It was a celebration of Canada’s top basketball talent at the Biosteel All-Canadian Game on April 2. The annual game and showcase gathered the future of Canadian basketball as the top ranked high school players of the 2023 and 24 classes took to the court at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Centre.
The crowd, which included both proud families as well as college and professional level scouts, filled the arena to see Canada's best high school players.
Two teams, Red and White, were comprised of 24 players from across Canada and US prep schools, first for the girl’s game and then the boys teams later in the afternoon.
For the boys game, Team White was led by Toronto Metropolitan University men’s head coach Dave DeAveiro and Team Red was coached by Patrick Tatham.
The talent was on full display both ends of the court with each player showcasing their own style of play. Strong team play was balanced with some highlight reel dunks on one end and with crucial blocks on the other.
Highlights include a strong drive to the basket from NBA Academy Latin America guard Chris Tadjo, who finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds for Team Red.
Orangeville Prep, which has become one of Canada's best prep basketball schools, had three players showcased in the All-Canadian Game. Photo by Daniel Centeno/CJRU.
Neither team held a commanding lead for long stretches before Team Red pulled away in the fourth quarter to win the game 121-113.
Royal Crown Academic School power forward David Simon won the game's MVP award. The 6'11 senior scored 13 points on 60 per cent shooting and collected nine rebounds.
A longstanding presence at these showcases is Tony McIntyre. The Athlete Institute managing director and Orangeville Prep head coach spoke with CJRU about this year’s All-Canadian roster. He commented on the growth he continues to witness in Canadian basketball.
"In the past, a couple guys stuck out," McIntyre said. "I think this was a really talented group one through 24. Each guy has their own style and way of playing, I think there's going to be a lot of guys that will go on and do great things coming out of this game."
Orangeville Prep had three players in the game, the second most of any school or program this year. Players selected are Matai Baptiste, Kevin De Kovachich and Jalik Dunkley-Distant.
McIntyre has been an instrumental figure in the development of Canada’s junior ranks for more than 20 years.
During his time at Orangeville Prep, McIntyre has coached several current NBA players including Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Lugentz Dort and Indiana Pacers forward Oshae Brissett
He is also the founder of Nike Bounce, a summer league dedicated to giving Canada’s top players more exposure to college and pro scouts.
"I think it [All-Canadian talent] just keeps getting better and better," said McIntyre. "I think we lost a little bit of momentum with COVID, but I think this is a great opportunity to kind of pick it back up and show that it's one time a year where we could leave everything else aside and just let these guys come on the court, hoop and play, be proud of each other and everyone else in this city [Toronto] can be proud of the guys in the game."
With the high school prep basketball leagues concluding in March and April, the All-Canadian Game is one of the last major tournaments where players can showcase their game to prospective scouts prior to the summer circuit.
The Biosteel All-Canadian Game is the US counterpart to the McDonald’s All-American game, which gathers its top high school seniors in the nation.
Alumni of the Biosteel game include Murray, Dort and fellow Oklahoma City Thunder player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as Raptors guard Dalano Banton.
Listen to CJRU's coverage of the 2023 Biosteel All-Canadian Game: