Pair of Calgarians set to bring strong defensive attributes to Griffins next season
Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Size, athleticism and work ethic are key attributes needed to exhibit strong rebounding and defending on the hard court.
With an eye on improving defensively, MacEwan men's basketball head coach Mike Connolly on Thursday announced that hard-working Calgarians Damilola Osuma and Job Janda will join the Griffins for the 2021-22 Canada West season.
The pair of Canada Topflight Academy products both have the potential to impact the game on both sides of the court.
Checking in at 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Osuma has the physical profile needed to patrol the paint against the conference's top big men. Connolly notes he already has the size and strength needed to play the post position effectively at the Canada West level.
"Dami is a hard working player who is very mobile for his size," said Connolly of Osuma, who will enter MacEwan's Bachelor of Arts program. "His mobility and ability to rebound the basketball will help the Griffins immediately."
Job Janda's defensive capabilities will make him a valuable member of the Griffins' rotation in 2021-22.
Janda is an athletic 6-foot-4 wing player, who had the ability to guard multiple positions for the Griffins next season. While he, too, has the strength, size and athleticism to immediately make an impact at the Canada West level, Connolly also noted his commitment and hard work are unmatched.
"Job has the ability to affect the game with his athletic and defensive capabilities," he said. "He will be one of our best defenders going into next year. Job also runs the floor very well and he rebounds the basketball hard. Because of his diverse skills, Job will also be able to play multiple positions, adding to the depth and athleticism of the team."
