BRANDON, MB – In his first full season as a Brandon Bobcat, rookie point guard Ilarion Bonhomme made quite a name for himself in the Canada West conference. His tireless work ethic, blazing speed and infectious personality are now being rewarded, as Bonhomme has been named Canada West Rookie of the Year. Bonhomme becomes the first Bobcat men’s basketball player to win conference rookie of the year since Keith Vassell won it in 1992.
“I’m really excited to win this award, especially after being a red-shirt last year. Being able to play and contribute this year felt great,” says Bonhomme. “I love playing basketball and I’m always working at it trying to be the best that I can be. This year I just wanted to prove that I could play at this level. All the individual awards are nice, but at the end of the day team success is the most important.”
After spending the 2010-2011 season as a red-shirt, the Washington DC product led the Bobcats in minutes played while averaging 12.2 points per game, 6.0 assists per game and 4.2 rebounds per game this year.
Despite putting up great stats, those who know Ilarion say his intangible qualities are what make him a great player.
"He did a great job this year of managing the game and being a leader for us on the court. The ball was in his hands a lot, and for being a first-year kid he sure didn't look like one,” says Bobcats head coach Gil Cheung. "Ilarion wanted to improve all year long, not to improve his numbers or receive awards, but to help get the team more wins and to help his team mates. He's the ultimate team guy and I don't think this award could go to a better guy in the country."
For more information visit:
www.gobobcats.ca
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For more information, please contact:
Gil Cheung
Men’s Basketball Head Coach
Brandon University
P: (204) 571-8594
cheungg@brandonu.ca