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Holly MacKenzie

The Naismith Notes: Amihere to Atlanta, Wigginton making noise in NBA

- It was a week to remember for Laeticia Amihere. The 21-year-old Mississauga native was selected eighth overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream on Monday, becoming the highest Canadian drafted into the league since Kayla Alexander was selected eighth in 2013. She is the eighth Canadian to be selected in the first round in WNBA history and she comes to the Dream after an incredible four-years at South Carolina where she won a national championship with the Gamecocks in 2022.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq3_VDfMkEM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq3_VDfMkEM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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Amihere’s Canadian national team teammates were following all of the excitement along at home.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes Tish!!! Look at God work...so PROUD of you my sista. Keep YOUR dream alive. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/madlove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#madlove</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CanBball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanBball</a><a href="https://t.co/KWCTUiPps6">https://t.co/KWCTUiPps6</a></p>&mdash; Aaliyah Edwards (@AaliyahEdwards_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaliyahEdwards_/status/1645578897013219328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Aaliyah Edwards and Natalie Achonwa both took to twitter to extend their congratulations to Amihere.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YESSSSS LA!! 🙌🏽👏🏽🇨🇦🤍 <a href="https://twitter.com/_Theblackqueen_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_Theblackqueen_</a><a href="https://t.co/PHlPv5NgUB">https://t.co/PHlPv5NgUB</a></p>&mdash; Natalie Achonwa (@NatAchon) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatAchon/status/1645576197865107456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amihere represented Canada most recently in the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia where the program finished fourth. She also appeared in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. When she spoke with the media for the first time as a member of the Dream, Amihere was asked about getting to represent Canada on the WNBA stage.

“Playing on the national team, playing for Canada has been something that I take pride in,” she said. “Obviously I'm wearing my Olympic necklace because it just means so much for me. But what means the most to me is those little girls that are looking. I have a nonprofit, and building up the women that are underserved and those women that are not getting those exposures, like the powerhouses in the United States and the bigger countries that have that, is my biggest goal.”

Amihere has made service an important part of the legacy she leaves behind at South Carolina. As she advances to the next step in her basketball career, it’s clear she will continue to make a difference in whatever city she's in.

“All those Canadians and all those people that are not only Canadian but in West Africa in countries that are underserved and overlooked, you can make it,” she said. “I promise you can because I was that kid, and I'm on the biggest stage now. I'm trying to pave a way for all those young women. So yeah, just keep going, because trust me, basketball is on the rise for women.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">draft day BUZZ 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/WwPOpIzP3h">pic.twitter.com/WwPOpIzP3h</a></p>&mdash; Canada Basketball (@CanBball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanBball/status/1645588946993422337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- Lindell Wigginton had a career-night for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Memphis Grizzlies a week ago with a 25-point, 11-assist double-double. He followed that up by scoring 17 points against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Wigginton shot 10-for-20 from the floor against the Bucks, including 4-for-10 from beyond the arc in 41 minutes. His double-double came in his first career start, making him the first NBA player to score 25+ points and 10+ assists in his first start since Isiah Thomas in 1981.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lindell is the first NBA player to have 25+ points and 10+ assists in his first career start since Isiah Thomas on October 30, 1981. <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaSTATS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OptaSTATS</a>) <a href="https://t.co/wOVGy0B9ur">pic.twitter.com/wOVGy0B9ur</a></p>&mdash; Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1644807577707089920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His 17 points against the Raptors came on just eight field goal attempts, as he shot 5-for-8 from the floor, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was quite a trip for Lindell Wigginton&#39;s parents to get to Toronto! They chat with <a href="https://twitter.com/ZoraStephenson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZoraStephenson</a>. <a href="https://t.co/oTExCjs40x">pic.twitter.com/oTExCjs40x</a></p>&mdash; Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportWI/status/1645133810239979527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wigginton’s strong play was recognized in Nova Scotia’s House of Assembly on Wednesday.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today I had the honour to recognize an undeniable baller — Lindell Wigginton. You bring pride and inspiration to Nova Scotia <a href="https://twitter.com/Lwigginton5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lwigginton5</a>! 🏀🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/XHzXfySmFR">pic.twitter.com/XHzXfySmFR</a></p>&mdash; Zach Churchill (@zachchurchill) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachchurchill/status/1646238767009927170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Keishana Washington became the second Canadian to find a home in the WNBA this week, inking a deal with the Minnesota Lynx for training camp. Washington became the second-ever Drexel Dragon to sign a WNBA contract.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The next chapter... Congrats Kei!!!<br><br>📰 | <a href="https://t.co/wWU12uQ6KD">https://t.co/wWU12uQ6KD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FearTheDragon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FearTheDragon</a><a href="https://t.co/QODp8dnpOG">pic.twitter.com/QODp8dnpOG</a></p>&mdash; Drexel Women&#39;s Basketball (@DrexelWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrexelWBB/status/1646992108513816576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- Mfiondu Kabengele has been named to the All-NBA G League Second team as well as the NBA G League All- Defensive Team. The Maine Celtics center averaged 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks and recorded 26 double-doubles this season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚡️ if you look up “Energy” in the dictionary it’s just a picture of <a href="https://twitter.com/Mfiondu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mfiondu</a> - Congrats on an unbelievable season Fi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BleedGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BleedGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/XsflYx3ffY">pic.twitter.com/XsflYx3ffY</a></p>&mdash; Maine Celtics (@MaineCeltics) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaineCeltics/status/1646612785445339136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- Toby Fournier and Michael Nwoko showed out at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon two weekends ago. Fournier scored 18 points for Team World in the inaugural women’s game while grabbing nine rebounds and recording three blocks. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024 Toby Fournier 🇨🇦 finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and three blocks in the Nike Hoop Summit inaugural women&#39;s game. Has been dominating all season for Crestwood Prep, looked really comfortable out there tonight on the big stage. <a href="https://t.co/ROgtsi76Oj">pic.twitter.com/ROgtsi76Oj</a></p>&mdash; Trung Ho (@trungho) <a href="https://twitter.com/trungho/status/1644883366771138560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nwoko scored 17 points off the bench to be the second leading scorer for Team World in the men’s game, while adding eight rebounds and two assists. 

