With the NCAA now underway, which players land on our radar during this week’s Britwatch?

Giovanni Emejuru, East Carolina Wildcats (D1) – Center

Following in the footsteps of Boston Celtics’ British recruit, Amari Williams, Giovanni Emejuru is showcasing his impressive physical stature and finishing ability around the rim.

After an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign in a George Mason Patriots jersey, in which he struggled for time on the court, Emejuru has come out swinging in his senior year at East Carolina as he sets his sights on a professional career come the end of the season.

During his opening two games of the year, the 22-year-old has averaged 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game, while shooting around 58% from the floor.

Emejuru stands at six-foot-11, possessing strength and size in the interior, with an ability to cause serious damage in the paint.

Now that his head coach is entrusting him with a prominent role in the offence, expect Giovanni Emejuru’s development to accelerate seriously.

Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech Hokies (D1) – Forward

Another player in his senior year, looking to provide talent scouts with a positive account of his performances, Tobi Lawal has started the season in good standing with two promising performances.

Lawal has averaged 12.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and two blocks over around 31 minutes of game time per matchup.

The 22-year-old forward is establishing himself as a presence on both sides of the floor with a string of athletic showings and a grand foresight on defence to swat the opposition’s shots away.

A season-high 13 rebounds during Virginia Tech’s 107-101 overtime triumph over the Providence Friars has provided his teammates with the ability to establish a quick transition offence.

Rory Stewart, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (D1) – Forward

Originating from London, Rory Stewart attended Orangeville Prep high school in Canada and is now plying his trade for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in D1.

It has been an inconsistent start to the 2025-26 season for Stewart, but he has shown glimpses of the danger that he possesses on the floor.

Over his three matchups so far, the forward has registered 10.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game as Florida has started the campaign with a 1-2 record.

One clear thing is that Stewart is establishing himself a reputation as a volume three-point shooter after attempting 10 shots from deep in his most recent outing against the George Southern Eagles — of which, he drained four.

Rory Stewart will be hoping to find a consistent level of performance as the season progresses, but his versatility on offence will be a useful tool for the Eagles.