KAMLOOPS – A local recruit staying in Kamloops is the first addition to the 2024-25 Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's basketball roster after head coach Chad Jacboson announced that Charlie McKay has signed with the 'Pack.
"We are very excited to have Charlie join the WolfPack men's basketball program for the 2024-2025 season," said Jacobson. "From the first time I met Charlie I've been very impressed with not only his ability has a basketball player, but as a person. He is an extremely hard worker both on the court and in the classroom and will represent our program the right way. His ability to shoot the basketball alongside his toughness and competitiveness will prove to make a positive impact for our team."
A product of South Kamloops Secondary, McKay has played for both the Titans and with Northern Bounce Kamloops where he is coached by former members of the 'Pack, Sean Garvey and Tim Unaegbu.
"I come from a basketball family, especially on my Dad's side, and they inspired me to play a lot of basketball but soccer was my main sport until I was in Grade 5," said McKay whose uncle Spencer McKay played for the Canadian national team for 10 years. "That's when I began to realize how good I was at basketball compared to the people I was playing against and knew that if I wanted to go somewhere with a sport that I should start focusing on basketball."
A non-stop work ethic and the teachings of former WolfPack head coach Scott Clark helped set McKay on the path to becoming a university level basketball player.
"I was up every morning before school starting in Grade 7 to get in the gym and put up shots. I studied drills off Youtube and just did drills and drills and took shots and shots," said McKay. "Working with coach Clark taught me how to work harder and smarter in those drills but I really like training by myself and just love playing basketball."
McKay is on track to continue a long line of standout players for the 'Pack that hail from Kamloops and the surrounding areas. He cites Josh Wolfram, Joe Davis and Micheal Rouault as local players that he enjoyed watching play for TRU as he was growing up.
"It means more to me to play for the WolfPack being from Kamloops, I can't wait to get on the floor next year and see people in the stands that I've played with and against over the years inside the TCC," said McKay. "I feel like I'm very much a part of the basketball community in Kamloops, not only because I'm signing with TRU but just being a part of the culture that is made when you play pick-up basketball inside the TCC on those Tuesday and Thursday nights."
A six-foot-three guard, McKay is an unselfish player on the court that is always trying to make himself and his teammates better.
"My favourite part of the game is creating in general, not just creating my own shot but just being able to create on the floor and make things happen," said McKay.
With his eyes on a deep run at the provincial championships with the Titans, McKay is an honour roll student that is planning to arts or business at TRU.
"Being able to keep the best local talent in Kamloops is very important to me as a coach and to our program," said Jacobson. "I couldn't be happier to have Charlie wearing the orange and black next season."
For McKay, the decision to stay home and play for TRU was an easy one.
"It was a bunch of things at once, the facilities are great but getting to know the guys over the past two years and just having conversations with them played a large role," said McKay. "They all seem like very genuine people and people that I want to be around. I love the coaches and just the program in general."
