Canadian wins top U.S. high school hoops award

R.J. Barrett and his family were waiting for the valet to bring their car around at an Orlando, Florida, steakhouse when Boston Celtics forward Jaysun Tatum drove up in the family vehicle instead. Tatum got out, holding the Gatorade U.S. national boys player of the year award.

Suddenly, Barrett’s coaches and teammates from Florida’s Montverde Academy came rushing around the corner, mobbing him as the 2018 award winner.

“I was shocked, I couldn’t move,” said Barrett on Thursday, shortly after learning that he’d won the award. “Just to have all my family and friends there was really fun.”

Barrett, from Mississauga, Ont., led Florida’s Montverde Academy to an undefeated 31-0 regular season. He’s the second Canadian to win the award, given to the best high school athlete, after Andrew Wiggins earned it in 2013.

He led Montverde to titles at the IYBS Invitational (Beijing, China), Iolani Classic (Honolulu, Hawaii), Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.) and Metro Classic (Union, New Jersey), this season, earning MVP honours at each tournament.

Barrett, who has committed to play for Duke University, was also named a McDonald’s All-American this season and was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year.

“I’d say the undefeated season that we’ve had so far at Montverde is the biggest accomplishment,” said Barrett. “I don’t think I’d be getting all of these awards without it. It definitely helps a lot being undefeated and the No. 1 team in the country.”

NBA stars who have won the multi-sport award include Tatum (2016), LeBron James (2003), Dwight Howard (2004), Kevin Love (2007) and Karl-Anthony Towns (2014).