Syracuse Basketball: Oshae Brissett is the best Canadian in College Basketball
Through 14 games, Syracuse basketball freshman, Oshae Brissett, has already cemented himself as the best Canadian player in the NCAA. ITLH breaks it down.
For good reason, most Canadian-bred hoopers that find themselves NCAA bound end up in the ACC, or in other words, the best conference in college basketball.
Heading into the 2017-18 season, most expected very little from a Syracuse basketball team that failed to make the 2017 NCAA Tournament, lost Taurean Thompson, and was about to deploy five unexperienced freshmen on a nightly basis.
Three months later, led by their fearless leader in Oshae Brissett, Syracuse has quickly proved that they can keep up with any team in the country. Through 14 contests, including Sunday night’s 68-56 win over Virginia Tech, Syracuse holds a remarkable 12-2 record and is bound to make a return to the big dance this March. Brissett’s incredible start to the season has analysts comparing him to the likes of Derrick Coleman and Louis Orr, two storied Syracuse big men.
Let’s take a look at Brissett’s numbers, and compare them to some of the other Canadian hoopers that reside in the ACC:
Oshae Brissett: Forward, Syracuse Orange:
Whenever Syracuse has needed someone to step up this season, Brissett has delivered. On Sunday night, Brissett played 40 minutes for the third straight game, scored 19 points on 5/11 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and continued to deliver from the free throw line.
Brissett went 9/10 from the charity stripe and helped Syracuse shut down the Hokies in the Carrier Dome. Brissett has been one of college basketball’s best big men this season. Through 14 games, Brissett is averaging over 15 points and 10 rebounds. Brissett has proven to be one of the more composed players in college hoops this season, and his shooting numbers explain why.
Despite shooting just 35% from the floor, Brissett has recently taken advantage of his ability to convert from the free throw line night in and night out. For the season, Brissett is averaging more than seven free throws per game and has hit 80% of them on the season.
Simply put, Brissett is one of the most versatile big men that has ever played under the legendary Jim Boeheim. When Brissett announced his commitment to the Orange during a Toronto Raptors game last season, most were expecting the four-star recruit to serve as a role player next to Frank Howard and Tyus Battle. Instead, Brissett has blossomed into Syracuse’ best rebounder and finisher at the rim.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Shooting Guard, Virginia Tech Hokies:
The Syracuse Orange may have limited a red-hot Virginia Tech squad to just 35% (18/52) shooting, but Canadian shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker manipulated the 2-3 zone all night.
The freshman from Toronto played 24 minutes and scored 19 points on a respectable 7/13 shooting. On the season, Walker is averaging more than 12 points, four rebounds, and nearly two assists on a strong 51% shooting.
Despite being a five-star recruit out of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, and the 21st ranked player in ESPN’s top 100 players for the 2017-18 season, Walker’s play has been nowhere near as impactful as Brissett this season.
Marcus Carr: Point Guard, Pittsburgh Panthers:
Like Syracuse, Pittsburgh has also taken advantage of the rich pool of talent north of the border. Prior to their 67-53 loss at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes on December 30, the Pittsburgh Panthers’ 8-5 record in non-conference play was far from impressive.
However, Toronto native and current Panthers point guard, Marcus Carr, has been one of their pleasant surprises this year. The three-star recruit out of Montverde Academy has quietly put up impressive numbers for a struggling Pitt team.
The freshman has started 11/14 games and is averaging nearly 11 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Carr is shooting an incredible 49% from the floor and 48% from long range. Like Brissett, Carr’s play thus far has exceeded most people’s expectations, and he too has put Canada on the map.
Shamiel Stevenson: Forward, Pittsburgh Panthers:
Similar to Carr, Shamiel Stevenson from Hillcrest Prep in Toronto, has already made a name for himself with Pittsburgh just 14 games into the season. Stevenson has started 7/14 games for the Panthers, averaging more than 10 points and five rebounds on 52% shooting.
Sure, he hasn’t been receiving national attention for his productive play, but he has been far more effective than most expected when the season began three months ago.
Mfiondu Kabengele: Forward, Florida State Seminoles
Mfiondu Kabengele, a three-star recruit out of Burlington, Ontario, has been one the best bench players on a stacked 11-2 Florida State squad in 2017. Through 12 games, Kabengele is averaging close to 10 points, and nearly five rebounds on close to 50% shooting.
While the ACC is known for its plethora of superstars, it is players like Kabengele that put teams over the top, especially come March Madness.
Honorable mentions:
Nikola Djogo: Shooting Guard, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Nikola Djogo, a sophomore guard from Stoney Creek, Ontario, has seen very limited action with the Fighting Irish. Over 10 games, Djogo is averaging less than five minutes, and one point per game.
Howard Washington: Point Guard, Syracuse Orange
Howard Washington, a four-star recruit from Athlete Institute Basketball Acadamy, has played alongside Brissett for a while now. Like Djogo, Washington has also been given very little playing time due to Syracuse’ guards playing close to 40 minutes per game.
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Through 11 games, Washington is shooting just 17% from the floor but has played phenomenal defense atop Syracuse’ 2-3 zone. Despite the inability to score consistently, Washington’s defensive efforts more than makes up for it.