Controversial ruling allows player’s return
Kelly Roche
Sports Reporter
Samson Downey is once again leading the men’s basketball team, on and off the court, thanks to a controversial five-year eligibility rule allowing mature college students an extra year of athletics.
“He has a great basketball IQ and that’s what makes him such a great point guard,” said assistant coach Chris Cheng.
In the four games he’s played this season, Downey is averaging 5.25 points per game, along with 3.75 rebounds, and 2.25 assists.
“My role on the team, just being an older guy that’s been to nationals and won a provincial gold medal, is to mentor the younger guys,” said Downey.
Athletic director Doug Fox says he has two perspectives on the five-year rule.
As president of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association, Fox said, “I was happy to see it passed.”
As Humber’s athletic director, Fox says the five-year rule raises the ethical issue of bringing back athletes who have no interest in getting an education, but want to win a championship.
“I’ve been very careful to make sure it’s not being taken advantage of here,” Fox said. Downey’s situation is unique because, “He came in late at Christmas the very first year and always felt kind of ripped off that he didn’t get a full year.”
“This makes up for it.”
A Toronto native, Downey, 27, spent four years playing for the Hawks and graduated with diplomas in business management and business marketing in 2005.
The Humber hall of fame member went to Denmark and played semi-pro ball for two years.
Back in his hometown, Downey found the opportunity to suit up for the Hawks again this season after a few players failed to meet the minimum grade-point-average.
Downey approached the team once the five-year rule was passed last November.
“After assessing our situation, it was a pretty easy decision,” head coach Darrell Glenn said.
“We need to have someone on the court who can almost finish the coach’s sentence, and he’s always making suggestions that I value.”
Downey said it’s an adjustment returning to school; he is studying general arts and sciences.
His previous business credits will earn him another diploma at the end of this semester.
The starting point guard said he is the second-oldest player in the OCAA.
“Some guys joke on the team, they’ll call me an old man,” he said.
Mark McNee leads the Hawks in scoring this semester with 13.75 points per game and welcomes the addition of the veteran.
“He has excellent ball-handling skills and court awareness,” McNee said, adding that Downey’s strength is shooting from mid-range to the perimeter.
“Whenever I get a pass from him, it’s where I want the ball.”
Downey plans to head back to Europe and incorporate his love for hoops with his business sense, or make the transition to coaching.
But first, he wants to lead the pack to another gold medal.