Testimonials
My experience with youth development in Ottawa was great growing up. I learned what it took to be great at basketball and also as a person.
Yasiin Joseph (USport 3-time National Champion, 2019 National Championship game leading-scorer, High School City Champion)
Coaching in Ottawa at the youth level is great. You get to learn a lot of stuff on the court and also off the court. A lot of the time you get to build a bond with a coach which can lead a long way in life not just basketball related. These coaches usually take time off with their family to spend time with us so we can improve.
Jacques Lukusa(U17 OBA Division 1 Champion, U17 OBA Division 1 MVP, Nike EYBL member)
When I began with the coaches at Dream Canada, I was a 6’3 forward entering grade 8. I had never had an opportunity to play the guard position. When I first started I could not shoot or dribble. I was developed into an all-around player. Year 1 I went from a tall post to a leading scorer for Team Quebec U15 as a guard within 11 months. Year 2, we won a u17 OBA division 1 championship despite being a U16 team playing up. That same year, I played the third most minutes for U16 Team Canada. They were extremely motivating and available everyday if I needed development. This extended beyond when I was playing on their program as they showed dedication to me as a student-athlete that was unsurpassed.
Malick Turenne (Team Canada Starter, Team Quebec, U17 OBA Division 1 Champion, Nike EYBL Member)
When I began with the coaches at Dream Canada, I was a 6’3 forward entering grade 8. I had never had an opportunity to play the guard position. When I first started I could not shoot or dribble. I was developed into an all-around player. Year 1 I went from a tall post to a leading scorer for Team Quebec U15 as a guard within 11 months. Year 2, we won a u17 OBA division 1 championship despite being a U16 team playing up. That same year, I played the third most minutes for U16 Team Canada. They were extremely motivating and available everyday if I needed development. This extended beyond when I was playing on their program as they showed dedication to me as a student-athlete that was unsurpassed.
Malick Turenne (Team Canada Starter, Team Quebec, U17 OBA Division 1 Champion, Nike EYBL Member)
“My experience on the coaches in the Ottawa region is they work you hard and help maximize your potential as long as you are willing to put the work in.
Tesloch Luk (NorthPole Hoops #31 ranked 2020, First Team All NPA, Adidas Gauntlet member, Deng Camp participant)
I believe that the way the coaches from our region have been training us is definitely beneficial for us. As throughout my years playing I’ve learned a lot about the principles to become a winner. I’ve also been training with Coach Aaron Blakely during the summer. I think those skills sessions happening every day are important for our development as most of the best players are there and I think by training hard with them every day is how we get better.”
Louth Coulibaly (NorthPole Hoops #6 ranked 2020, EYBL and UAA member)
“The coaches in the Ottawa region are well experienced and have a great knowledge about the game. They know what each player needs to work on to get better and they have the best training that can help you notice a difference in your game.”
Muon Reath (Northpole Hoop #3 Ranked 2021, NPA National Champion 2017 & 2018 CYBL Champion 2017 & 2018, EYBL member)
Strong focus on game realistic drills. High iq coaching with championships to back it up. The hard work pays off.
Wilson Dubinsky (2016 Ottawa Public Board MVP and Champion, 2017 CYBL Champion, 2018 CYBL Champion & MVP, EYBL/UAA Association member)
Player development in Ottawa is like no other. The coaches find ways to push you past your limits and make you comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Coaches teach you how to compete at a level that you can expect to see in university and even pro basketball
Steph Okenge (Northpole Hoops #51 2021, CYBL 2018 Champion)
Coming from Gatineau then switching to Ottawa was an adjustment, it took a while to get use to the higher level of competition. Also my coaches tested me and help me learn what working hard actually looks like. I got better quicker and got a lot of national attention
Pierre Mukandila (Team Quebec U17 Class of 2022)
I think Ottawa Basketball is becoming more competitive. Although the opportunities does not match those in the United States, the gap is becoming smaller.
Nathan Christopher (Team Ontario U14 Guard class of 2023)
My experience is that Ottawa coaches provide you with what you need to do to get better and the rest is on the player to show dedication and that they want to get better. The coaches have supported me and created a family atmosphere where we can grow
Daniel Muila (Team Ontario U14 Forward class of 2023)
