News Archives: Q & A: Returning GPRC Wolves Men's Basketball Athletes
Thursday, July 16th, 2020
GPRC Wolves Men's Basketball athlete, Emmanuel (Manny) Iloka.
We caught up with returning GPRC Wolves Men’s Basketball athletes, Bryce Hardisty-Phillips,Tucker McLeod, Emmanuel (Manny) Iloka, Bruce Beddoe and Darian Goertzen, to discuss playing at GPRC, their basketball goals and their love of the game.
Where are you from?
Hardisty-Phillips: I grew up in the small town of Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. After doing most of my schooling there, I moved to High Prairie, Alberta for my last two years of high school.
McLeod: I grew up on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Iloka: I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and I was mainly in boarding schools from Grade 4 to Grade 10 so I was not often home. If I had to say about where I actually grew up, I’d say Vancouver, British Columbia because I learned more about life there than anywhere else I’ve been in my 20 years on this earth.
Beddoe: I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta.
Goertzen: I grew up in La Crete, Alberta. La Crete is a rural community about 500 kilometres north of Grande Prairie and I have lived in La Crete my whole life except during my time at GPRC. This town revolves around farming and logging and has taught me about hard work, dedication and ethics. I owe everything to this place because it has made me who I am and I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else.
When did you start playing basketball? Where did you play?
Hardisty-Phillips: I started playing a little bit in elementary school during gym class just for fun and then I played some small ball in Grade 6 which got me more into the sport. Once junior high came around, I started playing a lot and made my first team called Wolf Pack.
McLeod: I started playing basketball in Grade 8 at Dawson Creek Secondary School.
Iloka: I picked up a basketball for the first time in my life when I was 14 years old and it was mainly because it was forced upon me because of my height. I quickly found myself falling in love with the game and all it stands for. I joined an official Junior team in December of 2015 and I was on fire but I got passed up for rookie of the year.
Beddoe: I started playing basketball when I was in Grade 9 in 2014. I played for my junior high team.
Goertzen: My first experiences playing basketball were in Grade 4 at Buffalo Head Prairie School, a K-9 school just outside of La Crete. I played on an elementary team for a year and then joined the junior high team in Grade 5.
What influenced you to start playing basketball?
Hardisty-Phillips: Once I got into basketball, I wanted to play like and be like the older guys on the senior team at my school. I was in a small school so it was Grades 7 to 12 so I always saw the older guys playing.
McLeod: I loved sports and wanted to play every sport I could.
Iloka: Honestly, I was inspired by Kobe Bryant and his fade-away, and to this this day, I still fade on my shots. Head Coach, Evan Llyod, doesn’t like my fading but it is what it is. I was also inspired by Stephen Curry's shooting, so much so that I called myself black Curry.
Beddoe: All my friends were playing basketball and at the time, I was playing rugby so I decided to try basketball out.
Goertzen: At such a young age, there was not really a reason for me to play basketball besides the fact that I wanted to spend time with my friends. I didn’t care about the NBA, my parents didn’t force me into sports and I didn’t even go to the startup meeting when I was in Grade 5 because I wanted to play soccer outside with my buddies that recess. I guess the biggest influence on me to start playing basketball was the idea that I could spend time with my friends outside of school.
Who was your biggest role model growing up that influenced you in sport and why?
Hardisty-Phillips: I always liked Stephen Curry’s story growing up which made me watch him a lot. Also, seeing him hit insane shots and drives really made me want to mimic his game in that way.
McLeod: My mom influenced me a lot into sports growing up.
Beddoe: My oldest sister and brother because they were pretty good at what they played and I just didn’t want to be a THAT sibling
Goertzen: In my early years of basketball, the person that impacted me the most would probably be my first coach, Dean Keefe. He introduced me to the game and taught me the simplest skills while making sure I had fun doing it. Dean still teaches at my old school and continues to make a positive impact on students there.
What motivated you to become a college athlete?
Hardisty-Phillips: I wanted to make something out of myself and get as far as I could in whatever I did. Basketball stood out for me and I wanted to get somewhere with that. Neil Barry, my biggest help and influencer throughout my whole basketball career helped me stay motivated with lots of workouts and shooting drills.
McLeod: My high school coaches and teachers got me interested in college and college level basketball.
