UNBC’s newest basketball recruit courts provincial experience

He’s got an impressive resume that includes Team B.C. jerseys in his locker.

Dylon Matthews of North Vancouver has officially signed with the UNBC Timberwolves starting this Fall for the university’s 2019-20 Canada West campaign.

The 17-year-old has represented Team B.C. on the national basketball court the last two years, providing what he described as a lethal shooting ability and a game of speed.

“I like to push the ball, play fast-paced, and get my teammates involved. Make some nice passes, and try to get everyone playing at their highest level. That is the most fun way to play basketball; when everyone is at their peak,” said Matthews in a release.

The six-foot-two guard is set to graduate from Seycove Secondary (North Vancouver) this June after leading the Seyhawks to a bronze medal in the 2018 B.C. Senior Boys Basketball Championships.

On the scoresheet, Matthews averages 21 points per game, along with nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.

He decided to make the move to Prince George believing his talent can mesh well with what UNBC’s team already has.

“This is definitely a team on the rise. The last few years you can see them getting better. I want to bring this team, in a new community for me, and really try to push it as one of the main teams in Canada West.”

UNBC men’s basketball Head Coach Todd Jordan said in the same release that he has had his eye on Matthews for a while, claiming he’ll be able to make an impact for the next five years.

“We are very excited to add Dylon to our roster,” said Jordan. “He is a physically strong guard with a good fundamental skill set and experience playing for our provincial team. He had a very good high school career and I am glad his next chapter will continue with our program at UNBC.”

A perk with Matthews signing with the Timberwolves will be getting the chance to play with a childhood friend.

He and Chris Ross played with each other at Seycove en route to that provincial bronze medal last year.

“Going away from home, you always want to have someone you know there,” explained Matthews. “Having Chris there will be a comfort of mine. I am always going to have someone there to talk to, to study with, to get in the gym with. I have known him forever.”

After graduating high school with honours, he plans on studying Sciences while attending UNBC.

Matthews will get his first taste of T-Wolves basketball at training camp in August.