Pretty darned cool.
A regular recent University of New Brunswick Reds’ pre-season practice turned into a whole lot of energy for a key player, part of last year’s remarkable Atlantic University Sport championship team and national silver medalist run.
The Reds had a special guest via video on the big screen at UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center.
Head coach Erin McAleenan kept it a surprise and UNB’s marketing team went to work with outstanding camera coverage, keeping an eye on veteran Maheva Ngassam.
On the screen was four-time NBA all-star Pascal Siakam with a message.
He said ‘sorry for interrupting your practice,’ but let the Reds know the recipient of his PS43 Foundation scholarship was Ngassam, the outgoing, hardworking, ultimate teammate with the Reds.
Ngassam is a key player for UNB and has also spent two seasons with the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s Fredericton Freeze, bringing the same energy, personality and character to our circuit.
‘What you see is what you get with Maheva and we couldn’t be happier for her to win and earn this scholarship,’ said Freeze head coach and general manager, Bram Russell. ‘It’s always been fun to watch Maheva play for UNB, but having the opportunity to coach her in the MWBA with the Freeze last season really opened my eyes and the coaching staff. She is a joy to be around.’
There is a major UNB connection with Siakam, a former member of the Toronto Raptors before landing in Indiana with the Pacers.
UNB’s Frank McKenna Institute and Siakam’s PS43 Foundation announced the creation of the Pascal Siakam Scholarship in 2023, a new award designed to support students from Cameroon pursuing technology-related degrees at UNB.
The scholarship, which offers an $8,000 award, honors Pascal’s father, Tchamo Siakam, and is aimed at students enrolled in programs such as Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. It is designed to recognize academic achievement, with financial need being a secondary consideration. The initiative underscores Siakam’s belief in the transformative power of education, especially as he recalls his father’s advice that “no one can take away your education.”
Siakam, originally from Cameroon, emphasized the importance of education as a long-term asset, particularly in the face of challenges like rising housing costs that many students face in Canada. The scholarship will provide Cameroonian students with financial relief, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
The announcement was made in partnership with Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute, who challenged others to join in supporting Cameroonian students in their academic journey. This scholarship initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering leadership and academic success, particularly in the fields of technology, among students from Cameroon and beyond.
Ngassam is certainly a deserved selection for the PS43 Foundation scholarship.
She has appeared in 16 games for the Freeze, playing this past season and in 2024. Ngassam averaged 7.1 points in her MWBA career.
UNB opened its pre-season Sept. 20 in Dieppe with a 90-64 win over University of Prince Edward Island Panthers.
The Red host their annual Helen Campbell tournament Oct. 2 to 4 at the RJCC, playing University of Guelph Gryphons on opening day at 6 p.m.
UNB will play Universite de Laval Rouge et Or on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. and wrap things up Oct. 3 against AUS conference rival St. Francis Xavier University X-Women of Antigonish.
- PS43 Foundation information from UNB files
- Ngassam Photo by Fran Harris
