Buzz

Posting up with Posthumus

Published by AJ on April 20, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba
By Mike Johnston

photo Mike Aporius

Chad Posthumus lives and breathes the game of basketball through every fibre of his enormous 6’10, 265lbs frame.

Now, the 18-year-old high school basketball standout will look to make an impression in the CIS next season.

The highly touted East St. Paul, Manitoba native dominated high school competition. As a senior at River East Collegiate, he averaged an incredible 39 points, 25 rebounds and seven blocks per game. This had scouts salivating over the possibility of obtaining his services.

There were nearly two-dozen schools trying to recruit him. In the end, he elected to head west to the University of British Columbia.

“Overall, [UBC] had the best fit for me,” said Posthumus. “There’s great coaching -second to none in the CIS- top academics, great teammates, and the weather in Vancouver is nothing to complain about compared to in Winnipeg.”

According to Hoopstars Canada, Posthumus is ranked as the sixth best Centre in the country. Arguably, he is the most hyped basketball prospect to come out of Manitoba since former NBA big man Todd MacCulloch.

UBC Thunderbirds’ men’s basketball coach Kevin Hanson has stated his excitement in recruiting Chad. “Here’s a guy that loves to dunk and loves to rebound and that is music to a coach’s ears,” said Hanson.

The Thunderbirds have consistently been one of the most successful and competitive schools in CIS men’s basketball. They have been to the nationals in six of the last seven years.

UBC offered Chad more than just a chance to excel on the court. “I am a type 1 diabetic and therefore need a little more support then the average person,” he said. “UBC has the stuff to help me with that.”

It will be a drastic change to what he’s used to, but Posthumus is excited to begin the newest chapter of his life. “When I went for a visit (to check out UBC) it seemed big at first, but I got used to it very fast and loved it.”

Posthumus has high expectations for himself and his team. “I hope to be the CIS rookie of the year,” he said. “Each year I want to contend for the national title.”

photo Winnipeg Free Press

With aspirations of one day playing professional ball, Posthumus is always trying to improve his game. He says he would like to continue to refine his ball handling skills and shooting abilities.

However, it’s unlikely you will see Posthumus dialing up from long-range. He is a dominant force down low and will remain so.

NBA dunking luminary Darryl Dawkins once said, “When I dunk, I put something on it. I want the ball to hit the floor before I do.”

Posthumus has a similar attitude when he goes hard to the rim. “I’ve shattered a backboard and broke another one almost off the wall,” he said proudly.

His favourite memory from his high school career is “getting an alley-oop over a 6′8 player in the Brandon Sun Invitational Tournament.”

He describes his playing style as, “a combination of Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard. Tons of rebounding and scoring inside, as well as short range jumpers.” This fusion is sure to give defenders nightmares.

Posthumus will be taking business courses while at UBC, but after university he wants to “get paid to do what [he] love[s] doing. Playing ball.”

Many Canadian teens look up to Chad, literally and figuratively. His advice for those who wish to succeed: “As long as you work hard and stick to your guns, you can do anything no matter what anyone else says.”

Chad Posthumus: the genial giant.

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