more comfortable on the ball than off the ball. He found his teammates at times in passing situations when the read was clear and open. He showed good touch on his runners but was susceptible to length and athleticism defensively. He also showed good balance on his shot off the dribble. Defensively, he was pesky on the ball-handler in over-and-drop defensive coverage. He finished with 16 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists on 6-15 shooting from the field. 

Photos courtesy Faz Visions 

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