In the landscape of Canadian prep basketball, the journey from a local court to national recognition is a challenging yet rewarding path that demands unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and the invaluable guidance of mentors and coaches. Max Fraser, a gifted 6’5 point guard hailing from North Vancouver, embodies these core values and attributes his success to not only his individual efforts but also the robust support system that surrounds him. Through this interview, we delve deeper into Fraser's background, shedding light on the formative experiences that have shaped his career trajectory, the significant figures who have influenced his development, and the defining moments that have fueled his aspirations.
As Fraser embarks on a new chapter at Western Canada Prep Academy, his sights set on the ultimate goal of reaching the NBA, his story epitomizes a narrative of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to realizing his dreams. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of setting ambitious yet attainable goals. With a clear vision for his future and a relentless drive to succeed, Fraser's story inspires aspiring young athletes and showcases the transformative potential of hard work and determination in the pursuit of excellence.
Josh Millican: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into basketball?
Max Fraser: I was born in North Vancouver and have lived here my whole life. I have African and Canadian heritage, with my mom being from Zimbabwe and my dad being from Winnipeg. I have one sister who is three years older than me. As a kid, I played every sport my parents put me in and, at a young age, loved soccer. My sister was very good at basketball, and I was always around the game and fell in love with it after watching her games. We had a close family friend, Virgil Hill, who was big in my early development, getting me into camps and other development leagues in my earlier years. Because of Virgil’s methodical coaching early on I developed a great game sense. From then on, I tried to play as much as possible, club teams, school teams, 3 on 3 tournaments and anything else I could find. I also have an uncle who played for the University of Zimbabwe whom I could chat about the game and all the basketball greats. He still watches and gives me feedback about my game.
JM: Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your basketball career so far?
MF: Ransford Brempong and Jarryn Skeete have been the biggest influences in my basketball career so far. They have been mentors on and off the court. They have taught me vital lessons about basketball and making reads in offenses and defenses. Still, most importantly, they have taught me essential lessons about hard work, discipline, dedication and playing the long game. I have also been influenced by coaches Paul Eberhardt, Phil Kuyzk, and Dave Chapman, who coached me throughout my years at West Vancouver High School.
JM: What was your experience like playing for West Vancouver? Any memorable moments or achievements?
MF: I will always look back on my time at West Van highly. There's nothing better than playing with childhood friends and winning and doing it with the whole school/community behind you. We had so many memorable games and achievements together, my favorite was going from unranked in the 2022-20223 season and beating three ranked teams consecutively to earn a spot in the provincials. It felt transformational training hard with the guys, running plays, and for sharing one common goal. Another memorable experience was our provincials run this year, where we made the final four. It was a testament to the hard work we put in for three years as a team. Although our goal was to win the provincial championship, we were so proud to have changed the history of West Van High senior basketball considering that the last time WVH made it to the final 4 was 1982.
JM: How do you think your time at West Vancouver has prepared you for the next level?
MF: At West Van, I had the opportunity to take a leadership role on the team and help with setting up plays, which developed my communication skills as well as being able to read other teammates strengths etc. Teaching younger guys reads to make in the offense and defenses we play helped me learn to articulate myself better to teammates, which is a great skill for point guard.
JM: What factors influenced your decision to commit to Western Canada Prep Academy for your post-grad season?
MF: It was all about how I felt with the people at the school, and from my first meeting with Sunny, he was clear about what his program offers, cares about the game, and has spent time observing me play. He has also treated me like family, which makes me feel that I can fully focus on developing as a basketball player. Also, I already have good relationships with many players on the team, which helps when playing. Having played with them before and the chemistry we already have was a massive part of my decision to choose Western Canada Prep Academy. Lastly, I made this decision because I felt it was the place I would grow the most with the right coaching and people around me.
JM: How did Coach Sunny Sooch’s program align with your personal and athletic goals?
MF: Coach Sunny’s program aligned with all my personal and athletic goals. We play on some of the biggest stages you can play in prep school basketball, such as the Tarkanian Classic and the EIBC league, where the level of play will push me to develop my game to the next level. It will also be the ultimate amount of exposure and opportunity to reach that next level, which is a significant personal and athletic goal that I have. They also offer high-quality academics so I can further my learning, focus on basketball heavily, and be in the gym as much as I want.
JM: As a 6’5 point guard, how do you leverage your height and skills on the court?
MF: As a bigger guard, I have learned to use my body and frame to keep the ball away from defenders and get easier buckets by using my height and body to my advantage. I am also very quick and I use my height as leverage to see passes that a smaller guard may not be able to see. I am a playmaker, and being able to make those passes and see the whole court is a huge part of my game. Defensively, having the length allows me to get into the passing lanes and pick off a pass. My size also makes me versatile on defense.and I have the ability to guard more than just my position if we scramble and I have to rotate for switches.
