Tommies Men's Basketball Coach John Hickey didn't have to look far for his next recruit in signing Evan Valanne from Miramichi Valley High.  

After getting a commitment from Valanne's teammate Owen Amos, it made the move to STU's campus in the upcoming Fall an easy choice for the 6'2 guard and wing player.

"I know St. Thomas will provide me with a great education," mentions the Team NB grad.  "I felt very welcomed and knew it would be a good fit and I also know that coach Hickey has a very good reputation, so it made my decision easy."

Valanne has been familiar with the Tommies.  His brother Travis was a force under the basket playing for the Green & Gold.  "His career at STU helped my decision as I knew what to expect. The atmosphere at his games were great and I cant wait to be apart of it."

With provincial team experience, brings dedication to practices.  "I have a good work ethic. I pride myself on the defensive end, but I can also score and help set my teammates up," said Evan.

It bodes well for the Tommies program.  Coach Hickey adds “We’re really excited to have Evan join our group. Evan is going to be a very good player at the ACAA level. He can handle it. He can shoot it. He can defend multiple positions.

"Evan is the type of person and player that we’re looking to bring into St. Thomas," touts the bench boss about his newest recuit. "He will be a huge part of our program and establishing a winning culture.”

With Covid-19 cancelling the 2020-21 ACAA regular season, the Tommies are hopeful for some exhibition play before the end of the semester as practices have now resumed.  The Tommies continue the rebuild heading into the highly anticipated 2021-22 ACAA season.