It started in June when Brazdeikis suited up for Canada at the FIBA U17 world championship in Zaragoza, Spain. While the Red and White fell to Turkey in the quarterfinals, it was on-the-job training that “Iggy” wouldn’t have exchanged for anything.

“That was just a great experience, going all the way to Spain to play against the best competition in the world,” he said of the tourney, where he averaged 14.7 points in seven games with a 38 percent stroke from deep. “I learned so much and I just want to lead (his teammates at Orangeville Prep) now … I’m starting to become more of a leader for the team.”

It continued with a commitment to focus on his body, and it’s paid off with him adding at least 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-7 frame.

 “I was in the weight room a lot with Jeff Aldham out of Athlete’s POD, and completely changed my body over the summer,” Brazdeikis said. “Squats, deadlifts, functional movements, and a lot of mobility as well because it just helps with my flexibility.”

That’s something he can continue in the facilities at the Athlete Institute, all the while working on his game – which includes a deadly perimeter shot when he’s on. Michigan coach John Beilein recently dropped in to visit him, but Brazdeikis, who turns 18 in January, is taking a patient approach to the recruiting side and not letting it get to his head.

“It’s just really exciting at first, but I can’t dwell on that,” he said. “(I just have to) continue to get better. I still have a couple of years ahead of me before I decide where I go to college.”

Look for Iggy to lead Orangeville Prep this season. You can catch him the first OSBA action of the season at the preseason tournament at the Rise Centre in Brantford.

Orangeville Prep Schedule:

• Friday, Oct 21 - 4:00 pm - vs. Father Henry Carr
• Saturday, Oct 22 - 11:00 am - vs. Ridley College

Click here to view the full OSBA Boys Preseason Tournament schedule