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• Royals Announce 2011-2012 Recruits

  
  Gagan Sahota
  Gagan Sahota, Keith Nath, Karan Bains, and Navjot Bains join the Royals squadCCL Press Release July 11, 2011 New Westminster, BC

  Douglas College Men's basketball is proud to announce that Gaga Sahota, Keith Nath, Karan Bains and Navjot Bains have committed to the Royals for the 2011-2012 season.

  Sahota was the starting wing for the Tamanawis Wildcats during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons. Gagan averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists during his grade 12 season while maintaining his leadership role as captain of the squad. Gagan also helped lead the Tamanawis Wildcats to its first 2 berths in the AAA provincials over his finals two years at the school. He was also a member of the U15 Provincial Team, Surrey All-Star Team, two-time Tamanawis Athlete of the Year, two-time 1st Team All-Star Surrey RCMP tournament, Rick Hanson 1st Team All-Star, Joker Classic 1st Team All Star, and a two-time Unity All-Star.

  “Gagan has a smooth jumper with nice range”, says the Douglas men’s coach Denis Beausoleil. “His ability to knock down shots and create scoring opportunities for his teammates is a huge asset. I am very excited to have him join our team.”

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Karan Bains

  Karan Bains was the starting point guard for the provincially ranked Tamanawis Wildcats during the 2009-2010 season where he averaged 12 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game while appearing in the elite 8 of the Fraser Valley Championships. His senior accomplishments include player of the game, multiple tournament MVP’s, and being named to the 2nd All-Star Team during the Surrey RCMP Classic tournament. Karan was also 1 of 2 players from his high school basketball team to be selected to the Surrey All Star Game during the 2010 season.

  “Karan is long and mobile for the point guard position”, says the Douglas men’s coach Denis Beausoleil. “He will be able to use that length to have an immediate impact on the defensive end. Karan also has a high basketball IQ, which will help keep the team playing in a consistent offensive rhythm.”

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Navjot Bains

  Navjot Bains was the starting forward for the Tamanawis Wildcats during the 2010-2011 season. Navjot averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game and was a consistent threat to get a double-double whenever he walked on the court. He also played a big role on the defensive end, having to always guard the opposing team’s best big man. Navjot’s energy on the floor was also contagious in the locker room, which helped him in his leadership role on the team. Navjot was a 1st Team All-Star at Burnaby South’s Rod Thomson Memorial Rebel Classic.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Keith Nath

  Keith Nath joins the Royals after playing a year at rival Capilano College. A graduate of Killarney secondary Keith has much to contribute to this years edition of the Royals.

• Beausoliel named men’s hoop coach

  CCL Press Release March 5, 2011 Abbotsford, BC

  Denis Beausoliel made a study of what it takes to win in basketball as his Master’s project at the University of Victoria.

  Now Beausoliel will get the chance to put those systems into practice on the hardwood as the new head coach of the Douglas College Royals’ mens team.

  “I am very excited about coaching at Douglas College,” says Beausoliel, who moves from assistant coach and lead recruiter with the Royals into the lead position. “It's an excellent opportunity at a great school that offers incredible support to its students-athletes both on the court and in the classroom."

  Beausoliel replaces Clay Pottinger who left Douglas at the end of the 2010-11 season after guiding the Royals to the BCCAA playoffs.

  "Clay has been a great mentor over the past year, he has helped me improve my coaching skills and prepared me for the training and competition that comes with competing in the BCCAA,” says Beausoliel.

  Beausoliel became involved in coaching while attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued to the National Coaching Institute in Victoria to study for his Level 4 and completed his Master’s of Education in Coaching Studies at the University of Victoria.

  The new coach expects a busy summer as he builds towards success in the 2011-12 winter campaign.

  “I will continue to build the program here by spending the entire summer recruiting talented student-athletes and training our current group of returning players.”

   

• Royals get the Blues

  
  Drew Slaght, 5th year senior and 1st Team BCCAA All-Star
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Capilano Blues caught fire in the third quarter and the Royals got burntCCL Press Release March 5, 2011 Abbotsford, BC

  Playing for bronze at the BCCAA Men’s Basketball Championships on Saturday at Columbia Bible College, the Blues outscored Douglas 34-19 in the third period en route to a 95-80 victory. The Blues held a narrow 40-34 lead at halftime.

