One of the most endearing moments of the entire Canadian University Sport (CIS) men’s basketball tournament had little to do with the sport and everything to do with a lifetime friendship.
As fifth-year Raven Stuart Turnbull, the CIS tournament Most Valuable Player, dribbled out the clock to seal the victory in the final, gold medal game, fellow fifth-year Rob Saunders launched himself on his teammate – taking them both to the floor in celebration.
It was a playful, child-like moment between two men who have know each other since childhood.
“We’ve been friends since Grade 5, it was unbelievable to do this with him,” Saunders, the player of the game, said in the midst of the bedlam that filled the floor of Scotiabank Place after his team’s win.
Turnbull was less nostalgic after the game.
“What am I feeling right now?” he asked, repeating the question asked of him. “I don’t feel anything right now. I’m weightless, feelingless. . . ”
He trailed off as person after person patted him on the back congratulating him.
Turnbull said he didn’t want to talk about this being his last game in the CIS with Saunders, but was ready to commend his teammate on his play.
“We needed him and he came through big and we won!” Turnbull said.
He said the victory, representing the culmination of years of training and dedication, brought Turnbull back.
“It really does mean everything. This is what I spend my life on right now this is what I feel passion for and when you achieve your goals, it’s everything,” Turnbull said before being engulfed in a wave of well–wishers.
Saunders said while their basketball careers with the Ravens may be over, their friendship will continue.
“We’re probably going to be each other’s best men at our weddings, we’re going to be friends forever, until the day we die. To do this today with him was something special.”