Top 2016 recruit Thon Maker heading to Canada for next year of high school

The top college basketball prospect in the Class of 2016 is going to force recruiters to travel north of the border to get a closer look at him during his next year of high school.

Thon Maker, a Sudanese refugee raised in Australia, is a 7-foot, 210-pound center ranked No. 1 in his class by ESPN and No. 3 by the 247 Sports composite. Several top schools, including Duke, Kansas and Kentucky, are said to have submitted official offers already, and the 17-year-old previously toyed with the idea of reclassifying for the 2015 graduating class.

He'll spend the upcoming season attending Orangeville District Secondary School in Ontario while playing for Orangeville Prep at the Athlete Institute. Maker's younger brother, Matur, will join him, as will his guardian, Ed Smith, who will serve as an assistant with the Athlete Institute.

Smith had the following to say about the family's choice:

We believe this is the best decision for Thon, Matur and my family. The strength and condition program is tremendous and is the main factor of this decision. Playing with high-level players such as Jamal Murray and Jalen Poyser, and playing an international schedule, as well as many games back in the states makes the schedule strong. The academic component has everything in place.

Maker called it "definitely the right fit for me" and posted a photo on Instagram enjoying some post-workout relaxation:

CAPTION: Pro recovery after Back to back TO BACK! 6 am workouts with coach Blunt ( @coachblunt ). Getting ready for 2nd practice and skill development with Coach Smith (@coachedward.smith). It's about that Work!

It's unclear what impact, if any, this will have on his college recruiting process.