  The Royals dominated from the free-throw line, shooting 75 percent compared to Capilano’s 54 percent. The challenge was drawing enough fouls, as the Royals generated 20 trips to the line while the Blue’s aggressive game earned 26.

  Kadeem Scott paced the Royals with 19 points while Aneetan Braich and Ameet Kaila added 16 apiece. Michael Zayonc, 6-foot-6 forward, led the Blues with 21 points The Blues shot 52 percent from the field to the Royals 47.

  The Royals opened the tourney Thursday with an impressive 104-86 win over UBCO Heat 103-86. A combination of a good Douglas transition and a poor shooting performance from UBCO allowed the number-five-seeded Royals to win easily in what should have been a stellar matchup. Douglas converted on 53 percent from the field while holding UBCO to 35.

  Douglas was led by Drew Slaught who scored 28 points and chipped in with 5 assists. Also from Douglas was Braich who fell just short of a triple double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, as well as Kadeem Scott with 18 points and Kaila and Garret Ling-Lee both with 16.

  The Royals were regulated to the bronze-medal game on Friday by a 102-78 loss to the number-one-ranked VIU Mariners. For Douglas, Slaught was again top scorer with 19 points followed by Braich with 18 and Scott, 14. Andrew Kaban paced the Mariners with 28 points while Jacob Thom added 18 points and five assists.

  VIU won the gold with a 96-90 decision over UNBC Timberwolves.

• Men's Basketball Squeeze into Provincials

  
  Garrett Ling-Lee
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Clinch 5th place in BCCAA CCL Press Release February 21, 2011 New Wesminster

  With back to back wins over the Kwantlen Eagles this past weekend, the young Royals squad moved into 5th place and secured a playoff berth under first year head coach, Clayton Pottinger. The Royals battled hard against the Eagles in front of a packed gymnasium on Friday February 18, as the Centre for Campus Life provided a fan bus for students to cheer on their Royals and add fuel to the Fraser river rivalry between the two schools.

  The team is scheduled for a quarter-final match-up against the UBCO Heat whom have not been kind to the Royals, taking both games 80-71 and 84-77. For more information on game times and live broadcasts of the games check out http://bccaa.ca/2011basketball

• Clayton Pottinger named Head Men's Basketball Coach

  
  Clayton Pottinger
  
  Pottinger brings CCAA and CIS level experienceCCL Press Release June 23, 2010 New Wesminster

  The Douglas College ¿ Centre for Campus Life is pleased to announce that Clayton Pottinger has been named the Head Coach for the Royals Men’s Basketball Program.

  Clayton brings a wealth of experience at both the CCAA and CIS levels having served as the Head Coach of Kings University College in Alberta for 5 years and is presently the Assistant Coach at the University of Alberta. In his functions at U of A Clayton worked with long time coach Don Horwood and also with Greg Francis who is also the Men’s Junior National Team Coach. During his time in Alberta Clayton also coached the Edmonton Chill of the IBL professional league and played for 5 years at University of Alberta wear he captained the Golden Bears to won a CIS championship in 1994.

  Clayton holds a masters degree in Coaching Studies from the University of Victoria and has been a high school math teacher for the past 14 years.

  “Douglas College is very fortunate to have Clayton join its coaching staff and I am very confident that he will establish and elite competitive environment that is required to win at the CCAA level.” stated Dean Howie the Director of Athletics & Campus Life.

  “I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead the Douglas Royals and I look forward to the challenge of competing in the BCCAA conference. I will spend the summer recruiting and scouting players to ensure that Douglas College is competitive this year.” mentioned Pottinger.

• Royals Conduct ID Camps

  
  
  
  Interested in Playing the 2010-11 Season?CCL Press Release May 21, 2010 New Wesminster

  Douglas College Royals are conducting an ID camp for all prospective men’s basketball student athletes. Camps will take place on June 1 & 4 from 5:30pm–8:30pm at the New West Campus. It is strongly suggested that you attend both sessions. If you are interested please contact Denis Beausoleil at beausoleild@douglas.bc.ca to confirm your attendance.

