Every March brings with it a number of fine occasions, from St. Patrick’s Day to the first day of spring. Green beer and green grass are all well and good, but there is nothing better come March 18 (running until April 7) than the annual American college basketball tournament dubbed March Madness because it is just crazy to have this much fun watching sports.
Over the past decade, as basketball has grown in popularity north of the border, more and more local athletes have been featured in the tournament, and this year looks to be the best yet with 27 Canadians on 18 teams including a number of key players from the Greater Toronto Area playing for schools with a chance to win it all. Herewith, five very talented local 'ballers to watch.
Andrew Wiggins, Kansas University
Wiggins, from Thornhill, has been so hyped some analysts have called him a Hall of Fame NBA player-in-waiting, and although he’s had an incredible year, he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. But, then again, who could? Kansas is seeded number two in the South region, but are without their other major force, Joel Embiid, for at least part of the tournament. So it will be up to Wiggins to carry the team. Also important to note, Andrew’s brother Nick Wiggins is an important bench player for another team with a legitimate shot at the title—Wichita State—and there is a possibility the two Canadian brothers could play against each other in the final.
First game: Mar. 21 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Predicted finish: If Embiid makes it back, and Wiggins gets hot, could be Elite Eight or better.
Tyler Ennis, Syracuse
Ennis, from Brampton, is the starting point guard for the Syracuse Orange, seeded third in the South region, who went undefeated over their first 25 games before faltering over the home stretch and losing to a number of weaker teams over the past month. Still, Ennis has established himself as a potential NBA lottery pick for his exceedingly mature manner of running the offence and his ability to hit clutch shots. Sadly for local basketball fans, Kansas and Syracuse are in the same bracket and if they keep winning will meet in the round of 16. He is silky smooth, and reminiscent of another recent NCAA standout—Cory Joseph, now with the San Antonio Spurs.
First game: Mar. 20 vs. Western Michigan
Predicted finish: The team’s poor performance of late has tempered many expectations, and the South region all roads run through Florida, the undisputed number one seed in the tournament.
Nik Stauskas, Michigan
Born and raised in Mississauga, Stauskas is a big and deadly three-point shooter with the Michigan Wolverines, the number two seed in the Midwest region. Michigan made it to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament before getting their clocks cleaned by rivals at Michigan State, basically as a result of not enough plays run for the sharp shooter Stauskas. The team has talent and Stauskas is a fun player to watch with a high basketball IQ. Michigan can make a run, but Stauskas will need to let loose a barrage from behind the arc to make it happen.
First game: Mar. 20. vs. Wolford
Predicted finish: Tough battles loom on the horizon versus Texas and Duke, and a top eight finish will be a challenge.
Melvin Ejim, Iowa State
Ejim, a Toronto product, is a key cog on one of the most entertaining, competitive and downright scary teams in this year’s tournament. The rugged, tough-as-nails forward is rated as one of the best seniors in the country, and his wealth of experience and Iowa State’s solid, deep roster will make them hard to beat. In the recent Big 12 Conference tournament, Ejim and Iowa State beat fellow Canuck Brady Heslip and the Baylor Bears in the final, after beating Andrew Wiggins’ Kansas team in the semi-finals. Make no mistake, Iowa State is for real, and so is Ejim.
First game: Mar. 21 vs. N.C. Central
Predicated finish: Iowa will have to get past number one seed Virginia or the sleeper favourite Michigan State to get to the Final Four, but they could make it happen.
Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga
There's always a chance for an upset when talking about Gonzaga Bulldogs, led by Newmarket product Kevin Pangos. Bottom line, this team is well coached and know how to win when it matters. Pangos, a 21-year-old point guard has March Madness experience, and is a solid floor general who is smart and a serious threat from outside. But he needs to get his teammates involved early and often if the Bulldogs are to win.
First game: Mar. 21 vs. Oklahoma State
Predicted finish: It'll be a tough haul, but the West region is the weakest and Gonzaga could go on a run. A top 16 finish is a definite possibility.
Check out Basketball Canada's NCAA tournament bracket with red maple leafs denoting teams with Canadian players here.
