(FREDERICTON, NB) UNB Varsity Reds head coach Jeff Speedy continues to rebuild his roster in the wake of 2018’s large graduating class.
The Varsity Reds have received signed U SPORTS Letters of intent from 17-year-old guard Sydney Teece, of Regina, SK, and 19-year-old forward Mikitshi Basambombo, of Montreal, QC.
Basambombo recently finished her third season at Montreal’s Vanier College, where she was a standout member of the Cheetahs’ women’s basketball team.
With the Cheetahs, she put together an impressive resume, winning their Juvenile Academic Players Excellence Award in 2015, most improved player in 2016, most valuable player in 2017, as well as team pride awards in 2016 and 2018.
Prior to her time at Vanier College, she attended Express de l’ecole secondaire St-Laurent.
“I’m strong mentally and physically,” said Basambombo. “No matter the circumstances, I always put the team first. As a player, I’m committed and I can score outside and inside the three.”
“Miki is a huge addition for our program,” said Speedy. “She can score the ball, plays hard all the time and is extremely tough. I can’t wait for her to get on campus and see her have a positive impact on our team.”
Basambombo will study Media Arts and Culture at UNB.
Teece is finishing her Grade 12 year at Regina’s Sheldon-Williams Collegiate, where she captained the Spartans’ senior girls team and was selected to play in the prestigious Daytona Homes Saskatchewan Senior Classic, an annual all-star game featuring the top two dozen high school basketball players from across the province.
In Grade 10, Teece captained the Spartans’ junior girls team and was named their MVP. She’s also been a member of the University of Regina Cougars U17 program and Saskatchewan’s U16 team.
“I’m a dedicated player who is always looking to do what’s best for the team,” said Teece. “I’ll work hard to be the best player I can to help the team succeed.”
“My goal is to work hard and play as much as I can this season,” she said. “My long-term goal is to become a leader on the team and have a positive impact on the Varsity Reds program.”
“Sydney is a very good athlete and a skilled player who can play multiple positions,” said Speedy. “She’s someone I feel will be a leader in our program. We’re really excited to have her come east to be part of the Varsity Reds.”
Teece will enter UNB’s Recreation and Sport Studies program.
Both will join the Varsity Reds beginning in the 2018-19 season.