Despite the storied success for many of the Ravens basketball players over the past few years, at some point all good things must come to an end.
That’s the story for the three graduating Ravens this season. For Willy Manigat, Cole Hobin, and Elliot Thompson, they couldn’t have asked to end their Canadian University Sport (CIS) careers on a better note.
“Its awesome,” Thompson said March 11, following his final game of CIS basketball at the CIS Final 8 championship in Halifax. “I couldn’t ask for anything more going into my last year, going out on a winning note. There are so many guys that never get a chance to play in nationals and I got that chance in each of my five years, and I’m just speechless, there’s no better feeling in the world.”
Ravens head coach Dave Smart had nothing but praise for the three men at the Carleton Ravens Celebration of Excellence March 13. Speaking to a crowd of around 100 students, parents, RedZone, and alumni, Smart said the graduating players are some of the most humble people he’s met.
“People see their talent, but people don’t get to see their character,” Smart said.
Smart spoke about how many veteran athletes treat their programs as a hierarchy, thinking they deserve more than the younger players. These three are an exception to the rule, he said.
“They were a huge part of why we won on the court for the past two years,” Smart said. “But off the court, just in terms of the culture, letting [Tyson Hinz] and [Philip Scrubb] do what they do . . . not a lot of people would do that.”
Coming off the bench for Carleton in their final game of the CIS Final 8, Willy Manigat had an impressive 14 points and three rebounds, sinking half of his field goals and half of his threes.
“At this point, it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Manigat said after his performance in the game. “It’s my last game playing in the CIS but I love these guys. I love my fifth-year guys Elliot Thompson and Cole Hobin. Those guys, since I’ve come to Carleton, have been with me every step of the way. That’s what this game means to me. We’ll always be friends forever but . . . I don’t know. I don’t know what to tell you.”
Three-time Ontario University Athletics defensive player of the year Cole Hobin agreed.
“Me, [Manigat] and [Thompson] are really close,” Hobin said. “The moment [Manigat] came, when we all realized we were going to be graduating together, I think we just started making that bond.”
Having to leave the program is bitter-sweet, Hobin said.
“It’s one of those things where I mean . . . it’s almost sad,” Hobin said. “It’s a good thing, it’s time to go, but it’s definitely a huge part of your life. I’m excited that I was a part of it. I feel very honoured to be a part of that.”
