CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos may be losing one point guard from Winnipeg, but they're gaining another. Star Winnipeg high school product Torrez McKoy will be joining the Dinos next season after a stellar career in the Manitoba capital at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, men's basketball coach Dan Vanhooren announced.
"We're thrilled Torrez made the decision to attend the University of Calgary," said Vanhooren, who will begin his 16th season as the Dinos' head coach this fall. "He's a highly-talented athlete and a well-rounded player who will give us some size at the point guard position. He's six feet tall, he is very good on the ball screen, and he has some unique talents as a point guard that size who can shoot the ball and penetrate."
McKoy will attempt to help fill the void left behind by Canada West and CIS all-star Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson, who wrapped up his stellar career this past season – and the Dinos' newest player says Ogungbemi-Jackson was an important part in his choice to sign with Calgary.
"I talked to Jarred and he told me how they treated him really well at the school and how he was so nervous to leave and that's sort of like me too," he said. "It's an unbelievable opportunity to replace him considering how successful his career was and how strong of a basketball school it really is."
McKoy comes in after a big year at MBCI, where he averaged 29 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and just under five steals per game. He was also named the MVP of Notre Dame Invitational Tournament in Calgary, where he averaged 33 points per game and was named a first-team all-star in multiple tournaments this season.
He said Vanhooren was also another big reason for committing to Calgary.
"He approached me in a really respectful way and that kind of caught my attention really quickly, he focused on getting to know me at first rather than just talking about basketball," McKoy said.
"Torrez comes from a good family," said Vanhooren. "I think he's a grounded individual who will fit in well with our group. He's a quieter guy, but there's no question that he leads as he plays. He's also a focused student, and he will be an excellent fit with our team."
McKoy has also been a decorated member for Team Manitoba during his teenage years. He's been named a first team all-star at multiple national championships and also starred as a volleyball athlete, making the 2014 All-Manitoba team.
Although he's a pass-first point guard, he's had to carry the load offensively during his high school career and he is looking to learn as much as possible in his freshman campaign as he makes the jump from high school to Canada West.
"That challenge means a lot," he said. "There's obviously some veteran guys who will teach me how to handle pressure, how to do this and that, also playing against players who will make me a better player, so I'm really up for the challenge."