KYLE PETERS
REPORTER/Editor
The George Brown men’s basketball team solidified their unbeaten record with an 87-54 win against La Cité on December 1.
This brings an end to a sizzling first half for the upbeat Huskies, led by forwards Kingslee D’Silva and Christian Tabiri. The win went along with a 105-66 triumph over Algonquin, one where D’Silva earned 18 points, while Tabiri and guard Haany Ahmed got 15 respectively.
“It’s a whole team effort, from the last guy to the first guy,” said a confident D’Silva, currently 13.8 points per game. “I think overall it’s not really individual, the bench players have been as involved as the starters.” The fifth year forward named rookie Naseem Barry and Ahmed as players that have stood out, also adding Tabiri has been their most versatile guy. “He’s played a lot of positions for us, and he’s done so well,” D’Silva enthused.
The win completes two weekends of back to back games, following wins against Loyalist and St. Lawrence, the former which featured a 23-point game from Tabiri. Also contributing to the wins were Ahmed and guard Robert Ocampo.
Perhaps the greatest addition to the Huskies came from behind the bench this season, as former George Brown Male Athlete of the Year Jason Dawkins would be named head coach over the summer. Dawkins, whose resume includes coaching stints with Team Canada and Ryerson, as well as a period of being convener with the Toronto Raptors, was optimistic about returning to his alma matter.
“A player is an individual stat,” Dawkins enthused, “I’m more of a coach and (more about) building a team. I was very proud to win George Brown Male Athlete of the Year. But right now my next venture is to be George Brown’s head coach, and to build a culture here that lasts.” He would also note that while the team is on their hot streak, there’s still a ways to go. “We’re sort of working,” he added, “everybody’s still learning everybody. The morale is getting better, [the players are] excited. We’re ranked first in the province, and they want to get ready for the second half of the year.”
Dawkins would add to the praise of Tabiri as well, going on to compliment his effort and energy, going on to comment, “you get a chance to see his basketball IQ, because he’s trusting himself, he’s more confident, the guys trust him.”
The Huskies return on January 10, opening the new decade against Centennial, their first time facing them since their first game. Four outings follow, as the Huskies aim to keep their first place position.
However, Dawkins also a graduate of Brandon University for General Studies, and a Bachelor of Education has his focus on the team’s grades. Ever the educator, he insist s“ we’re going to buckle down and focus on [the team’s] education, on their marks and their classes, so they can get ready for the second half of the year.”
