Basketball is Booming in Hamilton — And Monarchs Basketball is Here for It

Hamilton, Ontario, has long been known as the “Steel City” — a place built on grit, determination, and hard work. While football and hockey have historically dominated the local sports conversation, a quiet revolution has been taking place on the basketball courts across the city. Today, Hamilton is not just participating in the Canadian basketball boom; it is helping to lead it.

The Rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hamilton’s Basketball Identity

You cannot talk about the growth of basketball in Hamilton without talking about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, back-to-back NBA MVP, and Canadian national team standout is arguably the greatest basketball player to ever come out of this city — and one of the best players in the world today.

While much of Canada’s basketball talent pipeline has historically flowed through Toronto and its suburbs, SGA has proudly and loudly put Hamilton on the map. He attended St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School and Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School, honing his craft in the very gyms where the next generation of Hamilton youth are currently playing. His rise from local standout to global NBA megastar is proof that the pathway to the highest levels of the sport runs right through the Steel City.

When Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded the key to the city of Hamilton in 2025, he reflected on what his hometown means to him. “Hamiltonians carry a different sense of grit, determination, pride and energy than the rest of the province,” he said. “I’ve always been so proud to be from the city. And it means the world to know that I am someone that this city is proud of.” A street in the city now bears his name — a permanent reminder that greatness was built right here.

His game mirrors his hometown perfectly. It is not built on flash or theatrics. It is built on relentless work ethic, consistency, and an obsessive attention to detail — the same qualities that define Hamilton itself. For young players growing up in the city today, SGA is not just a role model; he is living proof that the dream is real and that it can start right here.

A City Falling in Love with the Game

SGA’s success has had a tangible ripple effect across Hamilton. Youth basketball participation has surged in recent years, with more kids picking up the sport than ever before. Local courts are busier, grassroots programs are growing, and families across the city are looking for high-quality structured basketball development for their children.

Hamilton’s basketball community has always had talent. What it has needed is the infrastructure to match that talent — the coaching, the competitive programming, and the development pathways that give young athletes the best possible chance to grow. That is exactly what is changing right now.

Monarchs Basketball Is Coming to Hamilton

Monarchs Basketball has been developing elite youth athletes in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, and Caledon for years. We have built a reputation for high-quality coaching, strong competitive programs, and a genuine commitment to player development at every level. And now, we are bringing all of that to Hamilton.

We are not just setting up a satellite operation. We are investing in the Hamilton community for the long term, with a full suite of programs designed to serve players of every age and skill level.

Rep & AAU Basketball

For competitive athletes who are ready to take their game to the next level, Monarchs is now offering Rep teams based in Hamilton. Players will have the opportunity to compete in Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) sanctioned tournaments and AAU events, going up against the best clubs across the GTA and beyond. Tryouts are open — do not miss your spot.

Summer Basketball Camps

This summer, Monarchs Basketball is teaming up with the Redeemer Royals to bring our high-energy youth basketball camp to Redeemer University (777 Garner Rd E, Ancaster). Open to boys and girls from JK through Grade 8, the camp focuses on fundamental skill development — dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, and defense — combined with games, competitions, and full-court play. Full-day and half-day options are available, with spots limited.

House League & Development Training

Not every player is ready for Rep competition, and that is completely fine. Our house leagues and development programs provide a structured, fun, and supportive environment for players who are just getting started or looking to build their fundamentals before stepping up to a higher level of competition. These programs are the foundation of everything we do, and we are proud to bring them to Hamilton.

The Next Chapter Starts Now

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed the world what a kid from Hamilton can become with the right talent, the right mindset, and the right work ethic. At Monarchs Basketball, our job is to help provide the environment where the next generation of Hamilton players can develop those same qualities.

Whether your child is dreaming of the NBA or simply wants to fall in love with the game, we have a program for them. Hamilton’s basketball story is just getting started, and we could not be more excited to be part of it.

Ready to get started? Register for our Hamilton Summer Camp at Redeemer University, sign up for Rep tryouts, or browse all our Hamilton programs today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go to school in Hamilton?

SGA attended St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School and Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School in Hamilton before moving to the United States to attend Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee, and then the University of Kentucky. His roots in Hamilton’s school system are a source of immense local pride.

What Monarchs Basketball programs are available in Hamilton?

Monarchs Basketball is now offering Rep/AAU competitive teams, summer basketball camps at Redeemer University, and developmental house league programs in Hamilton. Programs are available for boys and girls of all skill levels from JK through high school age.

How do I register for Monarchs Basketball programs in Hamilton?

You can register for Hamilton camps and programs through our registration page. For Rep tryout information, visit our Rep/AAU page. You can also reach us directly at info@monarchsbasketball.ca or by calling 905-502-0050.