Coming out of Aden Bowman Collegiate to join the Huskies is 18-year-old Cole Anderson. Anderson is one of two recently announced additions to the men’s team, alongside Jean-Carol Ishemezwe of Regina. Anderson, who stands at 6-7, will be joining the team as a guard-forward.

Anderson recently completed a successful season with the Aden Bowman Bears during which he was named most valuable player. This accolade comes alongside his experience outside of high school basketball with Team Saskatchewan and Team Saskatchewan U19 at the North American Indigenous Games.

Anderson speaks about his experience with Basketball Saskatchewan.

“I played on the development team when I was 15 and was a member of the U16 Men’s team,” Anderson said, in an email to the Sheaf. “In 2017, I had [to decide] whether to stay in this program and try to qualify for the U17 men’s team and play in the Canada Summer Games, or join the Team Sask U19  team at the North American Indigenous Summer games in Toronto. I am Métis and decided to take up the opportunity NAIG gave me — it was an amazing basketball and cultural experience.”

Of all his achievements, however, Anderson values his recently acquired Huskies status the highest.

“My biggest accomplishment so far has been making this team. I am extremely honoured to be given the chance to play at the level of Canadian U Sports basketball on the University of Saskatchewan men’s basketball team,” Anderson said.

Cole Anderson takes a shot during a Huskies basketball practice.

Anderson started playing basketball at a fairly early age, which he discusses as he recounts his basketball career.

“I began playing basketball in grade 2 or 3, in the Saskatoon minor basketball league…I continued to play at the community level in SMBA up to grade 12 and worked as a referee for [a] few seasons,” Anderson said. “I also played competitively for 5 years on the SLAM club team, and later, for Lights Out [Basketball]. Playing on the club teams allowed me the opportunity to travel and compete at a higher level [and] get more experience at a young age.”

Anderson has had a lot of experience on the court, and he discusses the benefits that basketball has brought into his life.

“I have met a lot of friends through basketball. I like the game, and the style, energy and pace of the game suit me and my abilities,” Anderson said.

With the Canada West basketball season just a little over a month away, the Huskies are hard at work getting prepared physically and mentally. Anderson speaks to his own anticipation while waiting for the season to start.

“In the upcoming season, as a rookie, I am excited to be on the team,” Anderson said. “I am doing what I can to prepare physically — I have been shooting good so far and hope to continue learning from the coaches, Rawlyk and Jacobson, and the experienced players on the team.”

After a somewhat lackluster season, the Huskies will be looking to new players like Anderson to freshen up the squad. The Huskies finished last season with a record of 12-16 and made it to the Canada West
quarter-finals before falling to the University of Calgary Dinos.

The Huskies will be hitting the court for their Canada West season debut against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on Oct. 26.

—

Jack Thompson / Sports & Health Editor

Photo: Heywood Yu