CANADA BASKETBALL LENDS SUPPORT TO ALL-CANADA CLASSIC

TORONTO – Canada Basketball will again lend support to this year's annual All-Canada Classic to be held on June 21 at the Air Canada Centre.  This marks the 11th year that PHASE 1 Basketball has been showcasing Canada’s best male and female high school basketball players in an all-star game format. The landmark event is presented and hosted this year by former Toronto Raptor Jerome “JYD” Williams and also supported by his JYD Project youth-focused organization.

“Canada’s young basketball talent needs support and to be inspired,” said Williams. “Ongoing events and collaboration like this, from all of us, is what it takes to help them reach their dreams.”

The All-Canada Classic is the featured event of the three-day showcase entitled “Rumble-in-the-T-Dot” held each year in Toronto and operated by PHASE 1 Athletics. In addition to our own Canadian-residing players, there are also a number of Canadians who are currently attending prep and high schools in the U.S. who will return to Canada to participate in this prestigious event.

“The talent participating at this event is the best our country has to offer, including many of our Junior National and Cadet team prospects,” said Rowan Barrett, Director of Youth Development for Canada Basketball. “In making these talented prospects available while they are training for the upcoming world championships, Canada Basketball is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to supporting and partnering with the many vital community initiatives across the country.”

Last year’s event included 2010 U19 FIBA Americas bronze medallists Myck Kabongo (Toronto) and Kyle Wiltjer (Portland, Ore.), who were both 2011 McDonald’s All-Americans. Previous years included NBA Draft prospects and former Junior National Team members Tristan Thompson (Brampton, Ont.) and Cory Joseph (Pickering, Ont.), who both played for the University of Texas Longhorns last season.

On women’s side, Senior Women’s Team member Natalie Achonwa (Guelph, Ont.), who led Notre Dame to the NCAA Finals this past season, and Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year and National Junior Team member Wumi Agunbiade (Pickering, Ont.) of Duquesne University both participated in the 2010 All-Canada Classic.

“The All-Canada Classic is vital to aspiring basketball players,” said Wayne Dawkins, Chairman of PHASE 1 Athletics. “[It] has been the launching pad for many past participants that are currently playing basketball at Canadian and NCAA Division 1 schools or are enjoying professional international careers.”

For more information on the 11th Annual All Canada Classic, an event open to the public, contact PHASE 1 Athletics at (416) 640-7117, Suite 1200, 251 Consumers Road, Toronto, ON or visit www.allcanadaclassic.com.