The UNBC Timberwolves men's basketball program has added more all-star talent, announcing the commitment of college standout Payton Tirrell for the 2020-21 season.
Tirrell makes the switch to Prince George after previously playing his fourth-year of post-secondary basketball for the Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves during the 2018-19 season.
He then decided to step away from the game for a year but knew he wanted to return to basketball for his fifth and final year in Canada West play.
“I have watched a lot of film and seen games in person, and I feel like the next step for me is to play at the U SPORTS level, and show what I can do," Tirrell says in a team release.
"I have done that at the CCAA level and I want to turn it up now. Play against better competition and play in better systems. Coach Jordan gave me an opportunity, and that is what sports is. Someone gives you an opportunity and you run with it.
“I am really excited to be a part of the community in Prince George. I am looking forward to it. The biggest thing for me was where could I find myself a spot where I fit in? Where is there a coach who is going to coach me hard, but at the same time, let me be me. Ultimately, it led my here, so I am grateful. That year off taught me a lot about myself and allowed me to make sure I am ready for this opportunity in my last year.”
During the 2018-19 season, Tirrell put up impressive numbers averaging 16.9 points per game while adding 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Tirrell also brings size to the Timberwolves lineup, standing at 6'3". His height helped him finish in the ACAC top 10 scoring and the top 15 in rebounding, steals and assists. He also shot 39.6 per cent from three-point land. He's a force in the paint with his size and strength but can also be a threat outside of posting up.
BIG NEWS: He was an @ACAC_Sport All-Star, and now, he is the newest member of @UNBCBasketball! Today, @LocalHOOPS product @Ptizzell5 committed to rep @UNBC this @CanadaWest season! Check out some highlights in the video, and read all the details here: https://t.co/f5kyFLRUKQ pic.twitter.com/15CzC4VvDv
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) July 15, 2020
“My best attribute is passing. I am a bigger guard so I can see over the defense, and I am looking to get everyone involved," he said.
"I’m known for a flashy pass or two. A no-look or alley-oop, just stuff to get people hyped and get the crowd involved. I am pretty well-known for my scoring ability, especially from three. I shoot from three at a high level. I am going to read the game, and if I am not shooting well that night and somebody else is, we are going to get them the ball.”
The all-star joins a talented backcourt containing 2020 Canada West leading-scorer Tyrell Laing as well as skilled guard Vova Pluzhnikov.
“Playing in Canada West, I am expecting a high competition level. A lot more spacing than I am used to, which is a blessing offensively and a curse defensively. That level of discipline and structure will be really good. It’s just a higher level.”
UNBC men's basketball head coach Todd Jordan says he's excited to have someone of Tirrell's skillset on the roster, even if it's his final year of post-secondary play.
“We are really excited to have Payton join our program," Jordan adds in the release. "He really understands the game and does a lot of things right. He comes to our program after an extremely successful year at Grande Prairie where he was a league all-star. It was a goal of his to play at the highest level in Canada and I am excited that he has chosen UNBC as the place to finish his university career. He will bring an immediate influx of talent to our team.”
Tirrell hails originally from Woodinville, Wash.
He spent his last year away from the game coaching numerous levels of youth basketball. He also was able to be apart of the Shoreline Community College coaching staff, where he played his first year of college basketball.
“If you want to play at a high level, you have to love the game, because it’s going to test you," he says. It’s going to test you day in and day out. Nobody cares if you’re not winning. You can be cool and be pretty, but nothing is cooler than winning. It’s simple as that. As long as you can go into an environment and put your ego aside, and be ready to do what it takes to win and compete, then you’re going to be alright.”