• An Afghan Basketball Journey

  
  Mirwais Mojadidi and Hamid Aziz
  Photo from the Burnaby NewsLeader
  Mario Bartel - Burnaby NewsLeader May 16, 2010

  Though related by blood, Mirwais Mojadidi and Hamid Aziz’s lives couldn’t have been more different.

  One grew up near peaceful parks, the other amid war and tyranny.

  One escaped with cartoons and playing cards, the other escaped persecution.

  When the cousins met for the first time, neither spoke the other’s language.

  But they quickly formed a bond based on a gift that was given to one, then passed to the other—a gift that is now giving to others.

  A basketball.

  Born in Burnaby, Mirwais Mojadidi enjoyed a life of suburban splendour. His family lived in a nice house, drove a nice car, had money to keep the fridge stocked. He was proud of his impressive collection of Pokémon cards.

  Half a world away in Kabul, Afghanistan, his cousin Hamid Aziz’s family struggled in a country frayed by war, handcuffed by religious fervour. The conflict cost his father his engineering job. His mother could no longer teach.

  With their money and options running out, Hamid’s parents and their three sons fled to Pakistan, leaving behind their extended family, including his beloved grandmother.

  They settled into the refugee life in Peshawar, the border city that was the first stop for many Afghans seeking to escape the war. His father helped establish an Afghan school as Hamid tried to stay out of trouble in a strict Pakistani school, where a word uttered out of turn could be met with a strap across the hands.

  From time to time, the whole family would drive all night to visit his grandmother in Kabul, braving terrifying Taliban road checks. Once, as they tried to smuggle family photos back to Pakistan, they were stopped at one of the road blocks. To be caught by Taliban guards with such tokens of Western decadence could have resulted in arrest or a beating, so as each member of the family was plucked for inspection, they furtively passed the cache of photos back to another until they were sent safely on their way.

  “I was just so scared,” recalls Hamid. “That was probably the most frightening time.”

  His parents wanted to escape such fear and filled out paperwork to try to get the family to a new country. America turned them down. So did Australia.

  But when Canadian relatives offered to sponsor their immigration, Hamid and his family packed their bags for Burnaby.

  The night before Mirwais was to meet his cousin from a faraway land, he was so excited, he couldn’t sleep. He didn’t even really know where Afghanistan was but he knew he had to bring a gift, so he got up early to gather up his precious Pokémon cards.

  “I realized this was a new family, a new journey, and Pokémon was the big thing over here,” says Mirwais, who was eight or nine years old at the time.

  His offering was met with a quizzical shrug.

  But returning from the airport along Marine Drive, Hamid’s eyes were as big as saucers, a huge smile spread across his face.

  “I was just looking around at all these tall buildings, the green trees, the parks,” says Hamid. “I thought ‘Wow!’”

  His family moved into an apartment on Balmoral Street, near Rene Park. One day Mirwais showed up at his door with a basketball, and they headed for the outdoor court at the park.

  Hamid had seen such courts in Afghanistan but he’d never seen anyone playing there; shooting hoops can be a risky proposition amidst snipers and land mines.

  “I always wondered what those were for,” Hamid says. “I had no clue.”

  “He was more quiet, so I got to know him better by playing around outside,” Mirwais says. “My grandpa gave me a basketball when I was four years old and to be able to give that to someone else really meant a lot.”

  The cousins were inseparable, spending all the free time at basketball courts in Rene Park, Richmond Park, and behind Windsor Elementary School. They would play from 9 a.m. until well after dark, sunny days, rainy days—even in the snow. They pretended they were Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

  “Playing basketball helped me release a lot of stress,” says Hamid. “It just isolated me from the real world. It just let me be me and relax.”

  As Mirwais was teaching his cousin basketball, he was learning about his heritage and life in Afghanistan.

  “It was a new picture for me. It was a reality check, living with no government, no water, no house.”

  The lessons continued as the cousins honed their game in the Steve Nash youth league, then enrolled at the new Byrne Creek Secondary School and joined the high school team.

