After weeks of practice, Vaggelis Loukas finally got his first taste of university men's basketball Saturday night.
The freshman six-foot-six 20-year-old forward from Greece helped guide his UNBC teammates to a 103-85 victory against former UNBC Timberwolves in the annual alumni game at the Northern Sport Centre.
UNBC head coach Todd Jordan has described Loukas as tough kid and a "typical European who has a knack for the basketball."
Even though Loukas just arrived in Prince George and Canada in August (he's sharing an off-campus apartment with his younger sister Vasiliki who's a freshman on UNBC's women's basketball squad), he's adapting quite well to his new surroundings.
"Everyone's been very friendly and helpful," said the 20-year-old, who's taking environmental studies. "They've all really accepted me and everything is perfect. I'm going to try my best and bring everything I have and help the team."
After he graduated from high school, Loukas spent a year on a Greek under-18 club team called Panathinaiko. He spent last season playing for the national B team, the second tier senior men's national team in Greece.
"The European game is faster and athletic so I'll have to adopt to this type [North American] of game," he said. "I prefer the North American style better."
The Timberwolves have a bye on CIS Canada West opening weekend - Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and hit the road to Kamloops Nov. 7 and 8 to battle Thompson Rivers University.
Before then they'll travel to Edmonton in two weeks for a pre-season tournament and then Winnipeg for another exhibition tournament.
Three-pointers... Anthony Hokanson, a Grade 12 basketball player from Vancouver's Kitsilano secondary, was at the NSC watching Saturday's alumni game.
He was invited to the game by UNBC coach Jordan who extended him an offer to visit the campus and attend the game on his first official visit.
Hokanson plays guard and forward for his high school squad and has competed on B.C.'s U14, U15 and U16 teams.
He flew up Saturday morning and toured the campus and returned Sunday prior to the start of the school year.
"I like the campus so far," said Hokanson after the alumni game. "I like the way the team plays and how they get some easy baskets."
