Latest recruit Garner brings size, potential and an ability to learn quickly
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Showing the ability to excel at whatever level he advances to, Daniel Garner offers promise for the future as the latest recruit for the MacEwan men's basketball team.
Standing 6-foot-9, the Spruce Grove-based St. Peter the Apostle product has the length to do some damage at the Canada West level, said Griffins' head coach Mike Connolly.
"Daniel is a 6-foot-9 post who is mobile and can shoot the three," said Connolly. "He is a great prospect, and we are pleased to work with him and look forward to watching him grow and mature into a great student-athlete."
Garner, who will enter MacEwan's Business program in the fall, is a key member of the St. Peter the Apostle Spartans, who are the No. 2-ranked 3A team in Alberta. He was also a key player for Team Alberta's U17 team in 2022.
"He scores the ball, he rebounds the ball, he blocks shots, he controls the paint and he's able to shoot the three, so he brings a lot to them," said Connolly. "He played on the under 17 provincial team this year and as the season went on, he grew into a starting spot. He was in and out playing big minutes for that provincial team, so he has the ability and shows the growth. He has a high learning curve. He learns and picks up things pretty quick."
Garner will join the Griffins' off-season training program, aiming to put on some weight to better deal with the rigours of the Canada West circuit.
"Right now, for him, it's going to be about getting a thicker build," said Connolly. "As soon as their season's done, he'll start training with us in April and be with us all summer. He has an opportunity to make the 12, but just moving forward with everybody returning, it will be tough. But again, he's 6-9 with tons of potential and he's the kind of guy we want to work with."
