Thon Maker, arguably the top overall prospect in the class of 2016, has joined the Athlete Institute in Canada and will play his final two seasons of prep basketball there. His younger brother, Matur, will also enroll.
Ed Smith, who is the legal guardian of both Maker brothers, thinks the move is in the best interests of everyone involved, including himself. Smith will join AI as an assistant coach this season.
"We believe this is the best decision for Thon, Matur and my family," said Smith. "The strength and condition program is tremendous and is the main factor of this decision. Playing with high-level players...and playing an international schedule, as well as many games back in the states makes the schedule strong. The academic component has everything in place."
The brothers, who are from the Sudan and have spent time in both Australia and the United States will officially play for Orangeville Prep, a subsidiary of the Athlete Institute. They each spent last season at a prep school in Carlisle, Virginia.
"It's definitely the right fit for me," Thon said. "I came up here last year, but now I got a chance to see both the academic and athletic side, and I was really impressed. It will certainly help me attain one of my goals, and that is to change my body over time."
Maker is a 7-1 center with the athletic ability and ball-handling skills of a guard, according to several scouts.