varsity news
Durham Lords Media Release
Friday, July 04, 2008
DURHAM BIG MAN SIGNS ON TO PLAY SOUTH OF THE BORDER
OSHAWA – Liam McMorrow (Toronto, Ont.), who started as a freshman at Durham College last season, has committed to play NCAA Division I basketball at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After showing significant signs of development on the court as a member of the Lords program last season, McMorrow has accepted a scholarship with the hopes of furthering his basketball career by joining the prestigious program at Marquette University.
“I’m not surprised that Liam is heading south to a major NCAA school based on his first collegiate season with us last year,” Athletic Director Ken Babcock stated after learning about McMorrow’s decision. “He is a legitimate 7 footer who can run the floor, has great hands and soft touch around the basket, in addition to being a great person and a solid student.”
Liam’s transfer demonstrates the capability of Durham College to bring excellent athletes to the program, and develop them further during their time at the school. To have a player move on to a basketball program of that caliber is excellent for the student, as well as Durham College.
“He was a dominating force on the court in the OCAA as a freshman and will be attending a great school that has a great reputation in NCAA basketball,” Babcock said about the opportunity McMorrow will have.
McMorrow averaged 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 20 conference appearances for the Lords in 2007-08. The program finished 17-14 overall and claimed sixth in the East Region with a 10-10 slate. McMorrow concluded the campaign third in the league in blocked shots (23) and was eighth in rebounding (6.5 RPG).
The Lords concluded the campaign with six wins in seven outings to earn a spot in the OCAA postseason. McMorrow, who posted four doubles-doubles during conference action in 2007-08, averaged 9.9 points per game in the final seven contests for Durham. He netted a personal-best 18 points against Centennial College and grabbed a season-best 18 rebounds versus Georgian in just 23 minutes of action.
”It was great to work with Liam last season,” commented Durham Lords head coach Desmond Rowley. “Liam worked hard on and off the court and made tremendous strides in becoming a dominant basketball player. I will continue to keep in touch with Liam and wish him the best of luck as he joins Marquette next season.”
In attending Marquette, McMorrow will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of NBA Superstar Dwayne Wade and current head coach of the NBA champion Boston Celtics Doc Rivers; both Marquette alumnus. Marquette won a National Championship in 1977 and has made two other Final Four appearances (1974, 2003).
When asked his thoughts about McMorrow’s departure, Babcock stated, “What a great opportunity for a great kid. We are proud to see Liam advance from Durham College to the NCAA level.”
Because of transfer rules Liam will have to sit out the upcoming season and will begin his three years of NCAA eligibility beginning in the 2009-10 season.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca
(With files from Marquette University Athletics)
