EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Basketball got its start in the United States, but in the century since its inception, the sport has gained popularity around the world.  Canada has produced a great amount of talent and one is set to begin his college career at the University of Evansville – Shamar Givance.
 
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Givance is a true point guard who is another in head coach Walter McCarty's first signing class at UE who has experience in a fast paced offense.  The point guard is tasked with running the offense to perfection and Givance has looked up to some of the best to make his game better.
 
"Steve Nash was one of my role models, I have always liked his game, especially with him being a fellow native of Canada," Givance said.  "He always got his teammates involved and that is my goal.  I also enjoy watching Chris Paul and Tyler Ulis."
 
That is not a bad group to model your game after!
 
While certain styles of play are evident in other regions, Givance says that way basketball is played in Canada is exactly the same as the US.
 
"There is really no difference between the way the game is played in Canada and in the US," he explained.  "The game is really improving and a ton of talent is coming out of Canada."
 
Givance received the opportunity to play in the US as he received a scholarship to finish his high school career at First Love Christian Academy in Washington, Pennsylvania.
 
"I was participating in a camp in Pittsburgh and the staff from First Love were in attendance," Givance exclaimed.  "They really liked the way I played and offered me a scholarship."
 
First Love is a prep school that has produced a great amount of Division I talent and Givance is looking to continue that tradition.  The system that they ran was a fast-paced game that pushed the ball up the floor.  Givance excelled in that style, posting 17 points, 8 assists and 2.5 steals per game last season.
 
"A lot of my scoring came off of fast breaks, shooting 3's and just running the offense well.  The staff at First Love helped me to see the game differently and that helped me advance to this level."
 
Throughout summer practice, he has adjusted to McCarty's offense and credits the coaching staff for his improvement.
 
"Our whole coaching staff has been great to work with.  They really help me improve as a player on the court while also improving as a person off the court," Givance said.  "I feel like my game has improved dramatically.  Our staff is helping me to open up as a better point guard."
 
Bringing in experience in a similar style, Givance has also been helping his teammates.
 
"I enjoy working with my teammates and helping them get adjusted to the system.  I have been helping them do a few different things including driving and kicking and advancing the ball off the rip."
 
With the amount of experience he brings in a similar style of play and his ability to get his teammates involved, Givance looks to be the catalyst for the Purple Aces offense moving forward.
 

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