– by Conrad Chow @chowster24

Basketball continues to flourish in Canada and most recently, a 3rd place finish at the FIBA U19 World Cup for the Women’s U19 National Team augments a dominant month of hoops in which the Men’s U19 National Team claimed gold in its respective tourney.

For Jahvon “Juggy” Blair, an incoming Georgetown freshman who suited up for Canada on the international stage at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, the potential of hoops in his country is still largely untapped.

FIBA.com – 7 Markelle Fultz (USA), 4 Trae Young (USA), 9 Jahvon Henry-Blair (CAN)

“The guys on the U19 team this year made history, it’s a huge milestone for Canada. The game of basketball & the competition in Canada is growing rapidly, its great for us Canadians putting our names out there,” he said.

Year after year, Canadian high school players continue to be on NCAA Division I coaches’ recruiting radars. Of noteworthy is Blair‘s commitment to Georgetown as it represented newly hired head coach Patrick Ewing‘s first signee.

“The coaches treated me like family right when I got here, and I trust them with my development 100% so this season should go great,” said Blair.

KennerLeague.com – Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner Summer League

The offseason has allowed Blair to continue refining his skills and playing against professional competition. Blair, who ran with AAU program CIA Bounce on the competitive Nike EYBL circuit, showed out at the Nike Kenner League, a DC summer Pro-Am that has seen Allen Iverson, Steven Francis, and Kevin Durant among others participate in the past.

“My summer has been great so far, just looking forward to the upcoming season. The Kenner League is helping prepare me for this year,” said Blair.

Jahvon Blair (@GeorgetownHoops) has been a bright spot. @JuggyBlair147 recorded a league-high 41 points last weekend. #KennerLeague pic.twitter.com/kXeYj35IHc — Nike DC Pro City (@KennerLeague) July 27, 2017

Blair averaged 23.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists this past season for Athlete Institute out of Mono, ON. He has great size at the point guard slot and rebounds well for his position. With the ability to push the ball in transition while balancing playmaking and scoring opportunities, Blair‘s dynamic style of play will bring excitement to a new Hoyas era.

“I really try to model my game after guys like D’Angelo Russell, Tyler Ennis, & James Harden. They all try to get their teammates involved & that one thing I like to do when I’m on the court.”

Blair is a proven gamer – having hit clutch shots in big moments and selected to various showcases and global events including the Jordan Brand Classic (which he earned MVP in 2014 at the International Game), BioSteel All-Canadian Game (which he was MVP in 2016) & adidas Nations. The Hoyas went 14-18 last year under John Thompson III and missed the NCAA Tournament. With a change in the coaching regime and the addition of a Canadian point guard, Georgetown looks to re-establish its tradition of winning ways in the Big East.

“Win, win, win!! Haha, I also want to try to make a name for myself under coach [Patrick] Ewing. I’m very excited to be playing for him at Georgetown.”