MVC honours for ABA alumni Ben Krikke and Aher Uguak

Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) alumni Ben Krikke and Aher Uguak were honoured Tuesday (March 2) when the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) announced its 2020-21 season honours.

The Edmonton natives were both named to the All-MVC Third Team, while Uguak was additionally selected to the MVC All-Defensive Team.

Krikke led Valparaiso in scoring, averaging 13.1 points in MVC competition and 12.3 points overall, and hit double-figures in points 20 times. The sophomore forward earned MVC Player of the Week honours on Jan. 26 after a 25-point, 15-rebound effort against Illinois State. He was the only player to start all 27 regular season games for Valparaiso. Krikke also ranked ninth in the MVC for blocked shots.

A redshirt senior, Uguak averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals for the nationally ranked Loyola Chicago Ramblers. The six-foot-seven forward shot an incredible 62.1 percent from the field, going 72 for 116, ranking among the best in all of NCAA Division 1. He was second in offensive rebounds on the Ramblers, who finished atop the MVC regular season standings with a 16-2 record.

“ABA is excited about Aher and Ben being recognized,” says Paul Sir, ABA Executive Director. “These are major accomplishments for these two outstanding student athletes.

“It is also a great example for all basketball players in our province on what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication. We are proud to be a part of their journey.”

Krikke spent four years with Alberta Basketball’s provincial teams. He is a two-time all-star at the Canada Basketball National Championships (2016 15U Second Team and 2018 17U Second Team) and won a silver medal with Team Alberta at the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

He graduated in 2019 from Jasper Place, where he helped the Rebels win both the city and provincial titles in his Grade 12 year and was named MVP and won the slam dunk contest at the 2019 Alberta Basketball All-Star Showcase. He has represented his country on multiple occasions, including the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and won silver with Team Canada at the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship.

Uguak spent three years as part Alberta Basketball’s provincial program, suiting up for Team Alberta 15U in 2012 and 2013, and 17U in 2014. He attended Harry Ainlay from Grade 10 to 12, and helped the Titans win the ASAA 4A championship in all three of his seasons, 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16.

After spending his freshman year at New Mexico University, where he played 19 games for the Lobos in 2016-17, Uguak transferred to Loyola. He was a redshirt in 2017-18 and became the first Team Alberta alumni to be part of an NCAA Final Four team when Loyola made a Cinderella Run in the NCAA Tournament.  

Loyola and Valparaiso are part of the MVC Tournament which begins Thursday and concludes Sunday. Both teams have a bye in the first round and will play quarterfinal round games on Friday.