Since Joe Enevoldson has joined the Cascades as their head coach, a major theme has become clear. The height of new players that have joined UFV’s men’s basketball team is rising dramatically, with most new players standing 6’5 or taller. UFV now has a major international signing, as the 6’7 Dario Lopez joins the team from Movistar Estudiantes U18, Madrid, Spain.
While the previous 2021 men’s basketball signings, Clay Kurtz and Dylan Kinley, come from solid programs and have both won MVP awards, Lopez brings a completely different game from Spain. Known for a totally different brand of basketball, European players have completely changed the professional circuit in North America, with prominent international players contending for major awards and honors in the NBA. The fast pace, passing ability, court vision, and high level competition that international players bring could suggest that UFV has found a serious talent.
Averaging double digit points throughout his Spanish-ball years combined with solid rebounding numbers means that at 6’7, Lopez could play small forward or power forward at UFV. For U Sports and Canada West, 6’7 is a very solid height for a forward, and when you consider that many of the Cascades’ guards stand over 6’0 tall, the sheer height that UFV can deploy should give them a unique squad identity.
Now that games have been confirmed for the fall, Lopez should get the chance to play for UFV during the 2021-2022 season. Stay tuned for the debut of a completely different UFV men’s basketball team this year.
Image: Dan Kinvig/UFV Athletics
