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Issue #25 | View PDF
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Coach Oei leaves Douglas
By Garth McLennan
After guiding the Douglas College men’s basketball team to a stirring perfect season that included a national championship, head coach Jamie Oei has vacated his position to become a new assistant coach for the University of Idaho, home of the Vandals.
This is a huge opportunity for Oei. It is a rare occurance when BC coaches can find employment at high-profile American colleges and universities.
“It’s a pretty tough gig to get into coaching down there,” Oei said Monday. “It’s a bit of an Old Boys’ Club. Getting your foot in the door is the toughest thing. There are a lot of good coaches in Canada, and most don’t get an opportunity like this.”
“I picked a good year to be successful.” Oei said in an interview with the New Westminster Record.
Oei led the Royals to twin championships at both the provincial and national levels. Along the way to those accomplishments, the Royals went 21-0.
While Oei was the straw that stirred the drink at the helm of the team, his national championship drive was definitely bolstered by a talent heavy lineup, including Bol Kong, the Sudanese superstar who came to Douglas earlier this year when visa issues prevented him from playing for an American institution. In all likelihood, Douglas will be without both Oei and Kong next season.
Kong’s role may have played a bigger role than just on the court. All of the scouts and NCAA personnel that came to witness Kong’s game also gave Oei a chance to establish connections. Kong was awarded the CCAA rookie of the year trophy in recognition of his outstanding play this season.
Oei, 31, agreed to a five-year contract in March with University of Idaho. The Vandals are led by head coach Don Verlin, and Oei will join three other coaches in an assistant coaching capacity.
Coaching isn’t the only job Oei will take on in the coming year. He will also assume scouting responsibilities, overseeing potential prospects from countries such as Costa Rica and Panama, as well as Canada.
After serving as the Roaysl head coach for three seasons, Oei says he plans to officially move on to his new job this summer.