Hoops Habit
Fansided

NCAA: Canadian Ballers Invade The 2014-15 Season

By Steve Lee

Dec 14, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines fans hold up a Canadian flag for Michigan guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines fans hold up a Canadian flag for Michigan guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 11
Next
NCAA
Dec 14, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines fans hold up a Canadian flag for Michigan guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Arguably the most sought after recruit last year was Toronto, Ontario native Andrew Wiggins, a 6’8″ blend of offense and defense that had NCAA (Kansas Jayhawks) and NBA coaches salivating since they first laid eyes on him.

In the same 2014 draft, Michigan Wolverine super sophomore Nik Stauskas and Syracuse Orange freshman Tyler Ennis were selected eighth and 18th respectively following nationally acclaimed seasons. Dwight Powell rounded out the Canadian content, drafted 45th overall after completing his senior season with the Stanford Cardinal. Though he didn’t hear his name called on draft night, Iowa State senior Melvin Ejim found himself amongst talks that he too could find himself in the NBA sooner than later.

More from NBA

Travel back one year prior and the surprise pick of the 2013 NBA draft was former UNLV Running Rebel forward Anthony Bennett, from, yup, you guessed it, Canada.

While chances are slim that a Canadian will be headlining the water cooler talk when it comes to NCAA hoops this season like Wiggins did last season, there are still plenty of talented ballers (approximately 100)  in the NCAA from north of the border that are making an impact for their respective clubs.