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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq5vvWoPXXo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Toby Fournier⛹️♀️🏀 (@toby.fournier)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Fournier was joined by Canadians Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb in the women’s game as all three players were coached by Women's Team World Head Coach Carly Clarke. Nwoko was joined by Canadian Aden Holloway in the men’s game.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqwYEZXsc7W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqwYEZXsc7W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqwYEZXsc7W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Canada Basketball (@canadabasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

- To read more about Holloway and Nwoko’s friendship, as well as how Holloway came to represent Canada, check out this fantastic feature from Libaan Osman:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How did Canada Basketball get five-star Aden Holloway to play for the national team? <br><br>That’s thanks to an assist from Canadian <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelNwoko2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichaelNwoko2</a> 🇨🇦<br><br>My story for <a href="https://twitter.com/CanBball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanBball</a> on the duo from <a href="https://twitter.com/ProlificPrep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ProlificPrep</a> hoping to make noise this summer at the U19 World Cup. <a href="https://t.co/TgRXxVG20Q">https://t.co/TgRXxVG20Q</a></p>&mdash; Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/libaanstar1/status/1646553004689043458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- The Big Ten Network tweeted a final tally of the numerous awards and honours Zach Edey racked up this season. With so many bullet points, you'll have to zoom in to be able to read the full rundown of accomplishments. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you Boiler nation for taking in and accepting some no name kid from Canada. You guys as well as my teammates and coaches embraced me and that’s all I could have ever asked for. From ranked 437 to NPOY has been a crazy ride and I’m just getting started! <a href="https://t.co/VGT5T8j66F">https://t.co/VGT5T8j66F</a></p>&mdash; zach (@zach_edey) <a href="https://twitter.com/zach_edey/status/1645560511101009923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- In overseas action Julian Roche dropped 29 points to go with 10 rebounds and three blocked shots in a victory for Swiss Central Basket Luzern. The Simon Fraser alum signed his first professional contract overseas for the 2022-23 season with Swiss Central Basket Luzern who play in the top-tier basketball league in Switzerland. 

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- Kyle Wiltjer scored 25 points in a victory for the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association to help the Lions advance to the postseason quarterfinals. Wiltjer scored all of his 25 points in just 24 minutes and is averaging 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Onto the next round 🦁 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elite8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elite8</a> <a href="https://t.co/tZdmT2hQ7v">pic.twitter.com/tZdmT2hQ7v</a></p>&mdash; Kyle Wiltjer (@kwiltj) <a href="https://twitter.com/kwiltj/status/1646316589141364736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- Finally, Canada Basketball is proud to partner with Sun Life who will become the new front jersey partner and official Health and Wellness partner of Canada Basketball. Check out some photos from the official announcement and jersey unveiling.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our new look 🔥<br><br>We’re proud to partner with Sun Life, who will become the new front of jersey partner and Official Health and Wellness Partner of Canada Basketball.<br><br>📸: <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarahdelangel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sarahdelangel</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2sPiBaEll">pic.twitter.com/Y2sPiBaEll</a></p>&mdash; Canada Basketball (@CanBball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanBball/status/1646183957057118209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>