Layups and Legacy: Celebrating Algonquin College Varsity Basketball History
From OCAA Hall of Famers to national podium finishes, Algonquin College’s basketball teams have built a lasting legacy. Take a courtside look at the players, coaches, and moments that shaped Varsity history.
Published: February 9, 2026
Whether they dribble, kick, volley, or tackle, Algonquin College Varsity sports teams have a track record for excellence.
Today, the Algonquin Students’ Association (SA) celebrates achievements by its Varsity Basketball programs.
Standout moments for Women’s Basketball Include Division 2 Silver in the 1982–1983 season, four provincial gold medals in a row (2010–2013), and National Silver (2010–2011).
Highlights for Men’s Basketball include winning provincial gold (1968–1969), a year after the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) was founded. Later, under SA leadership, the team went on a seven-season provincial-medal streak (1995–1996 to 2002–2003), claiming National silver in the same period (2001–2002).
The OCAA Hall of Fame has inducted eight of our Varsity basketball players and two coaches. Here are four highlights with links to other bios below:
Gary Gallagher (1983 – 1986)
Gallagher was one of the OCAA’s best shooters and ball handlers of his time. He instantly made an impact on the hardcourt as second in league scoring while a freshman for the Algonquin Caats.
Following up his impressive rookie campaign, Gallagher led all scorers in the league, catapulting him into the OCAA record book. Gallagher finished his three-year collegiate career with 1,149 career points and an 80 percent free-throw average. At the time of his induction, Gallagher was ranked eighth in all-time OCAA scoring with the highest point total of any player to have only played three seasons.
A fast and durable player, Gallagher could make an accurate shot from anywhere on the court. He has been described as a fierce competitor who led by example, often leading the team in scoring and rebounds. His outstanding play and competitive nature made him one of the best basketball players to ever hit our courts.
Rhonda Giguere (1984 – 1986)
Giguere was a dominant player in the OCAA ranks for two years with the Algonquin Caats. Giguere etched her name in the provincial record books, becoming the first women’s basketball player to win back-to-back league scoring titles. For her performance on the court, she was recognized as a two-time OCAA All-Star and named a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) all-Canadian in her freshman year.
The Caats struggled prior to the arrival of Giguere, as they posted a 0-14 record in 1983-84. She was a key component in the program’s turnaround, with the Caats making back-to-back quarter-final appearances in her two years of play.
Brad Peak (1991 – 1994)
Peak was named a CCAA all-Canadian in two of the three seasons that he played men’s basketball with the Algonquin Thunder.
At the 1993 championship, Peak’s outstanding play earned him a spot on the championship all-star team. Algonquin College hosted the 1994 provincial championship, and the Thunder won silver in a close two-point defeat to the Humber Hawks in the final.
Jenny Duval (Allen) (2005 – 2008 & 2010 – 2011)
The Thunder women’s basketball program was honoured to have an excellent role model on their roster for Duval’s four years of play. She was a true example of a student athlete, both on-and-off the court.
Duval achieved a complete set of provincial gold, silver and bronze medals playing with the Thunder, concluding with an OCAA championship in 2010–2011, where she was named Championship MVP. Her team was also runner-up at nationals that season. Duval received a number of OCAA League and Championship All-Star awards, along with being named a CCAA All-Canadian and CCAA Championship First-Team All-Star.
After graduating in 2011, Duval landed a full-time position in the SA’s Athletics Department, where she currently works as Senior Manager, Athletics and Recreation. Outside of athletics, she enjoys a full life with her family and a large extended family, which includes many of her Thunder teammates.
OCAA Hall of Fame, Continued
Women’s Basketball
- John MacInnis 2008–2009 to 2013–2014 (Coach)
Men’s Basketball
- Hugh Lynn 1989–1990 to 1992–1993 and 1997–1998 to 2000–2001 (Coach)
- Greg Shirley 1992–1993 to1994–1995
- Jonathan Bell 2001–2002 to 2002–2003
- Abraham Osman 1997–1998 to 2000–2001
- Roland Tiamuh 1996–1997 to 1998–1999
CCAA All Canadians
Eleven Men’s Basketball athletes and five Women’s Basketball athletes have been recognized at the national level. One had the exceptional honour of being named a CCAA All-Canadian three times:
- Dasia McDonald, (2022-2023, to 2024-2025)
A basketball prodigy and enthusiastic team player, McDonald led the Women’s Basketball team through three consecutive undefeated regular seasons and three straight provincial medals. Learn more about McDonald and her team’s success in this story, “The Sisterhood of the Wolves.”
Women’s Basketball
- Rhonda Giguere, 1984–85
- Jenny Allen (Duval), 2010–2011
- Sandra Bascoe, 2011–2012
- Rita Sibo, 2018–2019
Men’s Basketball
- Zerious Loney, 2021–2022
- Njuguna Waiganjo, 2010–2011
- Charly Spurr, 2008–2009
- Ahmed Eman, 2006–2007
- BJ Charles, 2005–2006
- Ryan Bennison, 2003–2004
- Jonathan Bell, 2002–2003
- Abraham Osman, 1999–2000
- Keith Gough, 1996–1997
- Brad Peak, 1992–1993 and 1993–1994
- Marcel Langlois, 1985–1986