by Alex Schwartz

Grassroots Canada is one of the best AAU programs in the world. At this point, calling a team the best in America is not enough, as the program from north of the border can compete with America's best. Yes, Junior Cadougan '09 of Christian Life Center (TX) may have been the first Canadian to enter the grassroots scene in a major way, but Tristan Thompson '10 has taken it by storm. The St. Benedict's (NJ) star may be in a lower grade than fellow Canadians Cadougan and Christian Kabongo '09 of Mt. Zion Christian Academy (NC), but is certainly the biggest name. I spoke with Thompson, a 6'9 power forward who is committed to Texas, after the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Classic at Rucker Park in Harlem, New York.

NB: What went into your decision to commit to Texas?
TT: It was just a great spot for me. [When] I went on my visit it felt like a second home. Compared to others school [where] when I went [to them] it was like, ‘ahh, I like the school,’ but when I went to Texas it . . . just felt like another home and it [was] the best place for me.

NB: Were you always planning on committing at . . . an early age, [during] your sophomore year?
TT: Yeah, I was really planning on committing early because I wanted to get the recruiting process out of the way . . . so then I could focus on my school [work] and academics.

NB: How important are academics to you?
TT: Well, [when] my mom [raised] . . . me . . . she said, ‘academics first before basketball because when basketball’s over . . . you’ll [be able to] fall [back] on your academics,’ so she said, ‘academics first.’

NB: What was it like for you last year playing under Gregory Echenique and Samardo Samuels? [You] might not have gotten as much playing time as you [would have] liked. What do you take away from that?
TT: It was just [a good way for me to] learn how to be a role player, learn how you can score in other ways instead of getting the ball to you. You can score off offensive rebounds, run the floor, different ways of scored, which helped my game.

NB: Where’s all this talent in Canada coming from? There’s so many top-notch players . . . coming from Canada: you, Myck [Kabongo, and] Junior [Cadougan], all these guys.
TT: Well, it’s coming from our [Grassroots Canada AAU] coach Ro Russell. He’s been developing guys in the gym and he’s been working hard. He’s a big-time coach and he’s the greatest.

NB: Who’s the best player [from] the country of Canada [in high school right now]?
TT: [Laughs] Besides me it’s Junior Cadougan.

NB: What about including you?
TT: Including me, then it’s me and Junior Cadougan.

NB: What’s this experience been like for you at the Elite 24 [Classic]?
TT: It’s been a great experience, I just loved it. [It took place at] Rucker Park, [is a] monument. So, I just enjoyed playing and was happy to be here.

NB: What do you see as the strongest point and the weakest point in your game?
TT: Well, the strongest point in my game is just always playing hard, just never giving up, [and] just always trying to play hard. The weakest part of me game is just [everything]. I [have] got to work on everything. . . . Nothing’s perfect so I can better on everything until I master that.

NB: Who’s the best player in the class of 2010?
TT: I don’t know, I don’t know. We’re all good. . . . Everyone’s talented in our class, so . . . ten of us [are] tied for first.

Although Tristan Thompson struggled at the Elite 24 Classic, it's evident that he has a lot of potential. Once he begins to bulk up he could be scary, and if he keeps growing, he could be downright frightening. Tristan has a lot on his shoulders, as he is one of a handful of players leading the surge of Canadian talent. Yes, players such as Steve Nash have already gotten to the NBA and starred coming from Canada, but the nation is still by no means known for its play in the hardwood. Thompson is one of the ballers looking to make a dent in the grassroots circuit on a major level, pushing his nation into the spotlight. Tristan Thompson may not be from the United States, but Americans may well be able to enjoy watching him play for quite some time.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/.