Lufile focused on pro career
Just days away from his graduation at Cape Breton University, basketball star Meshack Lufile has already begun the journey to the next phase of his career.
A five-year member of the Capers, Lufile has signed on with Scorers 1st Sportmanagement to pursue his professional options.
The decision wasn't an easy one for the 6'8, 240lb power forward who found himself being recruited by a number of agents upon completion of the AUS season.
"There were probably four or five (agencies) who contacted almost immediately after our (AUS quarter-final) loss (to Acadia)," said Lufile, who averaged 16.2 points and nine rebounds per game in his final trip through the AUS. "I was pretty upset about the loss, especially since I didn't feel I had played my best game, but I was forced to get over it pretty quickly if I was going to be serious about playing professionally."
In the end, Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, and more specifically, agent EJ Siderius, proved to be the perfect fit for Lufile, who wrapped up his career with his biggest individual honour, being named AUS Defensive Player of the Year this past season.
"My father had been through this process with my older brother so I had him speak to them and I did a lot of research on how they operate and how they treat their clients and everything was favourable," said Lufile. "I'm a faith person so I prayed a lot about what would be right for me and in the end, just like Cape Breton became a second home to me, this (agency) felt like home and family."
Lufile, who will graduate with his Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree on May 14th, will spend the next few months working on his game and plans to attend an overseas players combine in Las Vegas in July.
"I'll be spending a lot of time in the weight room and working on the weaknesses in my game on the court," said Lufile. "I was known as a post player in the AUS, but they see me more as a (forward) professionally so I have to work more on my handle, my jump shot and my on the ball defence.
"I don't want to just go anywhere, I want to get the best deal possible and basketball is a business for me now and Las Vegas will be a chance to showcase my skills. I don`t want to take anything for granted."
Wherever his basketball travels take him in the future, one thing is certain, Lufile will look back on his time in Cape Breton as fondly as Capers' basketball fans will remember him.
"It never really hit me until (awards night) that it was over and while I wish I could have done more there are no regrets," he said. "I was like a little baby when I came to CBU and I've matured so much and learned so much . . . it was just a great overall experience.
"I'll miss the kid's camps the most though. I've had so many of them message me and email me. I won't forget my time at CBU and in Cape Breton."