Early Life/Highschool
1. What first got you into playing basketball, and when did you realize you wanted to take it to a high level?
I grew up in my neighborhood, which was pretty big. Every time I went to the park as a little kid, I’d dribble my ball and see older kids—college and high school players—playing all day, especially during spring and summer. I’d always hang around the game. I’d say I fell in love with basketball around the age of four or five, and that’s been my passion ever since.
1a. Was there a specific turning point when you thought, “I really want to play at a high level”?
Honestly, I’ve had that dream ever since I picked up the ball. But, I’d say I knew I could play at a high level when I was around 13 or 14. That’s when I started to feel like I had a real shot.
2. Did you play AAU growing up?
I didn’t get much exposure growing up. None of the big-time AAU teams really showed interest in me, which made it tough. I was playing in the NP (National Prep) League, so Canadian universities were aware of me, but since we barely played in the States, a lot of AAU teams didn’t look my way. It was definitely a challenge, but it shaped my path.
Was there a standout moment in your high school basketball career that really made an impact on you?
Winning the national championship in high school was huge for me. We had an undefeated season, and I got to play alongside my teammate, Dragan, which made it even more special. We reached the national finals, and even though we didn’t win, making it that far meant a lot. I
think that season, especially playing with Dragan in our senior year, was one of the best moments of my career.
4. How did playing at CTA (Canada Topflight Academy) help you develop as a player and transition into collegiate basketball?
CTA was a game-changer for me. Moving from high school to CTA was a huge jump. I got used to playing against high school competition, but when I got to CTA, I realized the difference in athleticism and skill. Every day at CTA, we would have study hall, weight training, conditioning,
and then practice. It was non-stop, but it really helped me develop. If we didn’t have games on the weekends, we’d have skills sessions. It was a grind, but that’s what you need if you’re going to make it at the next level.
5. What was your recruitment process coming out of high school, and what university options did you have?
I felt like I flew under the radar. A lot of schools didn’t notice me because of my lack of athleticism, but I was a hard worker and very skilled. I did well in the Canadian league (NP), averaging a lot of points and hitting threes, especially my 50th year when I averaged around 20 points. Despite that, I didn’t get many offers from AAU teams, and no big U.S. schools showed interest. Canadian universities reached out, but I was still focused on playing Division I. In the end, the lack of exposure helped me take a different direction, and I ended up at a school that was a better fit for me.
Collegiate Basketball
6. What was your experience at TMU and how did that influence your journey?
Actually, I didn’t start at TMU. I went to a junior college during the COVID year. I only had half a semester there, and the experience wasn’t great. The timing wasn’t ideal, and with COVID, it was hard to get a good feel for the team and the environment. After that, I worked at home during the summer, and luckily, Dave DeAveiro noticed me in the gym. He was coaching at Ryerson (now TMU) at the time, and he offered me the opportunity to play for him. I knew that was a great chance, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
7. After playing at TMU, you moved to a D2 school for a bit. Can you explain how that opportunity came up and how it went?
I had the dream of playing D1, and I felt ready for that step. I wanted a shot to show what I could do at a high level, and I had some D1 schools express interest. I ended up going to a D2 school, thinking it would be a stepping stone. But right after I arrived, the coach who recruited me got
fired, and a new coach came in who didn’t appreciate my game. It was tough, but I kept grinding. The experience made me tougher, and I worked even harder in the gym. I knew I’d get another shot, and I was determined to make the most of it when I did.
8. What skills do you think undersized guards need to develop to play at the collegiate level?
The most important thing is shooting. If you’re an undersized guard and you can’t shoot, it’s going to be tough. But on top of that, you have to have a strong work ethic and be the hardest worker on the court. Coaches will appreciate your energy, and you have to control what you can—your effort, your mindset, and your consistency in the gym. If you work hard every day, that’s the best way to get better and stand out.
9. Moving on to this season, what has the adjustment been like from high school to the level you’re at now, and what do you think has helped your development?
Reading the game has been the biggest adjustment. I’ve always had a good feel for the game, but I had to develop a better understanding of reading defenses, making quicker decisions, and reacting faster. The mental side of the game is a huge difference between high school and college basketball. I’ve learned to focus on controlling what I can, staying in the gym, and letting the results play out. That consistency and mindset have been key to my growth.
10. What’s the toughest guard matchup you’ve faced this season?
I’d say the toughest guard matchup has been [Ollie Engen] from Queens. He’s a really good player. I’d heard a lot about him before we played, and when we finally faced off, he dropped 20 points. It was a tough matchup, but I respect his game a lot.
11. What team are you most looking forward to facing again, and why?
We’re definitely looking forward to playing UBC again. We lost to them in the preseason, and I felt that was a game we should’ve won. Even though we were missing a few key guys like Dragan and Khalifa, it was a game we definitely could have taken. If we get the chance to face them again, especially at nationals, it’s going to be a great matchup.
12. How do you see your role as a leader on the team, and how do you contribute to the younger guys?
I’m not the loud, vocal leader, but I lead by example. I’m in the gym every day, putting in the work, and I want the younger guys to see that. They’re always in the gym too, which is great, and we all push each other. It’s not just me leading by example; we all inspire each other to get better.
13. What do you think your ceiling is this year, and how do you see your role in the team’s success?
The sky’s the limit for me. I’m really focused on growing my game and being a more well-rounded player. I don’t always need to be the primary scorer or playmaker because we have so many talented players on the team. I want to contribute in different ways, like improving my defense and helping with the team’s overall chemistry. This season is about learning and growing, and I’m excited to see how much better I can get.
14. What do you think the best part of your game is, and how do you contribute to winning basketball?
I think my shooting, playmaking, and scoring are the strongest parts of my game. I’ve worked really hard to develop these skills, and I take pride in them. Those are the elements that I believe contribute most to winning basketball. But I’m also working on becoming a better defender and expanding my overall game. The goal is to be a more complete player while stillexcelling in what I already do well.
