(FREDERICTON, NB) Brett Speedy is coming home.
After five years and four Atlantic University Sport seasons at Acadia University, the 6’5” wing will enter post-graduate studies at UNB this fall and will join the REDS’ men’s basketball team for his fifth and final season of U SPORTS eligibility.
“My whole childhood, I wanted to be in a REDS uniform,” said Speedy, who will join the REDS as a transfer student. “At this stage of my career I didn’t expect to be here, but I’m really fortunate to be here and furthering my education and getting another chance to compete for an AUS championship, and at the school I grew up cheering for.”
During his four seasons with the Axemen, Speedy played in 63 games, scoring 278 points and grabbing 109 rebounds. He’s made 41.6% of his three-point shots and almost 41% of his shots from the field over his career.
During the 2019-20 AUS season, Speedy was named Acadia’s most improved player. He’s also a former Academic All-Canadian.
“Brett is a proven player in the AUS,” said REDS’ head coach Joe Salerno. “He’s been a steady and solid contributor to Acadia’s program for several years. As a better than 40% career three-point shooter, he’ll not only contribute on the court, but in the locker room as well. He’ll bring leadership and experience to what will be an extremely young team this season.”
He becomes the third Speedy to occupy a spot in UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center.
His sister, Kylee, is a member of the REDS’ women’s basketball team. His father, Jeff, is the coach of UNB’s women’s team.
“Once I went to Acadia, I never imagined playing in a different uniform, but this was a really easy decision,” said Speedy. “I really like where the program is at. There’s a lot of guys I really wanted to play with and I wanted to accomplish a childhood goal of mine, to wear a REDS uniform at one point in my life, so getting to do that and getting a good education and getting some experience in the field was just a no-brainer for me. That I’ll get to do it here, with my sister and my Dad is special too.”
Speedy says his goal will be to contribute in any way, on and off the court. Ultimately, he’d like to help the REDS win a conference championship, but says he’ll strive to leave the program in a better position than when he arrived.
“I can’t wait to play a game on this floor with the right uniform on, not the away jersey,” he said. “I think it’ll be special. It’s something I always wanted to do. I’m nervous and excited for that moment.”
Speedy, who graduated from Acadia earlier this year, is fully aware that the AUS schedule features two late-season REDS-Axemen match-ups.
“I love that school and I love that program and I love those guys and it’ll be really fun to go to war against them instead of with them.”
Speedy will pursue a Masters degree in Kinesiology, with a focus on biomechanics research, while attending UNB.
PHOTO: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics