Optimism is definetely on the rise with talk of the 2005-2006 edition of the Calgary Dinos. Not only will the Dinos return 6′8″ forward and Canada West All-Star Chris Wright with 6 other returnees, the Dinos also boast one of the top recruiting classes in Canada.

Topping the list of recruits is 6′8″ forward Ross Bekkering. Ross joins the team from Taber, AB, where he played high school basketball at W.R. Myers. Ross joins a long list of successful Bekkering athletes to play for the University of Calgary including Cory, who graduated in 2005 after playing 5 seasons for the varsity women. Ross is a do everything forward who can shoot the three, pass in the open court and half-court, bang inside, rebound offensively and defensively, while being athletic and physical enough to make an impact right away at the university level. Ross was the top high school player in Southern Alberta this past season, and Coach Dan Vanhooren and the rest of the Dinos know that he is a cornerstone to an already successful university program.

The Dinos also announced the signing of 6′5″ forward Robbie Sihota out of Lester B. Pearson in Calgary, AB. Robbie is an explosive player who dominated high school play in the city this past season. An instinctive scorer, Robbie’s length and athleticism will be a great asset to the Dinos. Robbie’s season included several All-Star and MVP awards, as well as a trip to the Calgary City Final game where his Patriots lost to eventual Provincial Champions Lord Beaverbrook. Robbie has been highly recruited by many schools in Canada and the U.S., and the Dinos are extremely fortunate and excited to have him on board for the next 5 seasons.

The Dinos also announced the news that Canada West All-star guard Whit Hornsberger has applied for reinstatement for next season after missing the majority of the 2004-2005 season with stress fractures in his shins. Currently, Whit’s status is in limbo as the Dinos await the hearing that will decide his future in a Calgary uniform.

Along with the additions of Ross and Robbie, the Dinos are also pleased to announce the signings of some other terrific players who the coaching staff hopes will have an impact next year and in the future: transfers Jordan Sulkers, 6′8″ forward from Mount Royal College, 6′3″ guard Cody Darrah from the University of Alberta, 6′4″ guard Jeremy Odland from Mount Royal College, and 6′4″ guard Brian Finniss from Acadia University, high school players Tony Dhaliwal, a 6′3″ point guard from Abbotsford, BC, 6′6″ forward Greg Jobagy from Lord Beaverbrook High school in Calgary, and Josh Minhas, a 6′0″ guard from Lester B. Pearson High School in Calgary.

The Dinos will be holding a training camp this summer from July 15-18 in hopes of getting all of the new players acquainted with their new city, surroundings and teammates. The Dinos will also be hosting Basketball Camps this summer at the Jack Simpson Gymnasium. Stay tuned for posts regarding camp dates and availabilities.

Posted By Matthew Skinn