Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Versatile two-way talent Joel Seke is set to add an important element to the MacEwan Griffins men's basketball team as he embarks on a Canada West career in 2023-24.
The local product of St. Francis Xavier high school, who led the Rams to a No. 4 ranking in the province as a city all-star, will join MacEwan's Computer Science program in the fall.
"Joel is an athletic wing who can defend at an elite level and will be able to contribute immediately to the Griffins," said MacEwan head coach Mike Connolly. "He has the potential to be able to be effective on the offensive end also.
"We are pleased to add a quality student athlete who is both good in the classroom and on the court."
Video of Seke's high school career shows a tenacious rebounder with a smooth stroke from the outside, able to thrive beyond the arc and in the paint.
One thing is for sure: the 6-foot-5 wing was one of the top players in his age group in Alberta, making the provincial U17 team for the 2022 Canada Games where he helped them to a fourth-place finish.
"I don't think playing in the Canada Games gets you any more ready to play U SPORTS," noted Connolly. "But it does mean you were one of the top players in your age group in the province that summer and you are playing against the other provinces' best players. Alberta was one of the better teams at the Canada Games last year and it just illustrates the high skill level.
"One thing it shows is you have to compete at a high level to have success at the Canada Games," he added. "Joel is a competitor first, which is why we wanted him for our program."
