FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE ICEMAN CAN HANDLE THE HEAT
Thursday, January 28, 1988
by Jack Brown
The world of competitive sports is not all fun and games. There exist many pressures, especially for those who are classed as ‘exceptional’ or ‘talented’. Those who can’t handle the pressure give in; those who can, earn the status of ‘superstar’.
Humber is proud to claim one such over achiever as their very own: Humber’s ‘King of the Courts’, George McNeil.
“The Iceman”, as he is known in Humber’s basketball community, has stalked the centre court of the Gordon Wragg Student Centre for the past four seasons, easily identifiable by the double fours on his jersey. The vision of number 44 streaking across half-court, head up, legs pumping, eyes scanning the defence, is a familiar sight to Humber basketball fans.
Unfortunately, it is also a sight that will exist in memory only, when McNeil finishes his final season.
On Feb. 3, when the Hawks host the first place Seneca Braves, Humber College will retire his number 44. It will mark the first time any athlete, in any sport at Humber, has had their number retired.
“It was just so obvious,” basketball coordinator Doug Fox says.
Cohayne Sutherland, a personal friend as well as a teammate of McNeil, agrees with Fox’s assessment.
“He’s one of the best players I’ve had the pleasure of playing with,” said Sutherland. “We do look to him when the situation gets tough.”
So, when the heat is on, the Hawks look to the man wearing double fours. Does the Iceman deliver? Just look at his accomplishments in so-called ‘pressure situations’.
In six tournaments over the last two seasons, McNeil has been named MVP three times. In the other three, he was named to the all-star team. That includes two consecutive MVP awards in Humber’s own Metro Cup tourney in which Humber has also won for the last two years.
Still not convinced?
He was named an all-star in last year’s OCAA ‘Final Four’ championship tournament, as well as being named to the all-Canadian team. The all-star teams are picked by the coaches, and, barring a calamity, George McNeil’s name should be on the rosters again this year.
“The coaches are the same,” says Fox. “And, he’s having a great year.”
Just how great of a year is McNeil having? Well, in the very first game of the season, he became the all-time leading scorer in Humber history. Currently this season, he’s averaging more than 23 points a game and should break the 1,000-point barrier sometime in early February.
While McNeil is enjoying a lot of success now, his basketball career at Humber was not always so sweet.
When he first came to Humber from North Albion Collegiate, he was not a guard. He played centre in high school, and his ball handling skills left a lot to be desired.
Although his abilities and skills are easy to see now, it was not always that way.
“I remember his first practice,” said head coach Mike Katz. “It [his ability] wasn’t that obvious. He had trouble handling the ball.”
“I wasn’t used to dribbling the ball,” McNeil says with a smile. “Every time I dribbled the ball, someone would take it away from me.”
The only thing remaining for McNeil to do is lead his team to the Canadian championships.
“I’d like to put that feather in my hat,” McNeil says. “I want to win the whole thing, say I’ve been there. Then I’ll have accomplished what I wanted.”
Other than that team orientated goal, the Iceman has no specific basketball goals in mind.
“I’m the all-time leading scorer at Humber, and that’s an accomplishment in itself,” McNeil reasons. “Anything else is a bonus. When I came here to play basketball, I didn’t dream of the spotlight.”
His dedication and easy-going nature have endeared him to many people who only wish the best for him.
“It would be nice to win a championship before he leaves Humber,” Katz says.
