Coby Tunnicliff to don Caper orange
Sydney River product commits to CBU men’s basketball program
Coby Tunnicliff to don Caper orange
Sydney River product commits to CBU men's basketball program
By Corey LeBlanc
A highly-touted homegrown product has committed to lacing up his sneakers for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's basketball program.
Coby Tunnicliff – a star guard with the Riverview Ravens of the Cape Breton High School Basketball League – agrees donning Caper orange is a dream that is coming true.
"It is going to be so special," the 17-year-old resident of Sydney River says of what it will feel like when he takes the court for the first time at Sullivan Field House.
After three seasons with the Ravens, Tunnicliff made the move to Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick last fall for his Grade 12 year. When the COVID-19 global pandemic wiped out the prep school's travel season, the 17-year-old returned home and is – once again – donning red and white for Riverview.
"I am so happy I am getting the chance to play," he says.
Tunnicliff and his brother, Eli, were born in South Korea, the native country of their mother, Bomin. After moving to Canada – Halifax, specifically – he started playing basketball in Grade 2. And, after relocating to Cape Breton – the home of his father, Jamie – his growing passion for the game continued. By the time he joined Basketball Cape Breton rep teams, he was hooked.
In Grade 6, when he started going up against older players, the youngster didn't just hold his own – he thrived.
"I really started getting serious about it," Tunnicliff says.
His confidence – and commitment – only cemented further after his inaugural experience suiting up for Basketball Nova Scotia.
"It was amazing," Tunnicliff remembers of hitting the hardwood - at a high level – for the first time outside Cape Breton.
He says he "really shocked some people," noting that he garnered a first-team all-star selection for Team Nova Scotia at the U15 national tournament in 2018.
Tunnicliff followed that effort with a strong performance for the U17 squad.
With both provincial teams, the now 6'1" guard took the court with older players.
"I am proud of the way that I performed," Tunnicliff offers of those opportunities.
When asked about the strengths of his game, he talks about his shooting, ball-handling and court vision.
"I think I have an eye for the game," he offers, reflecting on how he sees his ability to anticipate what is going to happen on the court as an asset.
Although he played shooting guard a lot at the provincial level, Tunnicliff notes – more and more – he has been focusing on key components of playing the point, including ball pressure and handling.
"I am always working on improving every aspect of my game," he says.
As for why he selected CBU for his university varsity career, Tunnicliff notes there are "a lot of reasons."
"It is the right place for me," he says, adding the relationship fostered over the past three years with Caper head coach Matt Skinn was a key contributor to his choice.
He notes he has heard "so much great stuff about him [Skinn]."
"I really can't wait to play for him," Tunnicliff adds.
His memorable experiences attending CBU basketball camps – not to mention Caper games as a fan – also influenced his decision.
"It motivated me a lot," Tunnicliff says of those moments that inspired him to keep working hard to improve.
He notes – as a Caper – he wants to have the chance to motivate young players, just as the former student-athletes did for him.
Coach Skinn says the Caper program has been recruiting Tunnicliff for a number of years.
"He has been one of the best players in the high school league for his entire career at Riverview," he adds, noting that has "translated into success" with Basketball Nova Scotia provincial teams.
Skinn says it is "great" to have the Basketball Cape Breton, Basketball Nova Scotia and Cape Breton High School Basketball League product "develop into such a great person and player."
"I am excited to get the opportunity to coach him," he adds.
Along with his prowess not only on the basketball floor but also in the classroom, Skinn describes Tunnicliff as a "ferocious competitor and tireless worker."
"Coby is going to fit in with the culture of the team from day one as a Caper," he says.
Noting players are bigger and faster, Tunnicliff describes the move from high school to university play as a "big jump."
In getting ready for his freshman campaign, he says he will "keep working" on his point guard play while honing skills such as quickening the release of his jump shot in order to deal with tighter defence.
In the classroom, where he also excels, Tunnicliff will enrol in CBU's Bachelor of Science program.
"I want to become a surgeon someday," he says of his career aspiration.
But, before that, he hopes to operate on opposing defences in Atlantic University Sport (AUS).
Tunnicliff agrees it will be awesome to be able to play home games in front of family and friends.
"I can't wait to put on that Caper uniform," he says.
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