Eastern Commerce baller one of the best in GTA
His coach says he is built more like a football player, but there is no doubt that basketball is Chretien Lukusa’s true passion.
Lukusa began playing the game when he was only 7 and has since grown into one of the best young players in the GTA, and in the country as well.
The 18-year-old, who is captain of the senior Eastern Commerce Saints, follows a simple formula when taking to the court — hard work. Whether it is in practice or during a game, Lukusa gives it his all every time, and that is the sole reason why he is a dominant player.
"His greatest strength has been his work ethic, mental toughness and desire to get better," says Saints head coach Roy Rana, who feels Lukusa is arguably Eastern’s most valuable player.
"His dedication to the sport and to academic excellence has allowed him to go from being a marginal player when he got here in grade 9 … to one of the best guards in the country."
Originally from Zaire, Lukusa came to Canada when he was 3 and spent his childhood in Regent Park. It was there where Lukusa discovered his passion for basketball.
"Basketball is my family, so everyone grew up playing basketball," said Lukusa. "Growing up in a community where there is a lot of violence going on, (basketball) let me get to those community centres and programs to avoid trouble."
In the 11 years he has been playing, Lukusa has matured into a dominant player and leader. He has been part of provincial and national championship teams, and last summer captained the national junior team at a FIBA Americas Qualifying tournament in Texas.
"That was a good experience for me," said Lukusa. "Seeing the level of competition and knowing I can play with some of the best players my age in the world boost my confidence coming into the school year."
In leading Canada to a fourth place finish, his level of play garnered considerable interest from several American universities. Lukusa will attend Binghamton University and play for the Bearcats in September.
He chose Binghamton because it’s a situation where he will play a lot and it’s only 5-1/2 hours from home.
But preparing to play NCAA Division 1 basketball has to wait, as Lukusa is in the midst of leading his team back to the top of high school basketball.
After Eastern Commerce won four straight OFSAA gold medals, the Saints, with Lukusa as its sixth man, failed to even qualify last year.
Lukusa, who named Dwayne Wade, Chauncey Billups and Gilbert Arenas as his favourite NBA players, is determined to get his team back to where he thinks they belong.
"As soon as the season was done last year, I made an oath to myself that I have to work harder and let people know that we can start a new tradition," he said. "I want it real bad and I know everyone else wants it too."
Rana said that despite having the likes of Alwayne Bigby and Keaton Cole on his team, Lukusa is the one who drives Eastern Commerce. If he plays a solid game, it is very likely the Saints will come out on top.
"For us to be successful (this season), it’s all about playing consistent defence for 32 minutes, being able to respond to challenges and keeping up a high level of intensity," said Rana. "(Lukusa) is a big part of that, as he drives to lead the team in that direction.
"He is a very experienced player that can take over games."
As Lukusa continues to develop as a basketball player and increase his already impressive resume, Rana said he is just beginning to scratch the surface.
"His ceiling is still very high, as Chretien is still learning to master the point guard position," said Rana. "In my eyes he’s projected to be a professional player at some point in time."
Lukusa hopes his coach is right and he does know what it will take to get there.
"They always tell me that if I keep working, the sky is the limit."
