Basketball has been a gateway for many athletes, providing them the opportunity to position themselves to be successful on and off the court. We recently spoke to four Canadians making an impact in the Ivy League:

2015 U19 Men's national team members Chris Egi (Sophomore) and Corey Johnson (Freshman); 2013 U18 Men's national team member Agunwa Okolie (Senior); and 2012 U17 Men's National Team member Patrick Steeves (Senior).

#11 CHRIS EGI

Sophomore | Forward | 6-9 | 215

Markham, Ont. | Montverde Academy

BY THE NUMBERS

• Scored a career-high seven points on 3-of-4 shooting against Bryant (Nov. 25)
• Grabbed a career-high eight rebounds on opening night versus MIT (Nov. 13)

BY THE BOOKS

What factors led you to choose an Ivey League school during your recruitment process?

"For me the decision came down to what route I felt would help me grow as a person the most, and not just as a basketball player. The basketball program at Harvard under Coach is excellent and to pair that with the academic excellence of the University, I felt that Harvard would help me the most in my personal growth."

#25 COREY JOHNSON

Freshman | Guard | 6-5 | 200

Ottawa, Ontario | Vermont Academy (Vt.)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Leads the team in 3-pointers (40) and is shooting 39.2 percent (40-102) from beyond-the-arc
• Made at least one 3-pointer in 15-straight games to begin his career, the longest streak by a freshman under Tommy Amaker

BY THE BOOKS

Have there been any lessons you have learned through athletics that you have applied to the rest of your life?

"I've learned a lot about life through athletics, from dealing with adversity to learning how to push myself to become better, I wouldn't be where I am today without these important lessons. Basketball has helped me deal with some of the hardest moments in my life, and it has also given me some of my greatest memories."

#35 AGUNWA OKOLIE

Senior | Guard/Forward | 6-8 | 205

Ajax, Ont. | Archbishop Denis O'Conner

BY THE NUMBERS

• During Harvard's win over Auburn, ESPN's Cory Alexander said "We start talking about best in the nation, we need to talk about Okolie maybe being one of the best defenders in the nation."
• Named Ivy League Player of the Week Jan. 11 after scoring a career-high 29 points versus Dartmouth (Jan. 9), the third-highest total under Tommy Amaker. Scored 14 of the team's final 18 points and 10-straight to close out the win.

BY THE BOOKS

What factors led you to choose an Ivey League school during your recruitment process?

"Simply the number one school in the world (Harvard) combined with an excellent basketball program and an outstanding basketball coach. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and blessing to be able to choose to attend a school like this."

#10 PATRICK STEEVES

Senior | Guard | 6-7 | 220

Montreal, Que. | The Hotchkiss School

BY THE NUMBERS

• Went for a career-high 20 points while shooting 4-of-5 from distance in the Ivy opening win versus Dartmouth (Jan. 9).
• Scored or assisted on Harvard's final 11 points of regulation in the overtime victory over BYU (Dec. 22).

BY THE BOOKS

Have there been any lessons you have learned through athletics that you have applied to the rest of your life?

"I think one of the most important lessons I have learned from athletics is to never accept defeat or settle for something mediocre. Basketball has taught me that quitting and settling is easy, but the hard work needed to achieve my goals and exploit my potential is worth it in the end. On the court just as in the rest of life, the individual or the team that refuses to lie over or give ground will be the most successful."

Photo Courtesy: Jay Metzger (Harvard Athletic Communications)

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