Men's basketball team recruits Ontario cousins

April 15, 2009

Men's basketball head coach Don Phillips is counting on a pair of Ontario-based cousins to help improve the fortunes of the NAIT Ooks next season.

He announced this week that shooting guard Shane Cox and versatile front-court player Shane Reece have committed to play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. The Ooks finished last year with nine wins and 15 losses.

Cox, who stands about six-foot-three, attended St. Marguerite d'Youville School in Brampton, Ontario, after playing two years at a community college in the United States.

One favoured career memory is an 18-point performance, sparked by four three-pointers, in an exhibition with the Penn State Nittany Lions of the NCAA's Big Ten Conference. Cox also scored 20 against Duquesne of the Atlantic Ten.

"He is explosive and athletic and can stroke the three with consistency," said Phillips. "His jumping ability lets him finish at the hoop with authority."

Similar praise was heaped on Reece: "He has the ability to overpower opponents or just go over top of them."

At six-foot-six and 230 pounds, Reece can succeed at small or large forward or in the post position, Phillips said.

"Our coaching staff identified two areas of concern for the 2008-09 season: maturity for one and lack of size in certain positions for the other."

Both players are excited to be coming to NAIT together.

"It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that he'll be on the court with me again," said Reece of his cousin. "He and I have been through some tough battles on the court and I know that when crunch time comes, he's a guy that I can rely on."

"It'll make the transition from Toronto to Alberta easier," said Cox.

The cousins' experience and ability will go a long way in helping the Ooks stand out from the rest of the tough ACAC North Division next season.

"We're excited about the commitment of these men. Both have national championship experience (at Sheridan College in Toronto) and they have the size and athletic ability to do the things that you can't teach," said Phillips.

"It was my second time going to nationals and it was a great experience," said Reece of the 2008 CCAA national championship. "There was some great competition and the atmosphere was amazing as well. Unfortunately I walked away for a second time without a gold medal, a wrong I'm hoping to right by coming to NAIT and being an important part of a talented team."