TORONTO (Dec. 5, 2024) — With the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 ahead, another record week in the NCAA, NBA, and overseas, get caught up with your favourite Canadian hoopers in this week’s edition of The Naismith Notes.

FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 Training Camps: National Teams get ready for San Juan

The FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 tips off in one week, and Canada is gearing up to play on the 3x3 court in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

11 athletes attended training camp in Toronto for a 3x3 Men’s training camp, with the AmeriCup roster to be announced at a later date. Alex Johnson, Jerome Desrosiers, and Kamar McKnight were among the group that participated in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Debrecen, Hungary last spring.

NCAA hoops: Xaivian Lee makes Tigers history with triple-double, Jasmine Bascoe scores career-high

If it feels like Canadians have been breaking records in the NCAA nearly every week, it’s because it’s true. Starting with Princeton’s Xaivian Lee, the Toronto product recorded the first triple-double in Princeton Men’s Basketball history – posting 18 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Saint Joseph’s. 

Saint Joseph’s took another loss on the women’s side when Villanova guard Jasmine Bascoe scored a career-high 26 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 10-of-16 from the field this week. Her career week resulted in Big East Freshman of the Week honours, averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals.

Over at Michigan, Syla Swords racked up her second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award of the season, the third recognition for the program this season. Swords continued her impressive rookie season with 24 points and six rebounds against Virginia Tech in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship game, winning MVP as Michigan improves to 7-1 on the season.

For more quick information on Canadians in the NCAA, click here. Fans can also follow along with the hashtag #CanadiansintheNCAA to stay up to date with the latest performances! 

NBA: RJ Barrett continues to impress, Olympic teammates go head-to-head

The Toronto Raptors are on a two-game winning streak, largely due to RJ Barrett’s stellar performances. After setting a franchise record last week, Barrett scored 37 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against the Miami Heat. In a Canadian battle against Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and the Indiana Pacers this week, Barrett scored 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists to secure another win.

More Canadians faced off in the NBA this week in a clash of the top two spots in the Western Conference. Hamilton, Ont. guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went off for 32 points, eight rebounds, and five assists – but it wasn’t enough as Toronto native Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets knocked off the number one team. Brooks scored 16 points and crashed the glass for seven rebounds – including a small but friendly interaction between Olympic teammates. 

Overseas tracker: From Italy to Spain & beyond – Canadians hoop in Europe

On to Canadians around the globe – here are the latest performances from Canadians overseas:

Kyle Wiltjer (Reyer Venezia) - 22 points, six rebounds in 100-93 victory over BC Lietkabelis

Mfiondu Kabengele (Reyer Venezia) - 28 points, 14 rebounds in 86-77 victory over Varese

Keishana Washington (Hainut) - 27 points and five rebounds in French League

Emily Potter (Crvena Zvezda) - 14 points and 13 rebounds against SF Gheorghe

Bridget Carleton (Uni Gyor) - 18 points and 10 rebounds in a tight loss against Valencia

As we approach the end of the year, basketball still rolls on. Keep up with our weekly Naismith Notes to keep tabs on all your favourite Canadians worldwide – on basketball.ca.