Ryan Mackinnon and Julian Spearchief Morris commit to UVIC.

MBBall: Three Recruits Commit to Vikes Men's Basketball


The University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball team have reloaded with the announcement of three key recruits who have committed to the program for the 2007-08 season. Joining the Vikes are Brandon Dunlop, Ryan Mackinnon and Julian Spear Chief-Morris.

"It is a honor to have these three talented young men join our basketball program," said head coach Craig Beaucamp. "They bring us skill, quickness and athleticism. In addition to their basketball ability they bring character to our team. Each of these players have been leaders in their respective programs and we expect they will be leaders for us and within the university."

Dunlop, a graduate of Claremont Secondary School, is a 6'1" guard, who spent the past season with the Camosun College Chargers. At Camosun, he was a BCAAC 1st team all-star and rooke-of-the-year. In addition to his prowess on the court, Dunlop excelled in academics, earning the John Crowther Memorial Athletic Scholarship in 2006 and was an honour roll student at Claremont from 2003 to 2006.

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to play for the University of Victoria," shared Dunlop. "I am thrilled at the chance. It is something I have been working towards and dreaming of since I was a little kid.”

Mackinnon comes to the Vikes directly from Highlands Secondary School in Comox, B.C.. The 6'4" guard, was a member of the 2006 U-17 Provincial team and was the 2007 North Island High School League Most Valuable Player. In addition he was an nominee for the All-Canadian game.

"I am honoured to be playing at UVic next year and hopefully contribute to what is already a great program," stated Mackinnon. "I am looking forward to getting my degree from an outstanding university and also to follow in the footsteps of my uncle John Munro who played on the Vikes 1983 CIAU (CIS) championship team."

Spear Chief-Morris joins the program from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. A versatile player, he is comfortable at shooting guard, on the point or at small forward. The 6'4" Spear Chief-Morris has been a member of Alberta's Nike Training Centre for the past three years and he participated in the Canadian Junior National Team Christmas camp this past December. Now in his final year of high school, he led the Southern Alberta High School Basketball League in scoring, averaging 28.9 points a game and scoring 376 points in 13 games.

Victoria finished tied for first in Canada West with an regular season record of 20-3 but lost to UBC in the Pacific Division final. The did receive the wildcard berth for the Canada West Championship but finished fourth.