Grade 12 Charles Hays Secondary School (CHSS) basketball player Ben Rabel has committed to Douglas College. BC Hoop Scoop announced the decision on Twitter on Tuesday.
Ben Rabel, 6’5” F (Charles Hays/Prince Rupert) commits to Douglas College
— BC Hoop Scoop (@BCHoopScoop) March 26, 2017
Rabel, a tall forward — or a big man in the basketball world — likely helped his case with some strong showings at provincials a few weeks ago, which many scouts attended, including Douglas College.
“We really like him from what I saw at the provincial tournament as well as the Pitt Meadows tournament in January. He played with a very high motor and I think that’s going to translate well at the next level,” said Joe Enevoldson, who just wrapped up his first year as coach of the men’s basketball team at Douglas.
It wasn't a difficult decision for Rabel, who said it was after provincials that he realized he wasn't done playing meaningful basketball.
"I'm excited to go there, I'm excited to continue on with competitive basketball," he said.
Besides the convenience of having family close by to the New Westminster campus, Rabel also heard good things about Enevoldson as his potential new coach, and the basketball program at Douglas College, which helped him make the decision.
The basketball player feels like he has ways he can contribute to the Douglas College Royals, his soon-to-be new team.
"I'm just going to look to go down there and continue working hard and doing what I do, working hard every minute I'm on the court and doing anything I can to help the team win. That's what I try to do every time I step out there," Rabel said.
Ryan Bishop, CHSS senior boys Rainmakers assistant coach, said the commitment is great for Rabel, but also for the basketball program at CHSS.
“Having some be able to commit this year after Justin (McChesney) committed to UBC last year, it looks good on our program and hopefully it motivates some more of the guys that are moving up to keep playing,” Bishop said.
One game in particular that may have sealed the deal for Rabel is his performance against Duchess Park at the provincial championships. The six-foot-five forward scored 30 points and added another 25 rebounds.
“When you have a game like that, any college coach is going to be all over that,” Bishop said.
“He’s just a workhorse. He’s always on the offensive glass. I think that’s going to be the one big thing he brings to the table is just his work ethic and his ability to offensive rebound,” the coach said.
Bishop also added that Rabel is a coachable player and is focused on contributed to his team, no matter what is asked of him. He’ll do well at Douglas College, he said.