One of the most legendary basketball families in Canada will soon have a presence at UNBC. Head coach Todd Jordan announced today that 6’2″ point guard Milan Pasquale (Mill Bay, B.C.) has committed to the UNBC Timberwolves for the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.
Pasquale’s basketball roots run deep. His uncle was the late Eli Pasquale, a two-time Olympian (1984 and 1988) who served as a co-captain of Canada’s National Men’s Basketball team and spent 15 seasons playing for Canada internationally. In addition to the Olympics, Pasquale donned the Maple Leaf at two World Student Games, four FIBA World Championships and two Pan American Games.
Today, Milan Pasquale is carving his own path, further cementing his family’s legacy on the hardcourt. Last season he averaged 27.6 points-per-game for head coach Blake Gage’s Brentwood (H.S.) College School along with 8.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 2.7 steals. He is a two-time reigning Island AA Championship tournament MVP and a two-time Provincial AA first-team all-star. At the club level, he suited up for Vikes Nation under the watchful eye of his father/head coach Vito Pasquale.
During his visit to UNBC in April, Pasquale fit right in during the UNBC Timberwolves Spring ID Camp, and Is now the fourth player to join the program as a result of that camp.
“I wanted to commit to UNBC because everyone I met during my visit was super inviting, and welcoming,” recalled Pasquale who plans to study Computer Science at UNBC. “I enjoyed talking to the coaches who are committed to making me a better player. I’m all about developing my game.”
Pasquale’s skillset, potential impact and family tree are not lost on head coach Todd Jordan who added, “Milan really fits the mold of what we want from a student-athlete. He works hard and has a great attitude. On the court, we feel he can play as a point guard as well as a shooting guard. He has a good basketball IQ, and is a gifted passer, particularly in transition. His father and late uncle were both special players for the UVic men’s basketball teams that won multiple national championships under Ken Shields in the 80’s. Ken is a mentor of mine, and it is cool to have that connection to his old players joining our program. We’re excited to have Milan carve out his own career and legacy with our program over the next few years.”
As for his strengths, Pasquale lists decision-making, shooting in traffic, and solid defense as his top characteristics, along with a genuine love of the game. “I love basketball because as a team sport I’ve been able to make so many friends and memories over the years,” reflected Pasquale. “The sport has really helped me channel my competitiveness into something positive.”
When it comes to suiting up in Canada West competition next season and beyond, Pasquale is all business. He concluded, “My focus right now is getting more athletic and more fit so I can compete at the highest level. I’m looking forward to playing against older and stronger guys and getting to practice with the guys at UNBC and growing my game.”
UNBC Athletics is thrilled to welcome Milan Pasquale to the UNBC Timberwolves family.