BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Laurentian University men's basketball head
coach Virgil Hill has asked veteran Andy Greig to be Mr.
Everything this season.
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Andy Greig wants to end career at
nationals. |
So far, Greig has responded to the challenge
and excelled.
"I ask the world of that guy," said Hill. "I
ask him to be a leader, on and off the floor. I feel he's
capable of carrying the torch. You ask the most of your best
players, and thus far he has met and exceeded what I expected
from him."
The six-foot-four guard has posted big
numbers early on this season, and the big man is ready to test
his leadership qualities for an entire season.
"I am just being a leader on and off the
court by example," said Greig. "I want to play good defence,
rebound and put the ball in the hoop and score.
"I have senior knowledge, and I try and pass
it on to the young guys."
In an exhibition game against Lake Superior
State, Greig scored 25 points. He followed that performance
with another 25 points against Carleton University and dumped
in another 19 points against the University of Ottawa.
"It's all because of hard work in the
off-season," said Greig. "I came in focused this year. I am
playing with fire because it's my last season and I want to
give it my all."
Greig is a pure shooter.
"If you have ever seen him play, Greig can
shoot the ball," said Hill. "He can also take the ball to the
basket, and he's rebounding better than he has
ever.
He improved his game in a lot of ways. That's
a testament to his ability to change and become better. He's
our guy this year."
After missing the playoffs last season, and
factoring in this is his fifth and final year with Laurentian,
Greig is looking to go out on top.
"I want to improve on last year's record and
make the nationals," said Greig. "We've got the personnel to go
far. We've got size, something we lacked last year and we still
have outside scoring.
"We have a balanced team, and we could make
that run. It's a great group of guys. We're hungry. It's my
last kick at the can, so I want to lead this team to the
playoffs, and show them what it's like. Come OUA playoff time,
whoever shows up can go to nationals. It's wide open this
year."
Greig, a Tofino, B.C. native, has adopted the
north versus south rivalry that so many before him have done.
He likes the competition.
"Back home, there's not as many universities,
but here (Ontario), there's a lot and you can feel the rivalry
a little more," said Greig. "You can tell there's a rivalry,
and it makes the games that much more exciting."
Greig has enjoyed his four seasons with
Laurentian, and will miss Sudbury and Laurentian a great
deal.
"It was the right choice for me," said Greig.
"I have had a great time here. I have seen parts of Canada that
I never have seen before, and met a lot of great people.
"I like the atmosphere and the crowds at the
games. It makes you feel important."
