Kyshawn George: Canada’s Rising Star

A few months after having opted for Canada, the Valais basketball player Kyshawn George had this summer from the fasting beginnings in his new colors. He even crossed a milestone at the edge of his second NBA season, only increasing the regrets of Swiss basketball.

Binational, Kyshawn George chose to represent Canada at the highest level, after playing for Switzerland in young categories. A decision motivated by the professional career of his father and the sporting level, as he recently explained to the FIBA: “My father has always played for Canada, so it’s also a bit of my dream. But in the end, it is above all the desire to play with and against the best who guided my choice ”.

The loss of Valaisan at the end of last year was perceived as a hard blow for Swiss basketballeven if we know that NBA players tend to miss international gatherings. Proof of this is: Switzerland had to compose without Thabo Sefolosha and Clint Capela.

But now after his first year in the NBA, Kyshawn George was released by the Washington Wizards in order to participate this summer in the Americup, the American version of our Eurobasket. A visibly giving agreement.

It was important for the franchise that George, 21, obtained playing time after a shortened inaugural season, due to the non-qualification in play-offs. It was also a question of validating the work carried out during the summer preparation and allowing the player to get to the high level. So much the better, car The former resident of BBC Monthey was eager to integrate and show up in Team Canadawith which he aims to participate in the Los Angeles Olympic Games. He was therefore authorized to join his selection, not without being monitored and accompanied closely by the Wizards staff.

But in Nicaragua, a host country of the americup, Kyshawn George has done much more than acclimatizing to his new team. For his first game in official competition, he scored 18 points, accompanied by four interceptions, three rebounds and three assists. With 29 of evaluation, Valaisan has largely contributed to the victory of his family against Venezuela.

George has perfectly launched his international career.image: canada basket

Canada continued its campaign with successes against Panama, Puerto Rico and Colombiabefore giving in the Final Four against Argentina then the United States. A prestige match, for which George appeared featured on the communication media of the Canadian basketball federation.

Despite the chocolate medal, the Americup’s assessment remains extremely positive for Montheysan: elected three times a man in the match, he finished best scorer in his selection and logically slipped into the five major tournament.

In total, the 21 -year -old went to 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists on average per game. But what strikes the most, when he had come to nicaragua of the physical challenge and aggressiveness, It was its excellent long -distance address – a key sector of his game, which was a problem for him during his first season with Washington Wizards.

Limited to 32.2% three -point success in the world’s most prestigious league, Kyshawn George posted an impressive rate of 46.2% during the Americas Cup. Admittedly, the rear took advantage of a close line and the FIBA rules, a familiar environment and in which it formed. But he also demonstrated a real adaptability, after a full season to the NBA standards.

This first campaign with Canada suggests great prospects, both for its Sophomore season to come and for the rest of its international career, which will not be written with Switzerland.