Montreal's basketball talent shoot for the stars after Olivier-Maxence Prosper breaks into NBA

At the William Hingston Centre in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood, the city's U12 and U17 basketball prodigies dribbled and dunked, showing their skills on the court as part of a tournament organized by Brookwood Elite, a basketball program that encourages local kids to pursue their education while helping them compete in high profile games in the United States.

Excitement reigned in the gymnasium as balls swished into the nets. Who among them would be the next Montrealer to play in the NBA? 

On Thursday, former Brookwood Elite player Olivier-Maxence Prosper was picked 24th in the first round of the NBA draft. The previous year, fellow Montrealer Bennedict Mathurin was sixth, and before them, Luguentz Dort and Khem Birch broke into the American league, inspiring the city's young basketball talent to follow in their footsteps.

Several of Prosper's coaches and mentors were in attendance for Friday's tournament, still on a high from the triumph of their former basketball star. 

WATCH | Olivier-Maxence Prosper picked 24th overall in NBA draft: 

After coaching Prosper for two seasons, Brookwood Elite coach Kenny Clyke said his eyes teared up when he saw Prosper shake the NBA commissioner's hand. 

"I was just sitting there crying. I coached him for two seasons, so it was really a proud moment for me as a coach to see how far he has come," said Clyke.

Prosper's talent was obvious from the start, according to Clyke. During the first year, the goal was to get him playing to his potential and the next year was about building his resilience, strong enough with the never-say-die attitude needed to compete against the best south of the border. 

"Dreams can come true. This is an amazing time for our country and