CIS Hoops.ca

Wayne Thomas, who does such a fine job keeping Calgary Dinos fans informed about that high-profile program, reports that incumbent point guard Jamie McLeod has been battling a shoulder problem that is likely to keep him out until at least early October. Calgary's returning front line which includes 6'7" Ross Bekkering, 6'6" Robbie Sihota and 6'9" Tyler Fidler ranks among the most talented and experienced in the country. With McLeod getting a solid year under his belt last season, expectations are again high in Calgary with McLeod likely to play a key role in ensuring the bigs get their touches so his health is especially important. Meanwhile, Calgary grad Henry Bekkering has had a slow start to his professional career in Holland as he battles a leg injury which has kept him out of action for some time... For all indications, it is a tough year for finding professional contracts overseas. Carleton grad and Canadian national team member Aaron Doornekamp has secured a deal in Italy with a Division 1 team however ex-teammate Osvaldo Jeanty, originally scheduled to play in Morocco, had that deal fall through at the last moment but is expected to resume his career in Europe, possibly back in Germany where he has had a very successful first two seasons. Other CIS grads who are close to obtaining deals in Europe include ex-Concordia Stinger Damian Buckley and ex-St. FX swingman Garry Gallimore. Carleton Ravens grad Ryan Bell, who was the twelfth man on Canada's national team this past summer but suffered through an injury-plagued FIBA Americas qualifying tournament, has secured a deal in Finland, playing for Canadian coach Gordie Herbert. It has been some time since we heard from our European correspondent Jesse Sazant who did such a fine job of keeping us informed on the CIS alumni in Europe and we hope to re-establish contact with Jesse in the near future... Laurier Golden Hawks, viewed by many as one of the pre-season favorites for the OUA West crown, will not have 6'5" three-point shooting specialist Justin Golob in the lineup this season as he decided not to play... For those GTA fans on the site, mark down October 11th on your calendars as a pair of Toronto's finest: Greg Francis (Alberta) and Roy Rana (Ryerson) make their Toronto CIS head coaching debuts. For Rana, it will be his first home game as head coach of the Rams... Our old friend Jim Thomas continues his work on the Hoop-la web site, click here to check out his latest post, much of which concerns CIS basketball.