Top five Regina basketball players

Many of these players have left their mark on the Luther Invitational Tournament./Matt Wincherauk

The Queen City’s best to ever lace up their high-tops

Despite being in the middle of hockey country, Regina has had its fair share of special basketball players who have left a mark on the city across North America, and even into Europe. With the Luther Invitational Tournament entering year number 63 this weekend, and the CIS playoffs just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to run down five of the best basketball players to come out of Regina in the past 15 years.

5. Jeff Lukomski, Regina Cougars

The Cougars all-time leader in points and three-pointers, Lukomski made his presence felt at the University of Regina as a two-sport athlete, playing football with the Rams from 2009-2010 and basketball with the Cougars from 2006-2011. Lukomski is among the best shooters to ever grace the U of R, hitting over 300 threes in his five year career. Lukomski’s 1504 total points have yet to be even remotely challenged since his final game as a Cougar.

4. Joey De Ciman, Colorado State Rams

One of a select few Regina born basketball players to get scholarship offers in the USA, Joey was a fixture in the Regina basketball scene for years. One of the most feared Regina players to pick up a basketball, Joey dominated for the LeBoldus Golden Suns before he left for the Colorado State Rams, becoming a full-time starter after just his first year. I can personally attest to just how good Joey is, playing with him on the same travelling team for years, winning numerous tournaments in Western Canada, North Dakota, and Montana. The De Ciman family is legendary in Regina as sister Phoebe starred on the Cougars National Championship team in 2001, Margaret played in the NCAA for Louisiana Tech Lady, and overseas professionally, and little brother Chan seems primed to follow his brother to the U.S. with his phenomenal play.

3. Cymone Bouchard, Regina Cougars

Bouchard is one of the best players to come out of the University of Regina Cougars women’s basketball program, helping the Cougars attain their first ever National Championship back in the 2000-2001 season, as well as helping them get to another National Championship in the 2003-2004 season, coming up short vs. the UBC Thunderbirds. Bouchard had one of the best shooting strokes in the game, which helped her attain 1439 points in her career as a Cougar, good enough for the top spot in the program’s history. Bouchard’s other accomplishments included being a two time All-Canadian and a CIS Player of the Year award.

2. Kai Williams, South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Williams, along with De Ciman, is one of the most hyped Regina prospects, and made his way down to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits of the NCAA, and became one of the programs best players of all-time. Along with his brother Jamal (more on him at the next spot), Williams dominated for the Campbell Tartans, winning back-to-back LITs in 2004 and 2005. Kai proceeded to play basketball professionally overseas in England, France and Sweden.

1. Jamal Williams, Regina Cougars

One of the most complete basketball players to come out of the U of R, Williams was a long-time fixture for the Cougars over the course of his five-year career, bringing a great blend of playmaking and size. Much like younger brother Kai, Williams has played professionally overseas, and has had great success. Williams is now a mainstay with the Worcester Wolves of the BBL, and even won the MVP of the BBL Trophy finals in 2014.