TORONTO (Dec. 16, 2024) — Medals and history made at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024, two Olympic teammates shine in the NBA Cup, Canadians in the NCAA and more – get caught up with your favourite Canadian hoopers in this week’s edition of The Naismith Notes.

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FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024: Canada shines bright in San Juan

With stellar performances across the board, Canada’s men’s and women’s programs went home with a medal at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 this weekend.

The 3x3 Women’s National Team notched their second-ever gold medal at the event, becoming champions again since winning it all in 2022. Humboldt’s Paige Crozon lit up the court with her shooting, winning tournament MVP honours after leading all players in points (46). 

Canada’s 3x3 team made program history on the men's side by taking home the bronze medal and its first-ever podium finish at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup. Led by Canadian vet Steve Sir – also known as The Sheriff – their only loss came in a tight overtime thriller to Puerto Rico in the semifinals.

Sir, who earned tournament all-star honours, finished the tournament with 31 points. Teammate and Montreal big man Jérôme Desrosiers led all tournament players with 38 points.

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NCAA performances of the week

As the college season rolls on, Canadians around the NCAA continue to lead their teams. Over at Duke, Toronto’s rising star Toby Fournier continues to have a stellar rookie season. In a decisive 81-59 win over ACC rival Virginia Tech, Fournier set a new career high with 27 points and nine rebounds on 12-17 shooting. Fournier is on a strong track to put herself in contention as the 6th player of the year.

In the Ivy League, Xaivian Lee is an important leader for Princeton. In the team’s latest victory against Monmouth, Lee’s 16 second-half points helped propel them to the win. Lee finished the game with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. His explosive play continues to impress this season.

Concord, Ontario’s T’yana Todd has blossomed with Boston College this season. The Eagles are on a three-game winning streak, sparked by Todd’s 21-point performance against Virginia. She knocked down five threes on 62.5 percent from beyond the arc and added 11 points on 66.7 percent from three in their latest victory against the Bryant Bulldogs.

Gonzaga Basketball sports two Canadian seniors: Yvonne Ejim and Ryan Nembhard. On the women’s side, Ejim recorded 28 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 79-50 victory over Eastern Washington over the weekend. Meanwhile, Nembhard posted a 13-point, 10-assist double-double in a close one-point loss to No.4 ranked Kentucky – followed by 16 points and seven assists against No.18 UConn in another tight 77-71 loss. 

At BYU, Raymond, Alberta’s Delaney Gibb, leads the Cougars in her freshman season. With 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists against Washington State, BYU is on a three-game winning streak. Their next matchup will be a good test against Arizona on December 21st.

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Overseas Tracker: 

Last but not least, standout performances from Canadians overseas:

Cass Brown (Mainland Poũakai MVP) - 24 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists in her 3rd double-double of the season

Trae Bell-Haynes (Zaragoza) - 35 points, 66.7 percent shooting from the field in a 108-95 win over FC Barcelona

Bridget Carleton (Uni Gyor) - 18 points, ten rebounds, and two steals in EuroCup play (round 1)

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Keep up with our weekly Naismith Notes to keep tabs on all your favourite Canadians worldwide – on basketball.ca.

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