EDMONTON, Alta. - Owen Labadie is the latest student-athlete to commit to the NAIT Ooks men's basketball program. 

At 6"3', Labadie brings size and skill to the guard position. The 17-year-old averaged 20 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds as a grade 12 athlete with the Mount Boucherie Bears during the 2019-2020 season. 

"Basketball has always been a part of my life and I began playing in elementary school, but I really fell in love with it in 8th grade," Labadie said. "I quit all other sports to focus my time on basketball." 

Labadie will also bring a high level of energy and competitiveness to the Ooks roster. 

"I have a good motor and I love to compete. I am a very competitive person," he said. 

"I'm excited to have Owen join our program. He has a lot of great attributes: size, skill, IQ, and a competitive nature. He has an opportunity to be an impact player at this level," Ooks head coach Slav Kornik said. 

"I also think he has terrific character and will be a good fit with the rest of our roster."

The Ooks are coming off a season in which they went 14-10 in conference play before losing in the ACAC Championship semi-final.