For the second straight year, the NCAA Tournament will boast more than 20 Canadian players taking part in the annual March Madness.
Americans may think they own March Madness, but Canadians can have something to say about that on the court in 2018.
The NCAA has had its small share of Canadian players defeat the odds, dominate college hoops, and go on to have a tremendous NBA careers. From Kansas alum Andrew Wiggins to Kentucky alum Jamal Murray, it is safe to say that Canadians are making their mark in both college and the NBA.
However, the narrative has changed, and for the better. Instead of seeing just a few Canadian players shine come March Madness, we have seen plenty of them make their mark in the Big Dance over the past few years. Last season, led by then Oregon superstar and now Memphis Grizzlies guard, Dillon Brooks, Canada basketball was put on the map, especially during the NCAA Tournament.
One year later, a handful of these rookies either find themselves playing integral roles in the NBA or G-League. Don’t be surprised to see even more Canadians playing in the NBA/G-League next season.
This year, the NCAA tournament will showcase more than 20 players who hail from the Great White North, and some of them could have tremendous impact on how March Madness ends. Here are five native Canadians that will thrive on basketball’s biggest stage during the annual tournament.