CHICAGO -- Canadian basketball standouts Myck Kabongo, Kyle Wiltjer and Khem Birch have been chosen to play in the 34th annual McDonald's All-American Game.
Kabongo, from Toronto, Wiltjer, from London, Ont., and Montreal's Birch will suit up for the West squad in the March 30 game at Chicago's United Centre. The three represent the most Canadians ever named to the All-American Game.
"I am very proud of their accomplishments. . .," said Canadian junior men's coach Greg Francis. "It's very exciting as a coach to be able to work with these talented players along their path of development. This is only the beginning for these athletes."
The six-foot-two Kabongo is a guard for the Findlay Prep Pilots of Henderson, Nev., which is ranked fifth in the U.S. with a 24-2 record. He's headed to the University of Texas next fall.
Kabongo was a major force for Canada at the 2010 U18 FIBA Americas Championship, scoring 15 points in the bronze-medal match. With the win, Canada earned a berth in the 2011 U19 world championships.
Wiltjer, is a six-foot-nine forward for the Jesuit Crusaders of Portland, who have a 17-2 record and are ranked 18th in the U.S.
Wiltjer will play at the University of Kentucky next fall.
Birch, a six-foot-nine centre for Notre Dame Prep of Fitchburg, Ma., was one of the top rebounders at the 2010 U18 FIBA Americas Championship. He's committed to the University of Pittsburgh next fall.
The McDonald's All-American Game was established in 1978, with the boy's game featuring the likes of future NBA stars Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
