Most everybody knows Canada as a hockey crazy country and for good reason, but there has been an explosion of great Canadian basketball players as of late as well.  All you have to do is look at the latest mock drafts for the 2014 NBA to see my point.

Everybody has heard of Andrew Wiggins but he isn’t the only big time player from the North to make a huge impact on the NCAA this season.

There is also some fresh young Canadian talent in the NBA as well.

With all the great young Canadian ballers making a name for themselves, Canada basketball should be in contention for a medal in the 2016 summer Olympics.

In this ongoing two-part series we have a look at the Canadians in both the NBA and NCAA and follow their progressive.

The college game is loaded with Canadian players who are contributing in a major way, but if I were to mention them all this would turn into a book.  Since I will be updated this on at least a monthly basis I will focus on the 15 guys who are making the most impact right now for their respective teams.

Andrew Wiggins, Kansas: Wiggins is at or near the top of every mock draft out there and for good reason.  He is explosive off the bounce, can finish at the rim and is a long and rangy defender.  While Kansas hasn’t had quite the start they were looking for, Wiggins is still impressive.  So far this year he is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals a contest.

Tyler Ennis, Syracuse: Ennis is a dynamic point guard who can run a team as good as just about any college player in the country.  He can get it done on either end of the floor and is a big reason was the Orange are still undefeated.  Ennis is averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.8 steals a game.

Olivier Hanlan, Boston College: Hanlan has been one of the few bright spots for the struggling Eagles.  Even though BC is just 4-8 on the season, Hanlan is averaging 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Dwight Powell, Stanford: Powell is a very well-rounded player who does a little bit of everything for the Cardinal.  Powell is averaging 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.5 steals a game.

Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga: Pangos has drastically improved his shooting numbers and his offensive production has skyrocketed along with it.  Even though he is called on to provide more scoring, Pangos has been a willing passer as well.  So far this year, Pangos is averaging 18.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the 10-2 Bulldogs.

Melvin Ejim, Iowa State: although his rebounding numbers are down from a season ago, Ejim is still having a monster season for the undefeated Cyclones.  Ejim is averaging 18 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and one steal.

Sim Bhullar, New Mexico State: the Aggies have a pipeline to great Canadian players and this year is no different.  Bhullar is a giant who is a huge key to the New Mexico State success this year.  He is an impressive shot blocker and rebounder who can also score when called upon.  So far this year, Bhullar is averaging 9.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks a game.

Daniel Mullings, New Mexico State: Mullings is another Aggie who knows how to get it done on the floor.  He is averaging 16.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals for the 10-5 Aggies.

Jason Calliste, Oregon: after playing three seasons at Detroit, Calliste is now playing a huge roll for the undefeated Oregon Ducks.  So far this year, Calliste is averaging 12.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 59.4 percent from three-point range.

Jordan Bachynski, Arizona State: Bachynski has improved every year and this year he is beginning to dominate.  Bachynski is one of the best shot blocker in the college game today swatting away 4.8 shots a contest.  That isn’t the only area he excels at though.  He also averages 12.8 points and 9.8 rebounds for the 10-2 Sun Devils.

Khem Birch, UNLV: like Bachynski, Birch is a shot blocking machine and a fantastic rebounder.  He is also an effective scorer when he has the ball in his hands.  So far this year, Birch is putting up 11.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks for the 7-4 Running Rebels.

Nik Stauskas, Michigan: Stauskas has made a huge jump from his freshman to sophomore year.  Last year he was known as a spot up shooter who was limited elsewhere, but this year is proving that just wasn’t the case.  Stuaskas can get to the rim and finish as well as knock down the outside jumper with his picture perfect stroke.  So far this season, Nik is averaging 18.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the 7-4 Wolverines.

Kenny Chery, Baylor: Chery runs the show for 10-1 Bears and does so very well.  He leads the team with 5.3 assists a game and is second on the team in scoring averaging 12.2 points a night on only 8.7 Attempts a game.  The reason why Chery doesn’t need too many looks to score is because he shoots the ball very well.  He is shooting 51 percent from the field and an impressive 93.1 percent from the free throw line.

Brady Heslip, Baylor: Heslip is coming off the bench for the Bears, but is still called upon to stretch the floor with his unlimited range.  Heslip has done that very well so far hitting 49.2 percent of his shots from distance while attempting 5.5 a game.  In 21.8 minutes a game, Heslip is averaging 11.3 points.

Matthew Wright, St. Bonaventure: Wright is as streaky as they come from the field, but when he is on, he is hard to stop.  Although he has struggled mightily with his shot as of late, Wright is still averaging 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists a game.

Related articles

• The rise of Canada basketball, part 1: the NBA players (jmoneysports.com)