Iloka: My motivation to become a college athlete wasn’t planned but it is a role I enjoy. I like the competitiveness at the college level and being able to juggle responsibilities like school, work and practice, it all makes me feel mature.
Beddoe: My good friends from high school motivated me to become a college athlete. Izzy, Kwame, Allan, Chris and Dexter, thank you.
Goertzen: Playing college basketball started to become something I wanted to do in Grade 10. It only became real to me in Grade 12 though, as my time in high school came to an end. I knew I was not ready to be done playing basketball so I needed to find a post-secondary institution that offered my program and a spot for me to play. This led me to GPRC.
What year of college athletics will you be entering at GPRC? And what is your favorite memory from you playing career so far?
Hardisty-Phillips: I will be entering my second year at GPRC. My favorite memory playing from this past year is when I finally hit some shots and went three for three against the Red Deer College Kings at home. Another favorite memory is when Manny hit the game wining shot against Keyano.
McLeod: I will be entering my second year and my favourite memory so far from basketball was going to Las Vegas for a tournament and getting to play at GPRC.
Iloka: I will be going into my second year and I can’t wait to feast. My favourite memory so far was when I hit a game winner on January 25, 2020 against the Keyano Huskies; it was the second game of the second semester and I got so much love from everyone.
Beddoe: I’ll be entering my second year. My favourite memory so far was when Nate, a teammate from last season, scored his first point basically half way through the season.
Goertzen: I am entering my third year at GPRC even though it feels like I just started. My favourite memory so far while playing here would have to be when Manny hit the game winning 3 against Keyano. It was a pretty legendary moment and it was a blast to be a part of that game.
Why did you choose to be part of and continue to be part of the GPRC Wolf Pack?
Hardisty-Phillips: I heard the community was great to be apart of and I stayed to be a part of the experience again.
Iloka: I wanted to be a Wolf because I felt like the GPRC Wolves program could give me an opportunity to prove what I am made of and it did and that’s why I’m returning. Also, our team is like a lovely dysfunctional little family and that energy is what keeps me going.
Beddoe: The environment seemed really cool and fun to be a part of and I plan on returning for that same reason.
Goertzen: I chose to come play at GPRC because our Head Coach, Evan Llyod, was willing to give me a chance. He saw potential in me and I took the opportunity to come play here. GPRC is also the closest college to my hometown that offers sports. I am excited to return to GPRC because of the relationships I have built here over the past couple years. The College is pretty small so it’s easy to meet people and get to know them. I am also familiar with the athletics here and can’t wait to build on the past two years.
What are you goals for the team this season and what role will you play?
Hardisty-Phillips: To do way better then we did last year. My role will be whatever the team needs me to be.
McLeod: My first year made me realize what a true captain or leader is. I hope that I can come into the season eager to push my teammates so we have a great season. If you want to play post-secondary sport, stay doing what you love to do, work hard and don't make excuses.
Iloka: My goal for this season will revolve around being a basketball libero because I feel like I can be anything I want to be, power forward, center, or point guard. My role on this team will be the role of team jester, I think I do that quite nicely so I intend to continue with that.
Beddoe: To come out and compete off the start. I plan on doing anything and everything to help the team win.
Goertzen: This year, my goals for this team focus around success. I want us to reach our full potential and make the most of the season. Along the way I want to remember to have fun and enjoy the time with my teammates. I will be one of the older players on the team this year so I know I will have to be a leader, someone who the younger players can look to for a positive example, on and off the court. This will keep me accountable because the team needs strong leadership in order to succeed.
What advice would you tell a younger generation of athletes that want to play college sports?
Hardisty-Phillips: You only have so many hours in a day, start working.
Iloka: I would tell the younger generation to stay patient and keep on the grind and no matter what you do, do not throw me lobs because it will blow up in our faces. Thank you.
Beddoe: Time management is very important.
Goertzen: Chase your dreams. If there is something you want to accomplish, a team you want to be a part of, or a level you want to reach, don’t stop working until you have done that. Never sell yourself short and never let negative voices bring you down. Remember, college sports are all just for fun and make sure you enjoy the journey and make friends along the way.
Learn more about the GPRC Wolves Men's Basketball team here.
Find the GPRC Wolves on social media here.
