What a time to be a basketball fan in the nation’s capital of Canada!
The game of basketball has tremendously grown in Ottawa, Ontario over the years and young talented players are finally getting the attention they deserve, with many prep schools, colleges & universities across North America looking to tap into the National Capital region to find their next superstar.
The six straight reigning National CIS Basketball champions, Carleton Ravens have certainly helped bring many eyes to the Ottawa Basketball scene. As well as a couple high school basketball teams such as the St. Patrick’s Irish, Ashbury Colts and a few others have been bringing Buzz to the city for their dominance.
About a decade ago, the city of Ottawa was not well respected when it came to basketball in Canada. Many superstitions, stereotypes and stigmas followed players, leading some to believe that if you play basketball in Ottawa, it will lead you nowhere.
That statement was getting so real that star players like Eric Kibi left the city for New Mexico in America to have a better opportunity to make it professionally. It paid off quite well for him! As he went on to play for Arkansas Little Rock and eventually professionally in Europe for several years and now back in Canada with the London Lightning of National Basketball League of Canada
Players such as Eric Kibi, Yannick Anzuluni, Jaheens Manigat, Johnny Berhanemeskel, Olivier Hanlan, and more have paved the way for the new generations of up-and-coming basketball players from Ottawa looking to make it. That superstition has finally died as players like Marial Shayok, Corey Johnson, Eddie Ekiyor have proved that you can make it from the Nation’s Capital!
One player who’s made quite a name for himself, by dominating competition on his way to becoming a household name not just in Ottawa but all of Ontario and even Canada is Maxime Boursiquot 6’5″ beast out of Immaculata High School & Kent High School. BasketballBuzz took the time to congratulate and interview the young man who recently committed to attending Northeastern University.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Montreal, but I grew up in Ottawa, on the East side of the city.
Approximately around what age did you fall in love with the game of basketball?
I fell in love with basketball in grade 9, when I first started taking it seriously.
In almost every great young men’s basketball career, there is someone behind them, pushing them. Who do you credit the most for your success thus far?
I would credit my parents, who were always behind me and drove me to practice every night. Aaron Blakely, who has been my Guardsmen coach for four years, Coach Justin Serresse and Marg Johnson who coached me during my time with ONL as well as Neil Purves, my high school strength coach.
What has been a defining moment in your young career?
The best moment during my basketball career was making Team Ontario in the summer of 2012, it was an amazing experience.
Now I know you’ve gotten offered from many universities and schools. What made you pick Northeastern University?
I chose Northeastern because they were the first who reached out to me while I was still in high school, they showed the most interest, they came to my house a couple of times and sat with my parents and I. I was excited about the opportunities that would be presented by selecting Northeastern.
As a player from Ottawa, what do you think you can bring to their program?
As a player from Ottawa, Canada, I think I’ll bring a lot of grit, toughness, and defense.
What are your thoughts on the basketball scene in Ottawa and how it has developed over the last few years?
I think Tony House and Ottawa Elite are doing a great job of developing players and showing they can compete against the top Toronto teams in the CYBL. Lots of Ottawa players are receiving recognition, and I think the city is emerging as the basketball city in Canada.
What would you tell a young player in Ottawa looking to get to where you are?
What I’d say to a player trying to get to where i’m at is that, it takes a lot of dedication and hours in the gym. Also, your body is the most important thing, so take care of it.
A special thank you to Maxime Boursiquot for taking the time to get interviewed by BasketballBuzz. Ottawa, Ontario and all of Canada be on the lookout next year as we will have another Canadian representing us in the NCAA. We wish him the best! And look forward to watching his basketball journey
Good Luck Maxime!! We will be watching and all of Canada will be cheering!