  There, they learned about teamwork and respect.

  Their teammates were also immigrants, from places like Africa, the Philippines, China, Japan. Many shared stories of sacrifice and hardship. They became a brotherhood.

  “Your teammates are the people you can relate with,” says Hamid, who now plays for the Douglas College Royals while studying sports sciences. “You’re just not worried about who’s higher class than you, you can sit down with them and just laugh about your experiences.”

  “It made me work hard to become a good player on the court and a good person off the court,” says Mirwais.

  Now they want to pass on the gift they’ve been given by a basketball.

  Mirwais started coaching younger players at Byrne when he sat out a season because of an injury. He now helps coach the senior boys team and a youth club team.

  Hamid says he dreams of a day he’ll be able to take his Canadian experience and sport sciences diploma back to his homeland to help set up a community centre, to populate those barren basketball courts.

• Royals looking for new Basketball Bench Boss

  
  
  
  Review of applicants begins May 21, 2010CCL Press Release May 6, 2010 New Wesminster

  Applications are now being accepted from qualified coaches looking to take the Head Coaching reigns of our men's basketball team. Review of applications will commence May 21, 2010 but the position will remain open until it is filled.

  Download the job description

• Coach Cheung takes Head Coach position at Brandon University

  
  Head Coach, Gil Cheung
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Cheung takes the reigns at alma materCCL Press Release May 5, 2010 New Wesminster

  Douglas College Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Gil Cheung has accepted a head coaching position at Brandon University. During his time at the college, Gil had begun to rejuvenate a program that saw many changes in both player personnel and administration. In both his years as bench boss for the Royals, his teams qualified for the BCCAA Provincial Tournament.

  “We are extremely please that Douglas College could help provide Gil with a platform to gain valuable experience for this new opportunity” said Athletic Director Dean Howie.

  “I want to thank Douglas College for giving me the opportunity to be a Head Coach in the BCCAA these past two seasons. I will genuinely miss the special group of players that I’ve coached these past 2 years and wish them nothing but the best in their Post Secondary careers. They have been exceptional on the court, but their character around the College and Community is one thing that I am most proud of. I owe a lot to this College and the Athletics department, and wish them all the best in the future” said Gil.

  “I am looking forward to the opportunity to coach at my alma mater and excited to have this opportunity. Brandon University has a wonderful basketball tradition, and I look forward to coaching a team that has success on the court, in the classroom and in the great community of Brandon” commented Gil.

• BCCAA Basketball All-Stars Announced

  
  (L-R) Jobair Satari, Mark Dabrowski, and Drew Slaght
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Three Royals selected as All-StarsSean Velasco March 1, 2010 New Wesminster

  The BCCAA announced the All-Star selections for the 2009-10 season and three Royals athletes were among those recognized for their outstanding seasons. Jobair Satari and Drew Slaght were named to the second All-Star team while freshman Mark Dabrowski made the All-Rookie Team.

  Jobair Satari is a second year forward with the Royals but has seniors worth of experience. He is the only hold over from the 2007-08 edition of the CCAA National champion Royals squad. Satari currently leads the league in rebounding (10.61 rbs)and 8th in points (15.61 pts). His leadership and influence on the young Royals has been instrumental in this seasons accomplishments

  Drew Slaght is a third year guard with the Royals and has been a consistent contributor to the Royals offense. Drew ranks 9th in scoring (14.94 pts)in the 6th in assists (3.06 asst)in the BCCAA League.

  Freshman Mark Dabrowski has turned some heads this season and has been rewarded with an All-Rookie Team selection. A big bodied post player, Mark averages 7.19pts and 4.31rbs per game.

  Up next for the Royals are the Provincial Championships and a first round match-up against Capilano University Blues. The tournament is hosted by Vancouver Island University. Watch a live broadcast of the game

• Royals return to the Post Season

  
  Royals huddle
  photo Jerald Walliser
  
  Second Semester run puts Royals back into ContentionGil CheungFebruary 22, 2010 New Wesminster

  With a split weekend vs. the Langara College Falcons, the Royals secured a 5th seed to return to the post season where they will face The Capilano University Blues. The young Royals have had a strong second half of the season going 7-4 after a rough 1-6 start.

