Here are a few of our picks of the new Canadian basketball stars.

Torontonian Tristan Thompson triumphs after a shaky start

Twenty-two years old and measuring 6ft 9in, Tristan Thompson is one of the new batch of Canadian born players tipped for major success.

In 2011 he was selected 4^th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Born in Toronto and having played at College level over in Texas, Thompson is a tireless worker – but his rookie season was perhaps a little shaky – even disappointing some would say.

Needless to say he had a lot to prove last season but took his time to get up to speed with nothing much to impress in the first few months. Come December 18 and everything changed.With Anderson Varejão out due to a split thigh muscle Thompson was center stage as leader of the Cavaliers front court. Whatever the reason, Thompson’s performance exploded! Until that point he had averaged just 9 points and 8 rebounds, but then in January this shot up to 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Thompson has been going from strength to strength ever since and it’s performances like these that have led to a surge of interest in basketball north of the border, prompting high numbers of Canadians to bet on NBA basketball or simply to tune into NBA games.

Andrew Wiggins: The hot prospect from Thornhill

Hailing from Thornhill, Ontario, Andrew Wiggins is by common consensus one of the most tantalizing prospects currently in the collegiate system. Many rate him as their safest bet to emerge as the top pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

Currently at Kansas , this small forward is proving to be a true sensation on the court, Wiggins was named the 2013 Naismith Prep Player of the Year in February, took the accolade of Mr. Basketball USA in May and was recently ranked Number 1. High School Basketball Player by SLAM magazine.

He’s continued his momentum by living up to his lofty expectations in a hyped freshman crop that includes Wiggins, Jabari Parker (Duke), Julius Randle (Kentucky), and Aaron Gordon (Arizona).

As of this writing, he defense-frst Wiggins is averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds.

More new talent rising from Toronto

Andrew Nicholson at 23 and 6ft 9in is another young hopeful hailing from the Toronto area (Mississauga to be exact). Having been drafted 19^th selection in the 2012 NBA draft by Orlando Magic, Nicholson has been said to be adding a new element on offense for his team.

Having arguably been Canada’s best offensive player at the FIBA Americas, he averaged 15 points per game and 46% shooting from three-point range. This sizzling form and his overall performance mean that he’s an exciting prospect and a versatile power forward for Orlando.

We can only wait with baited breath to see how these and other young rising stars continue to usher in the Canadian basketball revolution.