A Lion Becomes A Red

Guard Rees Hasson, who recently finished a standout career at Fredericton's Leo Hayes HS, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds men's basketball team beginning in the 2019-20 season. (Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics)
Guard Rees Hasson, who recently finished a standout career at Fredericton's Leo Hayes HS, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds men's basketball team beginning in the 2019-20 season. (Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics)

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds men’s basketball team is adding one of New Brunswick’s top prospects to their recruiting class of 2019.

Fredericton guard Rees Hasson, named Player of the Year in the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Southwest Conference and a provincial all-star, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds beginning in the 2019-20 Atlantic University Sport season.

The 6’1” Hasson recently finished a stellar high school career with Fredericton’s Leo Hayes Lions, averaging 24 points, 5.2 assists and 6 rebounds per game during his senior season.

Reds head coach Brent Baker feels Hasson has a high ceiling for developing into a productive member of the team.

“Rees has a high commitment level to his development as a player and we feel he’s only scratching the surface, in terms of his true potential as a U SPORTS student-athlete,” said Baker. “His work ethic and tenacity are attributes that we value highly at UNB.”

Hasson, who fielded interest from a number of other programs, is happy to be trading his Lions white and blue for UNB’s red and white.

“I’m extremely excited to be staying home and playing for the team I’ve watched since I was a little kid,” he said. “Already being around some of the guys, I know the team atmosphere is awesome.”

In joining the Reds, Hasson says he’s come full circle.

He remembers part of his introduction to basketball was when he attended summer and junior camps at UNB.

“A strong work ethic, high intensity and an ability to play on the perimeter are some things I’ll bring to the team next year.”

Hasson will study Business Administration while attending UNB.