BASKETBALL. William Boyer-Richard does not regret his choice. Far from the limelight of the prestigious NCAA, the basketball player from Drummondville is enjoying an enriching experience within the Canadian university network.
After three seasons with the Western Michigan University Broncos in the NCAA First Division, William Boyer-Richard chose to return home. The 23-year-old point guard is playing his first season with the Brock University Badgers in Ontario.
As soon as he landed in St. Catharines, William Boyer-Richard was seduced by the culture reigning within the Badgers program, where the team comes before personal statistics.
“At Western Michigan, we weren’t winning a lot of games. At Brock University, I am part of a winning environment. The atmosphere is very positive. It’s crazy all the differences you can notice. For me, it’s a complete turnaround,” he said.
“Here, everyone is on the same page, added William Boyer-Richard. Players help each other. Everyone pushes themselves to become better. The goal is collective. We always prioritize the team before ourselves.”
Undefeated in seven games since the start of the regular season, the Badgers sit first in the standings in Ontario. Including exhibition games, Brock University is riding a 12-game winning streak.
“Not only do we have a lot of talent, but we are a very mature and experienced team. Several players come from the best programs in the country or from Division 1 in the NCAA,” said Boyer-Richard.
Slowly but surely, the former Broncos captain is establishing himself as an important cog in his new roster.
“Every day I want to prove to the coach that he can trust me and give me more responsibility. I prioritize the team first, but I find that I improve a lot more being here than in the United States. It’s really encouraging for my future. The most important thing is that I have fun through it all, ”said the man who aspires to a professional career in Europe.
Back to uncertainty
Upon his arrival at the Badgers, William Boyer-Richard was described as a “mature, motivated and passionate” student-athlete by head coach Willy Manigat. The principal concerned says for his part pampered to be able to count on a mentor of this caliber.
“He is a very demanding coach who pays attention to small details. He’s a former professional player, so he really knows what it takes to get to the next level. His expectations of us are very high. He pushes us all the time and he makes sure everyone gives their all, even on a bad day.”
Due to the tightening of health measures in Ontario, the activities of the teams of the university sports circuit are on hiatus indefinitely. Among the Badgers players, whose last match dates back to the end of November, the wait seems endless.
“It’s hard on morale, especially since we were on a good run, explained William Boyer-Richard. We took all the necessary precautions to play, but overnight, everything was stopped. It’s a shame, especially when you think of all the effort and work we put into our season. When we come back, it will be a bit like starting over. It’s demoralizing, especially since our American neighbors can continue to play, but we have to focus on what we can control.
Already the holder of a degree in finance and business administration from Western Michigan, William Boyer-Richard undertook master’s studies in data analysis at Brock University.
“It’s different. In my baccalaureate classes, it was big classes of a hundred people. At the master’s level, we are 10 or 12 students. We have a privileged contact with the teacher. There is no competition between us. I am very competitive on a basketball court, but at school, I favor mutual aid. It’s good for learning,” concluded William Boyer-Richard.
