The Men's Basketball team received commitment from 8 players that will shore up a strong, quick, and well disciplined team this year!
Crusaders to Suit Up for Griffins
The MacEwan College Griffins are ecstatic to announce the commitment from two Austin O’Brien (AOB) Crusaders players, Carlo Caputo and Corey Saban. The two players were corner stones for the AOB Crusaders in their run at the 4A Provincials this past season. The Crusaders were ranked in the Provincial top 10 for most of the season, in large part due to Saban and Caputo. These two athletes will add unmatched athleticism to the Griffins.
Caputo, a 6’7” forward, will be a dominant inside-outside player for the Griffins. Caputo’s footwork and touch around the basket makes him an unstoppable force inside. His series of post moves makes him very difficult to stop with his back to the basket. However, according to Crusaders Head Coach Chris Hubick, Caputo’s perimeter game has really developed this season. This was in evidence in the latter part of the season as Caputo was very effective from the three point line. Coach Ozcan had this to say about Caputo’s abilities, “Carlo is a very athletic and highly skilled big guy. He will be difficult to stop as he is so versatile on offense. What makes him twice as dangerous is that he understands the game so well and can pass the ball perfectly. Defensively, he is quick on his feet and gets great position.” Ozcan is quick to point out that Caputo has the potential to be an impact player at the CIS level after one solid year of development.
Caputo will be a General Studies student in his first year. Coach Ozcan is looking forward to working with this young man and developing him for his future. Carlo had this to say about his choice to play at MacEwan, “When it came down to making a decision I was really in a tough spot. I had been offered many different opportunities from colleges around Alberta. However, when I sat down and thought about the advantages and opportunity offered at Grant MacEwan, it really did seem like the best fit for me academically and athletically. The opportunity they have granted me works best for me.”
Corey Saban, a 6’2” combination guard, has also made the decision to play for the MacEwan Griffins for 2006-07. Saban is a very athletic player who can get to the rim on anyone. Coach Ozcan re-iterates Corey’s athleticism, “Corey has a lightning first step and once he gets into the air, he is untouchable. His touch with either hand allows him to hit shots that most guys wouldn’t even dream of. His pull up jumper is automatic because no one can start and stop as quickly as he can.” Saban is a very versatile player as he can play any of the perimeter positions on the court. He has played the point guard and wing positions on high school and summer club teams. This versatility will be very important in the Griffins Motion Offense style. “Corey’s level of understanding of the game, his skill level, and his athleticism is a package that is difficult to stop for any opponent,” says Ozcan. “He plays with a passion and aggression that is rare for high school players.” Saban will be expected to bring his athletic style of slashing to the hoop and scoring touch to a young Griffins team.
Corey will be a Management Studies student in his first year at MacEwan. Coach Ozcan is looking forward to working with Saban in developing him for the CIS level. Saban had this to say about his choice to play at MacEwan, “I look forward to the challenging season ahead of us. It will be a young team full of energy as well as potential. I’m excited to work with the new coaching staff that will help the team achieve our goals to be successful on the court.”
The MacEwan Griffins are excited to announce that Tamer Douglas will be a member of the men’s basketball team. Douglas was the focal point for the Archbishop O’Leary Spartans for the past three years and now brings his talents to the Griffins.
Tamer, a 5’10” Point Guard, will be a key ingredient to the Griffins success for next season. Douglas is a lightning quick guard who handles and passes the ball very smoothly. He has the quickness to blow past any opponent and the passing ability to find the open man when he is in the paint. Douglas also has the potential to score because he shoots the ball very well. Tamer is also a very good leader on the floor as he has been relied on heavily this past season at O’Leary to provide leadership and scoring. However it is more than just Tamer’s on-court presence that excites Coach Ozcan, “Tamer is a very dedicated student-athlete. Every time I call him, he is at the YMCA shooting and lifting weights. Then he gets home every night and does his homework. There is a reason he is a 90% student and a phenomenal basketball player.” It is that type of work ethic that will propel the young Griffins team to achieve at high levels. Coach Ozcan believes that Douglas’ dedication and work habits will allow him to continue to grow and develop at a high pace.
Douglas will be a Bachelor of Science student with the intent to go into medicine or engineering. Tamer had this to say about his choice to play for the MacEwan Griffins, “The 06/07 basketball season with the Griffins is going to be a high tempo team, full of excitement. With the young team we have some may doubt us, but I’m taking that as a challenge to play at the same level or even higher than the other teams. Our team chemistry and coaching staff is going to take us far this season. It’s going to be fun.”
Great Scots! Frankson and Lonsberry Headed to MacEwan
The MacEwan Griffins are excited to announce the commitment from two Archbishop Jordan (ABJ) Scots players, Gregg Frankson and Landon Lonsberry. The two ABJ players will add the scoring touch and elite level experience that the Griffins need in order to be competitive from the outset of the season.
Gregg Frankson, a 5’11” shooting guard plays the game with a love and a flair that is unheard of at the high school level. An unequalled shot maker, Frankson makes the most difficult plays look juvenile. With shooting range that borders on one step over mid-court, and foot speed that is surprisingly quick, Frankson scores at a dizzying pace. In transition Gregg is unstoppable as he attacks the rim with a reckless abandon. Coach Ozcan was quick to point out Frankson’s qualities, “Gregg plays the game the way it should be played; all out, all the time. It is easy to tell that Gregg loves the game.” Ozcan is quick to point out that Frankson is also one of the smartest players he has ever seen. “He sees the game one step ahead of what is happening, all the time. He has the smarts of Larry Bird and the skills of Pete Maravich.”
