Published on September 26, 2013 | by Josh Braiter Photography by Humber College Gallery
0Neumann sets high expectations for Hawks basketball
Brett Neumann, a veteran player of the Humber Hawks’ men’s basketball team, is looking to lead the Hawks to a championship this year.
The Hawks varsity basketball team is making a fresh start this year after not placing in the top three last season. The Hawks have always had a target on their backs, since they’ve previously had a successful track record. The Hawks have won Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) gold five times in the past nine seasons and 12 times since 2000, and are looking to bring another gold medal to the trophy case and prove to everyone they are still a championship team.
Brett Neumann #11
Position: Power Forward
Program: Rec and Leisure
Year: 4
Hometown: Georgetown
Q: What are you looking to accomplish this basketball season individually and as a team?
Individually, I just want to be more of a presence on the court and use my size to do what I am capable of doing. I want to average at least 10 rebounds and shoot at least 80 per cent from the free throw line. I would also like to be more of a presence on defense. As for our team goals, that’s easy: win a national championship. Of course, first we need to win the OCAA but ultimately nationals are the goal.
Q: Being a Hawks veteran and leader, what are some of the methods you use to get your teammates pumped up?
With my team, there are a lot of new young guys so they already seem to listen closely to what I say, probably because of my age and because I have been in the league a while. Other than that, I like to bring up the past – like past years’ teams and what went wrong so we don’t make the same mistakes. Plus, I am a really energetic, goofy guy so I crack a lot of jokes to lighten the mood.
Q: Which NBA player do you look up to and why?
There are a lot but probably Scotty Pippen. He was the manager of his college team his first year, then he had a growth spurt and made the team. Then he moved up to the NBA and won six championships with the Bulls – he was a great player and was fun to watch.