(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds men’s basketball team is adding more size ahead of the 2018-19 Atlantic University Sport season.
Muckuoth Puok, a 6’6” forward and centre, from Calgary, Alberta, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and has joined the Reds.
Known to his teammates as ‘Mush,’ Puok is a product of Calgary’s St. Mary’s High School, the same school that produced former UNB women’s standouts Tilly Ettinger and Claire Colbourne. Puok is also an alumnus of the city’s elite Genesis Basketball club program.
With his club team, Puok won the 2018 Genesis Classic tournament and participated in the 2018 Alberta provincial championship tournament.
During a game in 2016, he scored 49 points in a single game.
"I chose UNB because of my relationship with the coaching staff. I felt like a part of UNB’s basketball family on my visit,” said Puok. “The guys on the team are awesome and the campus is phenomenal. I could not say no to UNB and the city of Fredericton.”
The 18-year-old has already begun his studies. He’ll pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree while at UNB and has plans to enter law school.
On the court, he plans on using his size to his team’s advantage.
“I like to bring a lot of defence and energy whenever I get the chance to step on the court,” he said. “I take pride in rebounding and my ability to make my teammates better.”
“Mush brings a versatile skill set to the court,” said Reds head coach Brent Baker. “He can shoot with range from the forward position and he rebounds at both ends at a high level.”
“He’ll be counted on to boost our front court play this season,” said Baker.
The Reds begin defence of their 2018 AUS title when they visit St FX, on November 2nd.
The Reds will host Mount Allison, Holland College, and the University of Maine-Fort Kent Bengals, in the annual Eric Garland Tournament, September 28th and 29th, at the Richard J. Currie Center.
PHOTOS: Submitted