Ted Johnson passes the ball during an exhibition game against Howard University. The Bison won 82-63 against the young Huskies squad. Photo: GBC Athletics
George Brown College’s (GBC) men’s basketball team has seen nothing but defeat in their pre-season exhibition games.
On Aug. 14, the Huskies went up against Howard University’s Bison, who travelled all the way from Washington, D.C.. The final score of 82–36 had the Huskies looking down on their mistakes and making room for improvement.
“The visitors took control with their height, hustle and rebounding while the Huskies struggled (with) turnovers,” wrote David Grossman on the George Brown Athletics website.
The game started strong with the Huskies up by seven points, but did not rise to the occasion as the Bisons quickly turned the game around.
GBC Huskies had a 15–5 overall record last season in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), while Howard University finished off the season with an 8–25 record in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Jonathan Smith, head coach of the Huskies “didn’t know what to expect” when facing the Bison.
The second of three exhibition games ended on another low note for the Huskies.
On Aug. 30, the Fairmont State Falcons traveled from West Virginia to give the Huskies a chance to test their abilities. The Falcons defeated the Huskies 106-74.
The pressure was rising for the first year basketball players, “this was a great learning experience” Smith said. “The speed of the game got to our rookies and the young guys couldn’t handle the pressure too well.”
More than 25 players have tried out for the team this year and Smith is expecting more at the start of school with only 16 players making it on the roster.
The final exhibition game is set for Oct. 20 against Manchester University from North Manchester, Indiana.
The Huskies begin their OCAA season on Oct. 22 against Seneca College at the Alex Barbier gym at St. James campus.
All proceeds donated during the exhibition games are going towards the ALS foundation. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a neuromuscular disease—leaving those diagnosed paralyzed.
The Huskies are also accepting non-perishable food items for the local food bank.
With files from David Grossman / GBC Athletics
