TRU men's basketball signs first recruit
Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Mens Basketball Coach Nevin Gleddie hopes it’s the first of many. Liam Wear of Vernon Secondary has become the first high school recruit to commit to the WolfPack for 2008.
“I’m really pleased,” says Gleddie “He is an intelligent point guard. He can really move the ball but he can also shoot it so he can play both positions. He’s a very good decision maker.”
“This feels like a good fit for me, “ says Wear “Its close to home. I get to play CIS Basketball and come away with a very good education. It's always been a dream of mine to play University basketball. Now my dream will come true.”
The 6-1 inch Wear is a multi sport athlete. He is a running back with Vernon ‘s football team. He was a Provincial “AA” all star and invited to the Senior Bowl. He also excels at rugby.
“I think I’m versatile and well rounded as a player. Hard working and always give it my best effort. Although I enjoy the other sports, playing basketball has always been my dream.”
“I thought Geoff Matthews does a great job of pushing the ball,” says Gleddie as he refers the rookie guard out of Kamloops with the WolfPack. “Liam brings another mentality to it. It’ll allow us to change the flow of the game by changing point guards. Similar to when we had Skye Buck and Lucas Colburn (late 90’s and early 2000’s). I kind of like that combination.”
Wear, a member of the Provincial Under 17 team has an added dimension. “ He can downright shoot it. In the th quarter, he is a pretty tough guy to guard.”
Gleddie first saw Wear at a Regional Camp five years ago. He has really progressed as a player.
“I’ve really been impressed by his demeanour and how he carries himself.”
Some who have accused the WolfPack of being a little soft when the play gets a little rough have nothing to worry about in Wear. He is contemplating a tryout with the BC Junior Football League Kamloops Broncos.
“I think he’s a tough kid,” says Gleddie who points out that the CIS level is much tougher physically than high school but that Wear is ready for the challenge.