Johnny Berhanemeskel is Eritrean-Canadian basketball player born on October 30 in Ottawa, ON. He is a 6'2'' guard who most recently played at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque in French Betclic ELITE ProA. Berhanemeskel graduated University of Ottawa in He is represented by BeoBasket agency.
Johnny Berhanemeskel
Key Career Moment of Johnny Berhanemeskel
Johnny Berhanemeskel made his mark in basketball during his standout college career at the University of Ottawa. His defining moment came in 2015 when he led the Gee-Gees to the U Sports Final 8 championship game, earning tournament MVP honors.
Though they fell short, his 28-point performance solidified his reputation as one of Canada's top guards.
Johnny Berhanemeskel (born Octo) is a Canadian professional basketball player for BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque of the LNB Pro A. He played college basketball at the University of Ottawa, earning CIS Outstanding Player, First Team All-Canadian and OUA Player of the Year honors in his fifth year with the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
Johnny was the heart of our team-his leadership and scoring kept us in every game, said Ottawa's head coach.This performance helped pave the way for his professional career overseas.
Unique Skill of Johnny Berhanemeskel
Johnny Berhanemeskel's greatest strength is his elite shot creation.
A crafty left-handed guard, he excels at mid-range pull-ups and floaters, using hesitation dribbles to keep defenders off-balance. His ability to score efficiently in traffic made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, even against taller NBA-level competition in summer leagues.
Johnny Berhanemeskel's Stats
- 2,562 career points at Ottawa (U Sports record at the time)
- 2015 U Sports Player of the Year
- Played professionally in Germany, France, and Finland
Johnny Berhanemeskel's Legacy in the NBA
Though Johnny Berhanemeskel never reached the NBA, his impact on Canadian basketball is undeniable.
He inspired a generation of undersized guards to believe in their scoring ability. A unique fact: He once scored 44 points in a single U Sports game, showcasing his explosive offensive talent. Today, he remains a respected figure in international basketball, proving that skill and determination can open doors beyond the NBA.