The next Canadian import? I can’t remember how long I have been hearing about the 2011 class for but for as long as I have, I’ve heard the following three names: Gary Bell, Kyle Wiltjer, and Kevin Pangos.
Kevin Pangos is such an interesting prospect not because of his skill set or his style, but because it has been so difficult to track his recruitment and understand Gonzaga’s interest in him. From what we understand now, Pangos is the only perimeter target for the Zags at this point (aside from the already committed Dranginis and Bell).
Pangos made his AAU debut this summer and has shown quite well and will also be taking part in the upcoming Nike Global Challenge. Seeing quotes like these…you can understand why the staff appears to love Pangos.
For years scouts have scrounged across Canada in hopes of discovering the next Steve Nash, and the search should end upon seeing Pangos play. The Ontario native has been highly regarded as the future face of Canada Basketball and his play at the U-17 tournament showed why the accolades are so grand.
This isn’t some random quote from an over-enthusiastic journalist. Pangos has been getting huge comparisons for many years. He led Canada’s U-17 squad in a recent FIBA event and was the best point guard in the tournament. One thing I’ve noticed about Pangos is that he has incredible maturity, whether it is off the court in interviews or on the court with the ball in his hands. Pangos is being courted by Michigan, UNLV, and Cincinnati most notably to go along with the Zags.