The UNBC Timberwolves basketball program has attracted some fresh talent.
Both the women's and men's teams added new players this week - guard Devon Wood is now a member of the female Timberwolves and guard/forward Kaelen Mcneight is a new addition for the male T-wolves.
Wood, a five-foot-nine North Vancouver product, recently visited Prince George and had a chance to practice with some of the UNBC players.
"They all seem really great and I am looking forward to playing with all of them next year," she said.
"I have always wanted to play basketball at the university level and I couldn't be more excited to have this opportunity."
Wood will graduate from Windsor secondary school in June. As a starter for the school's senior girls basketball team this past season, she was named a first all-star in the Lower Mainland zone championship tournament. UNBC head coach Sergey Shchepotkin likes the tenacity Wood shows in game and practice situations.
"She is willing to work, and willing to compete," he said. "Devon brings a toughness and basketball IQ to the court, which will both be huge in her development."
In making the jump from high school ball to the Canada West level, Wood is expecting to face some challenges but she's ready to meet them.
"I am really grateful to have this opportunity to play on this team and work harder to become a better basketball player," she said. "As a first-year player, I know I will have a lot to learn. I am really going to push myself to improve my game."
In the classroom, Wood plans to pursue a bachelor of arts degree.
Like Wood, Mcneight is from North Vancouver. He stands six-foot-four and is nearing graduation from Sentinel secondary school. With the Timberwolves, he will red-shirt (practice but not play) in the 2017-18 season.
"Red-shirting for a season will give him an opportunity to spend a bit more time in the weight room and develop his body," said UNBC head coach Todd Jordan, who got a look at Mcneight during a UNBC identification camp.
"(He) came in and really impressed us at camp. He is still growing and developing his athleticism, and he has the right mindset to come in and make our program better."
Jordan said Mcneight competes hard and has "a ton of potential." Mcneight himself has no issues with taking on a red-shirt role.
"I'm willing to do whatever coach (Jordan) thinks is right for me," he said. "If he wants me to save a year of eligibility, then I am definitely OK with that.
"I just want to try to lock down on defence, run the lanes, and hit open three-pointers. My game at this point is catch-and-shoot, and driving the lanes to attack the hoop."
In Canada West, which is part of the nationwide U Sports organization, players have five years of eligibility.
The UNBC basketball teams are entering their sixth seasons in Canada West. Last season, the women posted a 6-14 record and made the playoffs for the first time. The men struggled to a mark of 4-16 and missed playoffs.
