Tyler Ennis says he always faced skepticism when playing against Americans just because he is from Canada where hockey is king and basketball, despite recent advances, is still developing. It probably didn't help that there is an NHL player with the same name -- Tyler Ennis.

Tyler Ennis, the hockey player, is an Edmonton native who plays center for the Buffalo Sabres. He was the team's first-round draft pick in 2008.

Tyler Ennis, the basketball player, is a Toronto native who played point guard for the Syracuse Orange. He is projected to be a first-round pick in the NBA draft this week.

Before his one season at Syracuse, Ennis left Canada to play high school basketball in New Jersey where he could face better competition and receive more exposure to scouts. Here is more of his story, in his own words: