The province of Quebec has produced numerous elite talents over the years. As gold medal winners at each of the last two U17 National Championships, there is also considerable excitement for the future. One star player from the 2008 championship team is now off the board, while a junior college star with Quebec roots plans to enter the Division 1 ranks next year as well.

After an excellent spring and summer that saw his stock rise considerably, Laurent Rivard's serious interest began to flood in from Division 1 schools ranging from tiny Bucknell University in Pennsylvania to high-major conference schools like Georgia Tech and Notre Dame. However, the opportunity to become a student-athlete at one of the most prestigious schools in the United States was too much to pass up.

“I chose Harvard because I was looking for a great academic school, but most importantly, a place where I could play right away and have an impact as a freshman,” said Rivard.

The 6’5” Rivard play a key role off the bench for the U19 Canadian National Team in New Zealand last summer and continued his fine play suiting up for the Canadian contingent at the Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Oregon. He has a great combination of a strong build, good motor, and high basketball IQ. However, his most impressive feature may be his deadeye shooting from long and mid-range.

“The last three schools that were on my list were Georgia Tech, Bucknell, and Harvard. I liked my visit to Georgia Tech, but I opted for a place where I could get more playing time.”

Harvard University is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and fielded a 14-14 record last year, going 6-8 in the Ivy League conference. Their coach, Tommy Amaker, has a history of recruiting and landing Canadian talent. Most notably is Jevohn Shepherd at the University of Michigan (2005-2009).

“I think that being on the court and getting game experience are the best ways to get better.”

Rivard is currently a senior at Northfield-Mount Hermon, a prep school in Gill, Massachusetts.

Also planning a Division 1 future is Monroe Community College sophomore Djim Bandoumel from Quebec City, who has verbally committed to the University of Idaho. The 6’8” 215-pound power forward did not play in the CEGEP system in Quebec, but has shown impressive potential at his current school in New York City. After several years away from organized basketball, the 24-year-old averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as a freshman last year. He can really get out and run the floor and is most known for his play above the rim.