Hawks basketball coach is one win away from record-breaking start

By Alex Figliomeni

Skedline.com

Men’s basketball head coach Samson Downey is one win away from a record-setting 13-0 start.

With a win this Sunday, coach Downey would become the first ever rookie coach to start his career 13-0. They face the Fanshawe Falcons Jan. 20th; tip-off is at 3 p.m. at Humber North Campus Gym.

Coach Downey tied the program record for most victories to begin a season by a first-year head coach in the 120-97 victory last night. Former coach Shawn Collins held the previous record with 12 straight in 2010.

“Coach puts us in a position to be successful every game, we’re aware of that milestone, and that gives us extra motivation to give him that because he deserves it,” said Hawks point guard Fowzi Mohamoud. Mohamoud is a star point guard, in his second year, and finished with 12 points last night.

When asked how well coach Downey has done this season, Mohamoud had high praise for his coach. “Coach Samson’s knowledge and IQ for the game is extremely high, and it’s easy buying into his style because he instills trust in you and as a player that goes a long way. He preaches unselfishness and ball movement, and it shows this season.”

Downey is a former Humber assistant coach and player. He played five seasons for the Hawks and won the provincial championship in 2005. He led Humber to a 74-14 record during his playing career in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

The Hawks cruised to a 120-97 victory over the University of Toronto-Mississauga last night, improving to 12-0. Jordon Francis led the way for Humber, getting his first career double-double finishing with a career-high 24 points and 14 rebounds.

In a post-game interview last night, forward Jordon Francis talked about the possibility of getting coach Downey the record. “We want to give him that dub on Sunday, he deserves it. He’s a great coach, he trusts us to make plays, and when your coach trusts you, it’s easy to have confidence.”

Hawks rank 1st in the OCAA and 3rd nationally in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Eight games are remaining in the regular season, with the Hawks hoping to finish strong and carry that momentum into the postseason. Watch all games online at Hawks Sports Network.