Frankson will be a Bachelor of Arts student in his first year at MacEwan. The former Team Alberta Juvenile player made the commitment to the Griffins at the 4A Provincial championships. Frankson had this to say about his choice to play at MacEwan, “I am very excited to start playing for MacEwan. It seems to me like they have a strong program and have a very talented recruiting class coming in, it should be a good year. I hope I will be able to make my mark and become a key player on this MacEwan squad.”
Another great addition to the Griffins is Landon Lonsberry. Landon is a 6’6” multi-position player who can dominate the game on the inside and the outside. Lonsberry controlled the paint for the ABJ Scots, giving the team who was ranked #1 in the province for much of the past year, an inside scoring and toughness presence. Coach Ozcan is very excited to start working the former Team Alberta Juvenile team’s captain, “Landon is strong in every aspect of the game. He can score from the perimeter and the low post, he has a quick first step, he is a great passer, an aggressive rebounder, and can defend perimeter and post players. Plus he has a humility and eagerness that will help him continue to develop as a basketball player.” Coach Ozcan expects Lonsberry to step in and be a force from the beginning of the season. “We need Landon to play like a 3rd year player from minute one next year. I think he has the physical and emotional maturity and skill level to deliver.”
Lonsberry will be a Bachelor of Science student at MacEwan, and will be transferring into the Engineering program. Lonsberry had this to say about his decision to play for the Griffons next year "I'm excited for the upcoming season and am looking forward to playing at the post-secondary level. It has always been a goal of mine. I believe the Griffins program will help me grow and develop into the basketball player I want to
be."
Griffins Get Lakeland Transfer
The MacEwan Griffins are pleased to announce the commitment of Todd Labbe to the men’s basketball team for the 2006-07 season. Labbe played for the Lakeland Rustlers during the past ACAC season and for the Lloydminster Composite high school Barons prior to that.
Labbe, a 6’3” combination guard, will add much needed experience to the young Griffins team. His experiences at both the high school and college levels will allow him to be an immediate impact for the Griffins. Todd’s high school team was one of the top two teams all year. After his high school season, Todd spent the last season playing for Lakeland. Labbe comes to the Griffins as a very versatile player who can shoot, penetrate, pass, and defend anyone on the floor. This wide array of skills will be very important to the Griffins. Todd’s ability to play every perimeter spot will add to his stock at MacEwan. “He has spent one full year, day in and day out, playing against one of the best players in the country; that type of experience will help him be a leader on our team instantly,” exclaimed Ozcan. Coach Ozcan also sees a little of himself in Labbe, “I went through a similar experience in my playing career (transferring after one season), so it will make our communication very easy,” said Ozcan.
Labbe will be entering his 2nd year of study within the Bachelor of Arts program. Labbe had this to say about his choice to transfer to MacEwan, “I am excited for the opportunity to play at MacEwan. I am looking forward to competing for a school who takes a holistic approach to student-athletes. The team may be young, but we will be very good.”
The MacEwan Griffins are pleased to announce the commitment of Ben Surby to the men’s basketball team. Surby was a catalyst for the Salisbury high school Sabres for the past three seasons.
Surby, a 6’0” Point Guard, will be one of the key ingredients to the Griffins success next season. Ben is an intelligent floor general who understands the game very well. Surby’s court sense, shooting touch, toughness, and leadership skills are what have impressed Coach Erhayat Ozcan the most. “Ben makes his teammates better by getting them the ball at the perfect time. If you sag off of him he will kill you from the three point line. As well, he is a very gritty, hard nosed player who loves the rough physical play. He also has a calming effect on his teammates and he can lead the group of guys on the court,” said Coach Ozcan. Surby will be expected to bring his leadership qualities and skills to the court from day one and help in developing the Griffins to their potential. The Griffins coaching staff believe Surby will make an immediate impact in the ACAC and are looking forward to working with him.
Surby is also a very good student and is enrolled into the Bachelor of Commerce program at MacEwan. Ben had this to say about his choice to play at MacEwan, “I’m looking forward to getting the chance to further my education and play college basketball. Grant MacEwan was my first choice for both academics and athletics, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to join a promising young team.”
The MacEwan Griffins Basketball Program is proud to announce that Nick Bober will be suiting up for the Griffins in the 2006-07 season. Bober, a standout shooter at Harry Ainlay high school, just came off a terrific high school career, capping it off with a 4A Provincial Championship. It is this instinct for winning that the Griffins are adding to their lineup.
Bober, a 6’1” guard, is a scoring phenom. He is an athletic player who can slash to the basket and get to the line. He is also a three point gunner who hits at a high percentage of his shots. Perhaps Nick’s greatest portrayal of his character came in the Provincial championship game in Cardston. Bober hit three back-breaking three point shots that ensured an Ainlay victory. According to Ainlay coach, George Hoyt, the major growth in Nick’s game has been his defense. Coach Ozcan is looking forward to have this complete package playing for the Griffins. “Nicholas can score in a variety of ways and can shut down opposing team’s best penetrators. It is rare to have an athlete who can play both sides of the ball with the same passion,” said Coach Ozcan. Nick has high aspirations for his basketball future and MacEwan will be a great opportunity to develop the confidence and skills to take Nick’s game to the next level.
Nick will be a College Prep student for the Fall of 2006, moving into the Bachelor of Education program where he intends to be a Physical Education Teacher. Nick had this to say about his choice to play for the MacEwan Griffins, “I’m looking forward to playing for a well known coach that wins. MacEwan is a good environment to play in and I’m looking forward to having a good season with them.”
