Aaron Best Stays Home and joins the Ryerson Rams
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TORONTO, ON – The wait is over for another talented Canadian High School player as NPH #9-ranked prospect, Eastern Commerce’s Aaron Best, announced he would join the Ryerson Rams next season and remain in the CIS. This Canadian talent remaining in his country for post secondary school is an instant upgrade to the CIS.
Best had narrowed down his list to two schools, Ryerson and the NCAA’s Penn University, and chose to stay in Canada much to Roy Rana’s delight, Ryerson’s head coach.
Rana has played a key role in Best’s decision to commit to Ryerson, thanks to his great relationship with Eastern Commerce as NPH previously noted. It goes beyond just that, however. “I’ve had a great relationship with Aaron for a number of years,” says Rana. “I’ve known (him) since his summer of grade 10.”
The Rams faithful should be thrilled to see their school add a player of Best’s talent, a 6’5″ wing player versatile enough to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions. While he has yet to suit up for Ryerson, Rana says that his team is excited already. “In the locker room, there won’t be any issues. The guys already know him.”
Best is a very capable interior presence, but has enough athleticism to take his man off the dribble. He might be at his best running the open floor in the transition, with Jahmal Jones, Jelane Pryce, Ola Adegboruwa and the other Rams. It is no secret that Ryerson gave opposing teams fits with its ability to score baskets in the transition game, and Best will only help to enhance that ability. “I think he’s arguably amongst the best athletes in the whole country,” says Rana.
The Rams lose senior Ryan McNeilly next season, but Best will help offset that loss. “We’re building a more athletic-based team,” says Rana. “I think he’s going to fit in great.”
Most of all though, it is Best’s character that Rana admires most. “He’s a great character kid,” says the Rams head coach. “He’s a great young man to be around, and I think it’s going to be a seamless transition.”
In the end, Best gives Ryerson versatility. “He’s skilled, he’s tough,” says Rana. “He just gives us depth and versatility. With an enormous upside.”
