Forward Ryan Morck is the latest recruit to join Pete Guarasci’s UBC Okanagan men’s basketball program, as the Airdrie, Alta., product has committed to the Heat for the 2014-15 Canada West season.
The 6-foot-9 Morck possesses a lean but agile body at 200 pounds. He graduates as a school all-star from George McDougall High School and will bring a stretch-forward style of play with him.
A prolific scorer, he is never too shy to spot up from the three-point line; he went for 40 points in a contest last season including 8 of 10 from the arc. He was also a nightly double-double machine for the Mustangs, pouring in 28 points per game while grabbing down 15 boards.
Morck also suited up for the Calgary Genesis Basketball Club, where they went undefeated in Canada during their last season. He played on the provincial team in Alberta the last three years and also competed at the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec for team Alberta.
Though lightweight for his position, Morck has already begun preparing for the jump to CIS basketball. “I am very excited for the jump to CIS basketball,” he said. “There are a couple of things I need to do to prepare, such as put on a little bit of muscle. But I will be ready.”
“Ryan is an Albertan product that immediately gives our team some length and skill in the forward position,” Heat coach Pete Guarasci said of Morck. “He has a very good range on his jumper but also has a knack for scoring close to the basket. With development we’re really excited of Ryan’s potential.”
Morck’s playing style is often likened to the NBA’s Dirk Nowitzki, who happens to be one of the former’s idols.
“(I like) his versatility—he’s able to shoot the ball and drive to the basket,” said Morck. “I’m pretty versatile—I can drive to the basket, and from my length I’m fairly good at rebounding.
Morck will be enrolling in Human Kinetics at UBC Okanagan this fall, and is excited to enter having heard many great things about the program.
