Another Vikes coach has national impact
Put away those pucks and skates. Canada’s sporting future might be on the court, where it has rapidly become a factor in world basketball.
University of Victoria Vikes men’s and women’s basketball coaches have a matching set of silver medals from the U-16 FIBA Americas to show for it.
Canada, with Craig Beaucamp as head coach, won the silver medal in the boys’ competition Sunday to equal what Canadian co head-coach Dani Sinclair of UVic did in leading the Canuck girls’ team to the same result last week in Argentina.
The world No. 1 United States defeated world No. 3 Canada 111-60 in the championship game of the boys’ FIBA Americas in Formosa, Argentina.
The placing qualifies Canada for the U-17 FIBA world championship next year in Belarus.
“Obviously, it’s a disappointing ending, but overall I’m really proud of the group,” said Beaucamp, in a statement.
“For them to qualify for the worlds and get a silver medal is still a great accomplishment and we look forward to next year.”
Luka Sakota of Etobicoke, Ont., led Canada with 17 points.
Canada topped its pool and then advanced to beat Puerto Rico 81-66 in the semifinals.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Canadian basketball because there is a ton of talent,” said Beaucamp.
“Every age group in this country has a ton of potential. [U-16] is the first international step for these players.”
Beaucamp will enter his 15th season of guiding the Vikes this fall. With the legendary Ken Shields and late Guy Vetrie, he is one of only three coaches to guide the UVic men’s team since 1976. Beaucamp is 211-88 all-time at UVic in Canada West regularseason play and five-time conference coach of the year with two Canada West championships and three consecutive appearances in the U Sports Final 8 from 2012-13 to 2014-15.
Beaucamp has been highly active for Basketball Canada in summer international play and was assistant coach with the U-18 national team in 2006, 2007 and 2016 and with the Canadian team to the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Beaucamp was also a guest coach with the men’s senior national team from 2013 to 2016.