varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Durham College heads north for their latest recruit

OSHAWA, Ont. – 2010-11 will a big season for the Durham College men’s basketball program as the Lords are hosting the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship for the first time in school history. Head coach Desmond Rowley is gearing up for the championship as he is proud to announce that centre Byron Wabano (Moosonee, Ont.) is joining the Lords lineup in September.

“We are very excited to welcome Byron to our team,” said Rowley. “His size and knowledge of the game are going to allow him to make an immediate impact on our team. He is an extremely hard worker willing to take the time to learn new systems and adjust to the college game.”

Wabano finished off his successful high school basketball career with the Timmins High Blues winning back-to-back NEOAA conference titles and antique bronze medals at the OFSAA Championship.

In 2009-10, the Blues finished with a record of 37 wins and only 12 losses, where Wabano averaged a double-double per game. The team also won a number of tournaments including the Gold Cup senior championship, Kwartha Classic Senior Tournament and Canadore College/Western Shootout.

In 2008-09, the Blues won the NEOAA championship and OFSAA Antique Bronze while claiming the Laurention tournament title, St. Ignatius Invitational tournament, the Gold Cup and the 51st Tomahawk Championship.

Coached by Darrell Sokoloski throughout high school, the Blues had tremendous success with Wabano in the lineup.

“Byron is a big 6'6" who has improved dramatically in the past two years,” said Sokoloski. “I really think the best is yet to come.”

A desire to learn and develop his game, Wabano was named most improved player in both his 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 campaigns.

Wabano also had the chance to represent the province as he was named to Team Ontario at the North American Indigenous games.

With Durham College hosting the 2011 CCAA National Basketball Championship in March, Wabano will be looked upon to make an immediate impact on an already impressive lineup as the Lords look to win their second overall national title.

Wabano has been accepted to the Law and Security program and is excited for training camp to open up in September.

The 34th annual David Stewart Tip-Off tournament, the official start of the college basketball season, is scheduled to take place from October 15-16 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

A QUICK LOOK AT BYRON WABANO
Hometown: Moosonee
Height: 6’6
Weight: 250 pounds
Program: Law and Security
Position: Centre

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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