It was down to the wire but Lucas Groot has fulfilled a lifelong dream.
"If you play basketball you always want to play college ball," said the 23-year-old rookie on the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves' men's team. "It's always a goal. It was one of mine and it's something I'm glad I got a chance to be able to do, in what it turns out is my last year. I would plan to keep playing if I was staying in school."
After spending the summer working out with best friend, and T-wolves captain Dennis Stark, the former Kelly Road Roadrunner from 2002 to 2006 decided his work and school schedule would allow him to fit in basketball.
"I'm actually taking five courses for the first time, I usually take four because It takes a lot of time, but all the time management you need to use when you're playing basketball kind of helps my school this year - it's one of my better years of school," said Groot.
The marketing major tried out for the T-wolves three years ago when he transferred from CNC to UNBC, but didn't make the team. But after spending the summer working out with Stark his motivation was high to tryout again.
"He's been a friend of mine since high school and is a big reason I'm here today to," said Groot.
The 12th man on the T-wolves' roster Groot doesn't often see the floor, but his leadership and maturity are major assets.
"He brings patience, confidence, maturity, in that he doesn't get rattled easily, and he's always a real steady player," said Stark, 22. "He's very unselfish and very cerebral, thoughtful and he's a terrific shooter.
"Last summer, I needed somebody to lift and shoot with and Lucas and I have a similar work schedule so he got in with me and pushed me just as much as I pushed him," said the fifth-year T-wolves forward. "He worked his butt off and definitely did more than enough to have an impact on this team."
Despite only getting playing time against the weaker teams in the PACWEST league or late in games the 4-2 T-wolves are leading in, Groot knows preparation is still key every week.
"I'm there for the team at practice and if someone goes down with injury I've got to be ready to step in and play and fill a role," said Groot. "I'm definitely getting used to playing a different role. There's a lot of talent on the team and I'm fine with the position I'm at and happy to be there and support the team anyway I can."
