(Pictured: Left to Right, Andrew is known for his deadly outside stroke. He is also more than capable of taking the ball to the hoop while penetrating by his defenders. Photo's courtesy of Paul Yates, Vancouversportspictures.ca.)
Player Spotlight: Andrew McGuinness
The North Shore’s Handsworth Royals are turning into one of the premier programs in BC producing top notch talent to go along with top notch teams. Last year the Royals Sr. team finished 3rd at the provincials and this year they’re ranked 2nd heading into the Agrodome next weekend. This trend of talented teams doesn’t look to change any time soon with the Royals Jr. Team being ranked #1 in the province after capturing the Vancouver District title. This weekend they head into the provincials as the team to beat and one of the main reasons is sophomore sensation Andrew McGuinness. This multi-faceted guard has been a catalyst for the North powerhouse throughout the season. Head Coach Blair Shier raves about Andrew’s work ethic and desire to become a complete player. “Andrew is great shooter and the people who really know the game recognize his that his shooting mechanics are right out of a “textbook”. He’s one of those guys that has made a committed to himself to put extra time in the gym and it really shows. In addition to his shooting talent, he is a real student of the game with excellent court awareness and a great sense for the game.”
This desire that Andrew display’s on a nightly basis was installed in him at a early age. Andrew picked up the sport when he was only in the 2nd grade when he joined a local Jr. Grizzly team. From there he sparked that love and passion that he shares with another family member, Erica. Growing up around big sister and current UBC standout Erica McGuinness has provided the nurturing and development that has helped mold Andrew into the player he is today. Another major factor in Andrew's growth and development has been his father Saun McGuinness, a Stand-out Coach from the North Shore with an extremely impressive coaching resume. “Being coached by my Dad has really helped me as he coaches at Center for Performance and at UBC. He stresses the importance of learning fundamentals properly; this has really helped me with regards to my footwork, shooting technique, and defensive movement.” With the help and support from his Family Andrew is now one of the top sophomore’s in the province. This past summer he represented BC on the U-15 development team as an under-aged member. This season he has been named to numerous all-star teams but his main focus is on winning a Provincial Championship.
One thing is for sure, you will be hearing a lot more about this young superstar as he continues to develop into on the of the Premier talents in BC.
DRIVE was fortunate to sit down with all-star shooting guard Andrew McGuiness. The freshman standout shares his thoughts and opinions about ball and his future aspirations.
1-on-1 with Andrew McGuiness:
DRIVE: Who is your favorite player and why?
AM: My favorite player this year, is J.J. Reddick. He can knock down three’s from anywhere on the court, he doesn’t miss his foul shots, and he is one of the most clutch shooters I have ever seen.
DRIVE: What has been your favorite experience playing ball?
AM: My favorite experiences playing basketball would be playing at Center for Performance for the last two years, playing on the Provincial Developmental team last summer, and winning the U15 provincials last year.
DRIVE: Who has been the greatest influence on our basketball career?
AM: My biggest influence in my basketball career would undoubtedly be my dad, Shaun McGuinness. He has taught me solid fundamentals, and helps me improve and critique my game everyday. Another big influence in my basketball career would be my sister Erica. She was a 2-time u17 provincial team player, and right now plays in her 3rd year at UBC.
DRIVE: What are your personal and team goals for this season?
AM: My personal goals for this season are improving my game, helping my team win the North Shores, the Vancouver and Districts, and playing well at the provincials. My team goals for this season are winning the North Shores, winning the Vancouver and Districts, having an excellent tournament at provincials. Also competing and playing 100% every game we play.
DRIVE: How has your season gone so far?
AM: My team’s season has gone fairly well this year. We have lost some big games we would have loved to have won, but fate just wasn’t on our side. Aswell, we have had some injuries which hurt the team and we hope no more injuries occur for the rest of the year.
DRIVE: Do you feel like you guys can win it all this year?
AM: Although there are many powerful and well-coached teams in the province, I do think my team can win it all this year. We have speed, skill, plenty of size, and an abundant amount of shooters. With 5 players playing at either Center for Performance, or Regional Training Center, if we can peak at the right time, we will be very destructive at provincials.
DRIVE: Describe a typical day of working on your game.
AM: A typical day of working on my game is going into the gym with my dad; being pushed and instructed through drills working on different aspects of my game. Then I do weights, until the sets are done.
DRIVE: What are your future goals in Ball?
AM: My future goals in basketball are playing post-secondary at a top university, and making the provincial teams.
DRIVE would like to wish Andrew and his teammates the best of luck for the rest of their seasons.
.: For past DRIVE articles click here.