  The Royals split the season series with the Blues, each having won on the other teams home court. The team has had great leadership both on and off the court from 2nd year forward, Jobair Satari and 3rd year guard, Drew Slaght. Both players are in the top 7 in league scoring, and Jobair was the leading rebounder in the conference, despite playing on the wing. It has been a complete team effort by the Royals this year, with every player contributing to the teams success. If the team continues to build on their momentum, they could be a very dangerous team come playoffs!

  Follow all the playoff action from VIU streamed live, March 4-6

• Down to the Wire

  
  Kevin Jackel
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Come out and Support your RoyalsSean Velasco February 15, 2010 New Wesminster

  With 3 teams tied for the last 3 playoff spots and only 2 points separating the teams on the "bubble", the Royals will need a top notch performance to secure their playoff standing. This weekend the Royals will face cross town rivals, the Langara College Falcons. The game does have a twist, however, as it will be hosted at Kwantlen Polytechnic Univeristy due to the 2010 Olympics. Game times are at 1:30pm both days (Friday 19 and Saturday 20) with the women's games to follow at 3:30pm. Come out and support your Royals!

  Just Announced: Watch the games live through streaming video!

   

• Royals continue to Roll

  
  Stuart McIntosh
  photo Jerald Walliser
  Young Team begining to "gel"Gil Cheung February 1, 2010 New Wesminster

  The Douglas College Men’s Basketball team continue their hot streak with their weekend sweep of the CBC Bearcats. The Royals won 105-65 Friday night and then completed the much needed sweep Saturday night with a tough 87-75 victory. The Royals are now 6-6 for the year as and currently sit 5th in the conference, one game behind the Capilano University Blues. This was the 5th straight win for the Royals as the team is beginning to gel as a group. Led by the leadership of Drew Slaught and Jobair Satari, the young squad is slowly coming together.

  With 5 first year players as well as six new faces to the program, the young team is learning how to compete every weekend in arguably the toughest conference in the Country. With so many new players and the departure of two key starters a week before conference play, it has taken time for this team to gel. But the effort provided by the team both on and off the court this year is something that they can be very proud of.

  The road does not get any easier for the Royals as they have to travel to UNBC and play the #2 ranked team in the Country this weekend.

• Teamwork and Discipline prevail over the Blues

  
  Aurel David
  photo Sean Velasco
  "Fab 4" Freshman lead the wayGil Cheung January 26, 2010 New Wesminster

  The Douglas College Men’s Basketball team gutted out an impressive come from behind victory over the #4 ranked Capilano University Blues this weekend. After falling behind by 16 at the end of the 1st quarter, the young Royal’s team came together to fight and claw their way to a 64-58 win in a very tough road atmosphere. The “FAB 4” freshman led their comeback, topped off with a 24-9 4th quarter which made all the difference in a much needed win for the team. Aurel David sparked a run in the 2nd quarter which allowed the team to only be down 10 heading into the break. Strong play on both ends of the floor by freshman Malcolm Mensah and Mark Dabrowski, added a physical and active presence that was missing during the 1st half of the year. Freshman Guard Hamid Aziz also hit a big 3 with 2 minutes left in a tie game and the Royals never looked back.

  Jobair Satari once again showed why he is one of the best players in the Province with a HUGE night. His 15pts were only surpassed by his 17 rebs and 5 assists. His leadership of the freshman and the entire team is something that does not show on the scoresheet, but is more valuable than any hoop all season. The royals are off to Abbotsford to face a tough CBC squad, and are once again in the thick of things for the playoff run.

• Old Spaghetti Factory Player of the Week

  
  Jobair Satari
  photo Sean Velasco
  Jobair's work ethic and passion a bright spot on the seasonGil Cheung November 23, 2009 New Wesminster

  Jobair had a solid weekend for the Royals and is a great leader both on and off the court. Jobair is returning to action this year after a year off, and has not missed a beat. He is the team leader in rebounding and has been averaging 16ppg as well.

  His work ethic and passion for the game, has been a bright spot thus far this season, and he will be a huge part of the Royals success this season.