JM: What aspects of your game are you most proud of, and what areas are you looking to improve during your time at Western Canada Prep Academy?
MF: I am very proud of my court vision and playmaking ability and the ability to get all my teammates engaged in the game by getting them easy buckets. I also am proud of my ability to shoot the 3 and force the defense to stretch out and create more lanes for drives. At Western Canada Prep Academy I am looking to improve my defense, rebounding and finishing more of my drives with dunks instead of finesse finishes that can be blocked/contested easier.
JM: What are your short-term and long-term goals in your basketball career?
MF: Some of my short-term goals are to make the BioSteel All-Canadian game, be invited to the next Team Canada training camp and play in NCAA Division 1 after my year at WCPA. My long-term goals are to play in the NBA or play professional basketball after university.
JM: How do you see your time at Western Canada Prep Academy helping you achieve those goals?
MF: The level of training at WCPA and the caliber of the teams we’ll play against will help me identify areas I need to refine in order to reach these goals. I am ready, hungry and prepared to take advantage of the exposure that WCPA has in store for the team and myself. Western Canada Prep Academy has already sent a player to the BioSteel All-Canadian and a number of players to the NCAA.
JM: What do you hope to bring to the team at Western Canada Prep Academy?
MF: I want to bring a sense of leadership and toughness to help the team on and off the court. Specifically, I want to make my teammates' lives easier on the court by putting them in positions to score quickly and giving them the ball when they hit shots. I will also bring a desire to win to help us all play harder. I hope to get a sense of family to the team. I want to be a point guard off the court to ensure everyone feels included and happy no matter what they are going through. I will be someone my teammates can count on off the court and on it, no matter the situation.
JM: How do you plan to contribute to the team’s success both on and off the court?
MF: On the court, I am going to create a culture of giving 110 percent every time we step on the court, be it practice or games. I subscribe to the mamba mentality. I am a playmaker who can score, and I can create many scoring opportunities for my teammates. Our team will be a close-knit group because that is when you play your best: when everyone is having fun but still has that common goal to win games and be the best.
JM: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not playing basketball?
MF: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, hiking with my family, and listening to different genres of music. I also love getting a group of friends together for a pick up game of a sport I don’t usually play, such as soccer, volleyball, flag football etc. Occasionally, I like to watch soccer when Premier League games or world tournaments are on. I am a big music fan, I listen to a range of genres (rap, folk, country). I pretty much listen to it all and hear the beauty in all types of music. It’s a calming thing to me. I have a collection of playlists that I listen to before games when I need to lock in.
JM: Are there any particular causes or interests outside of basketball that you’re passionate about?
MF: A cause I’m already involved in is getting young kids involved in swimming and basketball. I swam as a kid and spent a couple of summers coaching swimming. I think swimming is a great sport and I saw how confident the little guys got after learning how to swim, especially for those kids who aren’t the athletic ones.
JM: Where do you see yourself in five years, both as a player and as an individual?
MF: As a player, in five years, I see myself having gotten physically stronger, being one of the top point guards in the NCAA, playing in the March Madness and finishing my degree in Business. I also see myself getting ready to play professionally.
JM: What legacy do you hope to leave behind at Western Canada Prep Academy?
MF: My Zimbabwean name is Vulindlela which means one who paves the way. I hope to leave a legacy of hard work, being the tide that raises all boats and having a great time while winning. I want to be the player that the younger guys on the team remember as a leader on and off the court and also a player who gives 110 percent everyday.
JM: What advice would you give to younger players aspiring to play at the next level?
MF: Work as hard as possible, align with coaches who understand the game and help you set goals. You'll never know when that opportunity will present itself, so stay ready. Learn as much as you can from everyone you meet on this journey.
JM: Looking back at your journey so far, is there anything you would have done differently?
MF: Nothing at all, I have definitely had many lessons, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My mom always tells me everything happens to guide me to where I am meant to be, so I live by that. I am very grateful to be in the position I am in right now and doing what I am doing.
Max Fraser's journey towards becoming a successful athlete is a true reflection of the profound impact of perseverance, mentorship, and community support. Since the inception of his basketball journey, Fraser has been fortunate to have a strong support system comprising family and friends who have played a pivotal role in nurturing his passion for the sport. Their unwavering encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in shaping his character and determination.
Transitioning from his formative years to his standout high school career, Max has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of commitment and dedication to honing his skills. His time at Western Canada Prep Academy will not only provided him with a platform to showcase his talent but will also equip him with the necessary tools to excel in his athletic pursuits.
As Fraser progresses on his path towards achieving his goals, his unstoppable pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes. His story is a testament to the fact that with hard work, resilience, and a supportive community, one can overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. Fraser's journey is a beacon of hope for many, illustrating the transformative power of dedication and passion in the pursuit of one's dreams.
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