The Bobcats have also vaulted to top spot in the National Rankings, becoming the only team over the past 13 years to hold the #1 ranking after being unranked in the preseason.
“In my mind, it’s really a team award, because it’s the performance of the
athletes on this team that won us games, and it’s those wins that lead to
awards like this,” said Craddock, whose ‘Cats are riding a 15 game winning
streak heading into this weekend’s Canada West Final 4.
"It’s nice to be recognized for the season we have had. It’s gratifying, but at the same
time, my real coaching goal is to continue learning from all the talented and established coaches in our conference, and to run a program over the
long-term like they have done so well. Barnaby Craddock"
Barnaby grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia where he played at Langara
College for Current UBC coach Kevin Hanson. A graduate from the University
of Lethbridge, Barnaby went on to play professionally in Europe for several
years and most recently coached as an assistant with Dave Crook at the
University of Winnipeg.
4th year Brandon guard Yul Michel was also honoured by the conference on
Thursday, earning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“We are constantly assigning him to guard our opponents' best player,”
stated coach Craddock. “Yul has worked hard to improve his game defensively
and along the way has turned himself into one of the strongest defenders
and premier players in the country.”
In addition to the awards bestowed upon Craddock and Michel, Dany Charlery -
who led the Bobcats in scoring this season - was named a Canada West First
Team All-Star, while Virden, Manitoba native Adam Hartman was recognized as
a Second Team All-Star.
“Dany has made remarkable improvements from his rookie season and is a
deserved selection to the Canada West All-Star team,” noted Craddock. “He is
already one of the most exciting players in the country and we are looking
forward to watching him develop even further over the next couple years.
Adam has performed game in and game out all season long and has provided
tremendous leadership both on and off the court. His hard work, dedication
and subsequent improved performance is one of the reasons we have had such a
successful year.”
"The Bobcats will attempt to earn a ticket to Halifax tomorrow night when
they host the Victoria Vikes in a Canada West Final 4 semi-final. Tip-off is
scheduled for 8 o’clock."
For more information, please contact:
Rick Nickelchok, Athletic Director
Phone: 727 - 7405
Email: nickelchokr@brandonu.ca
Kelly Stifora, BU Communications Officer
Phone: 727 - 9762
Email: stiforak@brandonu.ca
Xanthe Burch, Athletic Clerk
Phone: 727 - 7375
Email: burchx@brandonu.ca