He may not see the court this upcoming season, but, Matt Jickling is hoping to impress UNBC coaches in practice and as a big supporter on the bench.
The Regina, Sask. product is the sixth and final 2020-21 recruit for the Timberwolves’ men’s basketball team, putting pen to paper today (Aug. 11) in committing to the Prince George school in U-Sports and Canada West play.
With the roster now in stone, Jickling says he can focus on building confidence and skill development in his freshman campaign.
“In my first year with the team, I want to get stronger as a player,” he said in a UNBC team release.
“I want to show my coaches and my teammates what kind of player I am. I also want to develop into the best player I can be. As a redshirt, I want to put myself in the best possible position for next year.”
The T-Wolves will have three fifth-year veteran players next year in Vova Pluzhnikov, Tyrell Laing and Payton Tirrell.
As they lead the charge on the court, and likely the hype in the locker-room, Jickling will look to learn from them in addition to Head Coach Todd Jordan and grasp the culture of UNBC for the years ahead.
“I am super excited to be fortunate enough to play basketball at the next level,” the 18-year-old Campbell Collegiate graduate explained.
“I love the game, and I am really excited to play at UNBC. It has been a goal of mince since I was a young kid, watching the Men’s team play in my hometown. As I got older, I realized I needed to put hours in at the gym to improve my skill, and reach my goal.”
Jickling, who stands at six-foot-four, is described as a combo player in the guard and forward positions, while he boasts himself a good defensive player with the ability to match up with his opponent in any challenge.
Coach Jordan believes his new player’s size and versatility can be a great future asset to the green and gold.
“He is a longer guard who can really shoot the ball. We feel that he still has a lot of room to grow and develop and we are excited to work with him through that process. He is a high-level student and should be a great addition to our team and our culture.”
Jickling has yet to visit the UNBC Prince George campus due to COVID-19 recommendations but intends to study nature-based tourism management in the classroom.
COVID-19 cancelled the fall portion of the Canada West basketball season as of June 8, with games to start as early as Jan. 1, 2021.
A decision is expected to be made on Oct. 8 if any games would be played in the second term of the new season.
