GOT NEXT: Tyrell Bellot-Green
Published by Jason Gairey
One of the best kept secrets on the junior circuit is Tyrell Bellot-Green, a young man who is emerging as one of the best players that this young generation has to offer, taking basketball in Canada to a whole new level.
Amazingly, he is only entering the 10th grade, attending Oakwood Collegiate, one of the country’s premier high school hoops programs based in Toronto.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Bellot-Green is the son of street ball legend Shawn ‘Biggs’ Green, who terrorized opponents on the court during 90s at Mother Theresa and Bathurst Heights.
Like his father, Bellot-Green is strong and is able to control the low post. This summer he displayed just that at the 2010 Canada Summer Games, where he led Team Ontario’s U15 squad to a national title.
He led the team in scoring and rebounding, enough to earn him MVP honors in the Winnipeg hosted tournament.
“Tyrell showed that he was a natural scorer both in the paint and on the perimeter,” said Jeff Giovannati, Ontario U15 Coach. “What impressed us the most was his defence and leadership in the finals against Quebec. He had five crucial steals that changed the game and gave Ontario a Gold medal. It was a pleasure to coach a kid of Tyrell’s nature.”
During the 2009-10 OBA season with his St. David Blues, Bellot-Green realized that his game needed to be challenged and being able to constantly play against older players was just provided him with the competition he felt he needed.
The 15-year-old also played junior for Oakwood last year, however, he was also able to gain experience practicing with the OFSAA 4A gold medal winning senior team as just a ninth grader and play alongside 2010 Canadian high school player of the year Julian Clarke.
“Having experienced Gold medals at both high school and at the Nationals was amazing, and humbling,” Bellot-Green said, “I’m getting myself mentally and physically prepared for this season.”
For the upcoming year, he has made an even bigger step to solidify his game. Last year he was MVP of Oakwood’s junior team but he has decided to forgo playing another year of junior and decided to join the seniors to help defend their OFSAA 4A title. He realizes that his youth will be tested but is not intimidated.
The MVP year for Bellot-Green, both in high school and at the Canada Summer Games, is testimony that this young talent is heading in the right direction. He is excited about being a new piece on the defending champs playing with all-star point guard Kevin Blake and 6-foot-6 forward Isiah Watkins. Adding the equally big Bellot-Green to the mix and Oakwood will continue to be a dominant force in Toronto’s high school basketball scene.
“Our main expectation is that he continues to develop his work ethic in the classroom and on the basketball court,” Bellot-Green’s high school coach Anthony Miller said. “He has an amazing amount of natural talent and this year will give him an opportunity to refine and demonstrate that talent. “
“I am hoping that he becomes a threat at the post position and will also be a staple on our defence, utilizing his athleticism and length. I believe that this season will be as successful as our last season and I am sure that Tyrell will be a major part of that success.”
About the Author: Clance Laylor
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