Men’s basketball marches on sans Alex Beason
By Eli Shupak
The Rams get their first taste of life after Alex this weekend when they open up their 1995/96 season against some legends of the past.
Former Ryerson stand-outs Lui Cinello and Ainsworth Slowly will be among the alumni returning on Saturday night to face the Rams (Kerr Hall, 8 p.m.).
Cinello, Slowly, and two time All-Canadian Alex Beason have left the Rams after leading the team to the Ontario East Finals two years in a row. The three former Rams, who had their numbers retired last season, have brought respectability to the program. Beason has since signed with a professional team in England.
Rams’ captain Scott Belasco, entering his third year with the team, steps into the leadership role. The Victoria Park grad will be the centre of attention on the Ryerson squad that lost six players from last year.
“He showed that he was All-Canadian calibre last year,” said Rams coach Terry Haggerty.
“We’re looking at a more balanced attack and Scott’s someone who we’re going to build around because he’s our best player. I don’t expect him to be Alex Beason, but I wouldn’t expect Alex Beason to be Scott Belasco.”
Beason’s presence on the team developed the skills of Belasco, Marvin Johnson, and Carl Harper. He was also Ryerson’s first All-Canadian, something that Belasco hopes to duplicate this season.
For the second straight year, Ryerson will be showcased on the CHCH-TV Game of the Week.
This time they’ll host their cross-town rivals, the U of T Varsity Blues, who defeated Ryerson 79-73 in last year’s OUAA East Final. The defending OUAA Champions are favored to repeat this year.
The Rams host George Brown College next Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.
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