George Brown's men's basketball team will be put to the challenge two months before its opening league game in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.
That's because the Huskies will host Howard University from Washington, D.C., in a pre-season game set for the evening of August 14 at the St. James Campus.
The Bison, who play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, had some trouble last season finishing with an 8-25 overall record. On their roster, and making the trip to Toronto since graduating from Eastern Commerce is 6-foot-7 forward Tyler Stone.
"I'm excited to see (Howard) come here and play us," said Jonathan Smith, George Brown's head coach. "I grew up watching the NCAA tournament and watched Howard once play Kansas in Dayton, Oh. It'll be a great challenge for the guys."
As for George Brown, the Huskies – after a 15-5 league record and a 10-point OT playoff loss to Sheridan - will have to get used to playing without Vadim Halimov. One of Canada's top College players last season, Halimov is out of eligibility and graduated a few months ago taking with him several OCAA records.
Halimov will be back – but making his debut as an Assistant Coach with George Brown – leaving a veteran roster having to adjust to a game plan that will not rely on a marquee player.
"Different approach this year – and the guys know it," said Smith. "They've been working hard during the summer, training and prepping. It's team play and not relying on the talent of one player."
Smith said he has been impressed with the play of Dejazmatch James, Ted Johnson and Ricardo Brown – all guards – as well as forward Curtis Baanee.
George Brown will also host Fairmont State University on August 30 at 6:00pm. The Fighting Falcons, from Fairmont, W.V., had a 20-10 record last season and lost in the Mountain East Conference NCAA Division Two playoffs.
And on Oct. 20, at 6:00pm, George Brown will take on Manchester University from North Manchester, Ind. The Spartans compete in the NCAA Division Three Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. -
For the complete 2014/15 George Brown men's basketball schedule, go to http://www.georgebrown.ca/athletics/sports/basketball/
