A look at 10 Canadian freshmen that have been standouts during the 2020-21 college basketball season.
It seems almost every year that Canada sets a new record for the number of men and women playing NCAA basketball and 2020-21 was no different.
Here are 10 Canadian freshmen that have made an impact for their teams during the 2020-21 season.
- Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe – Oklahoma State 6’7 G/F – Vaughan, ON
The two-time BioSteel All-Canadian Player of the Year is averaging 8.9 PPG along with 5.2 RPG and has been a key figure for a Cowboy team that is 13-6. Oklahoma State had been hit with a one year postseason ban but there is optimism that may be lifted and we could see MA in March Madness this year.
- Zach Edey – Purdue 7’4 C – Toronto, ON
The big man has made a huge impact for the Boilermakers who are 13-8 and ranked No.24 in the AP Poll which (right now) should make them a shoo-in for the NCAA tournament. Averaging 8.0 PPG and 4.1 RPG.
- Josh Primo – Alabama 6’6 G – Toronto, ON
Has been a key piece for Nate Oats at Bama with the Crimson Tide now 17-5 and ranked No.11. Primo was rated as a 5-star prospect by 24/7 and No.19 overall. Averaging 8.3 PPG.
- Keeshawn Barthelemy – Colorado 6’2 G – Montreal, QC
Barthelemy has been an important figure off the bench for the Buffaloes who are 16-5 and the No.3 team in the Pac-12 and should be a lock for an at-large NCAA tournament bid.
- Jahmyl Telfort – Northeastern 6/7 G – Boucherville, QC
Averaging 11.3 PPG for Bill Coen’s Northeastern squad that is currently the No.1 team in the Colonial at 8-1 but will have to win their conference tournament (March 6-9) to get into March Madness.
- Kyler Filewich – Southern Illinois 6’9 F/C – Winnipeg, MB
Has been a surprise for head coach Bryan Mullins who picked up Filewich late in the recruiting process. He is averaging 6.3 PPG with 5.1 RPG. You can also see Filewich in the TV show Anyone’s Game that airs on CBC in Canada.
- Shemar Rathan-Mayes – Youngstown State 6′ G – Scarborough, ON
Has made an immediate impact as a starter for most of the season. Shim is averaging 10.5 PPG and should be included on the Horizon League All-Freshman Team.
- Taryn Todd – Texas Christian 6’5 G – Vaughan, ON
Took a redshirt year last season but has been important for TCU who is 11-8 so far this year. Todd is averaging 4.4 PPG and has shown real flashes of excellence in the Big 12 that looks good for his future.
- Kobe Elvis – DePaul 6’2 G – Brampton, ON
Elvis’ play has been one of the few bright spots for DePaul with 5.7 PPG. With more time and more talent around him Elvis should be an All-Conference player by his junior year at DePaul.
- Josh Morgan – Incarnate Word 6’3 G – Brampton, ON
Morgan has quietly been one of Canada’s best freshman in college hoops. He is averaging 7.2 PPG for UIW who still has a shot at March Madness but they’ll need to come up big in the Southland Conference tournament March 10-14.
