Local product being inducted to Timberwolves’ Wall of Honour

Prince George’s own Sam Raphael will be one of two names added to the Timberwolves’ Wall of Honour this year.

In a release, UNBC said “For UNBC Men’s Basketball great Sam Raphael, the numbers are there. The banners are plenty. But, according to those who suited up in the green and gold with him, it was the team-first, relentless, unwavering leadership and commitment that made Raphael a slam-dunk induction into the Timberwolves Wall of Honour.”

Raphael made the jump from Duchess Park to UNBC in the 2008-09 season, a year where he averaged 6.7 points and four rebounds per game.

“His first year was a bit of an adjustment to the level and to university life,” said Mike Raimbault, the coach of the Timberwolves at the time. “He grew so much that year and really put himself in a position to impact our group the following year. His hard work paid off because he was a huge part of our group in his second season.”

“Sam was special in all the right ways. He was extremely gifted athletically, but he brought a strong work ethic, intelligence, relentless competitive spirit, and selfless team-focused attitude,” said teammate Dennis Stark. “He immediately fit in and helped grow our team culture.”

In 2009-10, the year the Timberwolves won the CCAA National Championship, Raphael averaged 7.8 points 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists “while playing major minutes.”

“Sam was responsible for our major defensive assignments and matchups. He would guard primary scorers at almost all positions for large portions of the game,” said Raimbault. “He would create offense for us through his defense, he’d score in transition, and made timely three-point shorts. Same was extremely unselfish and accepted his role of providing toughness to the group by defending and rebounding.”

By his final season in 2011-12, Raphael was in the top 20 in league scoring and was named UNBC’s Best Defensive Player, Most Outstanding player, and UNBC’s first Male Athlete of the Year.

“Sam was a five-year Timberwolf and a local guy who gave his heart and soul to competing for the program while he was here.  He set an example as a competitor and brought a lot of very positive leadership qualities to the team that have helped to set a cultural foundation for the program,” said Todd Jordan, who coached his fellow Prince George product for three seasons. “He’s the type of guy you wanted to go to battle with because he’d put it all out there and play with his heart every night.”