Waterloo Forward Fulfills D1 Dream

(Article Courtesy of Barry Hayes)

As the eleventh Canadian to commit to an NCAA Division I program so far this year, Gavin Horne also becomes the first to do so from an American junior college. The 6’8" forward from Waterloo, Ontario committed to Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio). He is currently a sophomore at Santa Fe Community College (Gainesville, Florida).

"I'm just excited for the challenge," says Horne.

"I know I’m going to a school that is rebuilding, but with the new coaches that were brought in, and with the core of players that are still there, I feel that we will have a great chance of excelling."

Head coach Brad Brownell has taken over the Wright State program this year after previous tenure at UNC-Wilmington. The Raiders compete in the Horizon Conference, generally regarded as a mid-major Division I conference. They finished 13-15 overall last year, tying with five other teams for third-place with a conference record of 8-8.

The last Canadian to play for the Wright State program was also from Waterloo – 6’9" forward Thomas Hope (2000-2003) – and there are currently six Canadians active in the conference: Hamilton’s Majak Kou (Loyola-Chicago), Toronto’s Kaylan Anderson & Kevin Massiah (Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Hamilton’s Colin Laforme (Youngstown State), Brampton’s Patrick Tatham & Toronto’s Kevin Francis (Cleveland State).

Versatile and athletic, Horne was a Second Team All-Mid-Florida Conference last season at Santa Fe that saw him average 8.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game with a 55.9 field-goal percentage.

"I feel that the Junior College experience has helped me in a couple ways," said Horne when asked how he has become prepared for NCAA Division I basketball.

"It has gotten me used to the speed and athleticism that basketball is played down here. It has also given me the chance to get a lot of playing time against some very good players. I feel better prepared now than when I was coming out of high school."

Horne participated in the nationally televised 2005 adidas All-Canadian High School Game as a senior for Waterloo Collegiate after leading the Vikings to two straight ‘AAAA’ OFSAA Provincial Championship appearances.
Other schools that Horne was considering include Indiana State, Illinois State, Mercer College, American University, Florida International, Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Central Florida.