Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

U Sports

Carleton’s Kaza Kajami-Keane named to Second-Team All-Canadian

He may have cut the afro, but the Raven’s starting point guard, Kaza Kajami-Keane, has more swagger than ever.

Kajami-Keane was selected to the All-Canadian Second team in his first season in the CIS, averaging 14.1 points and 6.6 assists on the season. He was the floor general for a Ravens team in a state of change, after the departures of not only the Scrubb Brothers, but coach Dave Smart, who took a sabbatical for the year.

“It’s something that a lot of people praise and whatnot, but for me, like I tell everybody, I didn’t come to Carleton to win individual awards.” said Kajami-Keane on his All-Canadian selection. “Individual awards are nice, and you put them up in your mom’s house” he chuckled, “but they don’t help you out much other than that.”

A transfer from Cleveland State University, Kajami-Keane played three years in the NCAA Division 1. In his fourth year, however, he chose to return to Canada. Born and raised in Ontario, Kajami-Keane opted for Carleton University, historically the most successful team in Canadian InterUniversity Sports (CIS).

“The NCAA is a lot slower, more methodical because of the 35 second shot clock. Things like the difference in free throws and media timeouts. I personally like the CIS rules better” said Kajami-Keane on the move from the NCAA.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

When asked why he chose Carleton in particular, he responded by saying: “I came to play for the best coach, to compete, to get better and win basketball games. This program is historic for winning a lot of games, and the main thing for me is to play for a coach who will help me get better.”

Kaza put an emphasis on the quality of Carleton’s coaches, speaking about how both Dave and Rob Smart have helped him groom his game. “That’s why I came, that’s why I’m going to continue to play for these coaches, and continue to put Carleton on my chest, because these are the best coaches in the country.”

Hopes were high for a Ravens team that had won five national titles in a row, and Kajami-Keane had the unenviable job of replacing three-time CIS player of the year winner Philip Scrubb at point guard. “When you play for Carleton, you have high expectations for yourself and your team.” Said Kajami-Keane. He did a magnificent job, however, leading the Ravens to the OUA silver, and putting the Ravens in a position to win their sixth straight national title.

Must Read:
Omar Shiddo: Soft-spoken assassin

“I’m a guy who takes it day by day, gets better, so I see that the progress I’ve made this year, there’s nothing compared to it.” Said Kajami-Keane on his first season with the Ravens.

Some of Kajami-Keane’s biggest games this year were against Queens (Jan 30) where he scored 20 points along with ten assists and eight rebounds, and against Laurentian (Feb 26) when he dropped 13 dimes. His game goes beyond just numbers however, as he is the engine that gets the Ravens offense running.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Looking into next year, Kaza said there isn’t much to change. “We want to continue to get better, and keep putting ourselves in a position to win. We got good transfers coming in, and I don’t know any of the rookies yet, but knowing coach Dave, he’s going to get some good guys.”

“When this season is done, we’re going to be right back in the gym on monday and tuesday working on our game again. It’s kind of like a train, once one wheel gets going, the next takes off too.”

As for personal goals, Kajami-Keane keeps it simple. “We haven’t won a championship yet so I’d love to do that.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Advertisement

BUZZING

NCAA

Pacific basketball welcomes the fifth Canadian coach in NCAA Division I history: Dave Smart aims to revive the Tigers.

U Sports

University of Toronto Varsity Blues star, Dane Quest, discusses his basketball journey, all he’s overcome and what’s next.

U Sports

The Ottawa Gee-Gees dominated the Capital Hoops Classic, securing victory over the Carleton Ravens and advancing in their pursuit of the first U SPORTS...

U Sports

In a thrilling match at Monpetit Hall, the top-ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees men's basketball team rallied from 19 points down to beat rival Carleton 79-78.

U Sports

The Ottawa Gee-Gees picked-up one of their biggest wins over their rivals Carleton Ravens to take home the 2023 OUA Championship and the Wilson...

NCAA

The Kentucky Wildcats blew out the Carleton Ravens 118-56. The 62-point loss ties the worst defeat in the history of the men's basketball program.

U Sports

The Carleton Ravens will play the Northeastern Huskies, Florida State Seminoles, Oregon Ducks and the Kentucky Wildcats in a loaded 2022 NCAA preseason schedule.

NCAA

Big Blue Nation versus BirdGang in Nassau, as the Kentucky Wildcats and 16-time Canadian U Sports basketball champions Carleton Ravens face off in the...

BasketballBuzz - Canada's Basketball Magazine