(Pictured: Stand out point guard Jeff Cullen played for the U-17 provincial team this past summer. Recently he was named the MVP of the Vancouver Island championship where he helped guide his team to a first place finish.)
"JC" - JEFF CULLEN: SENIOR POINT GUARD OAK BAY
The island has produced many outstanding point guards including Danny Boticki, Chris Trumpy, Steve Nash and most recently Jeff Cullen, 
the head smart PG from Oak Bay. Jeff had the opportunity to play on the U-17 this past summer and gained valuable experience playing with BC’s best. He is a pass first point guard who looks to get his teammates involved in the game as much as possible. Jeff is currently averaging 16 points while dropping 10 dimes per outing. His love and enthusiasm for the game is something that really standouts for anyone that gets to know him. “I had the fortunate opportunity to work with Jeff this summer on the U-17 provincial team and he was an absolute joy to be around. He has an incredible passion towards the game that you rarely see. Jeff is a gym rat, he always had a ball with him wherever he would go and was always trying to get into the gym to get extra shots up. He would be a great role model for any youngster aspiring to become great at basketball” says U-17 assistant coach Chad Clifford. This passion was installed in him at an early age and has blossomed ever since. Most recently Jeff was named MVP of the Vancouver Island Championship as his team defeated Claremont in the finals to represent the Island as the #1 seed.
“I started playing basketball when I was 5. I would play anywhere there was a hoop available. Being from the Island my obvious favorite player would have to be Steve Nash. He’s just great for the game of basketball. I also really like Luke Ridnour of the Seattle Supersonics. To me they make players better and that’s what I’m all about” says the shifty point guard from Oak Bay. People who watch Cullen play notice the same qualities in his game. U-17 team member Calvin Westbrook knows exactly what type of player Jeff is. “Cullen is a gym rat. He is a Steve Nash follower and you can see it in his game. He is aggressive and doesn’t back down from any challenge. The ball is like a yo-yo on a string when he is handling it. Jeff is a pass first point guard, a guy every pure shooter or slasher loves to play with.” These qualities that he groomed in the summer months have been a huge benefit to his teammates this season.
Jeff worked hard to be in the situation he is in right now, Island Champions and tournament MVP. “My personal goals are my team goals. We said we wanted to win the Islands and we accomplished that. Now we want to have a good showing at the BC’s and hopefully still be playing on Saturday regardless of which side of the draw that we are on.” Oak Bay has produced many great players and the success of the schools athletic programs is something that all the players acknowledge. “ Playing at Oak Bay, not to mention basketball with some of the great players that have been and are still involved in the program is pretty special and something I’m honored to be a part of. I think the way the program is headed people will see the name Oak Bay for years to come, not only on the Island but across the province as well.”
Jeff is a true ambassador of the game, playing it the way it should be played, with respect, passion, and dedication. His advice to younger players is simple, “Work as hard as you can right now because before you know it, it's going be too late. Don't settle for being good for your age or even the best, because in Canada that might not be enough to get you where you want go.”
Oak Bay will face Rick Hansen in the opening round of the AAA Provincial tournament on Wednesday March 15 at 3pm at the Agrodome. For the complete tournament draw click here.
DRIVE Would like to wish Jeff Cullen and his Oak Bay teammates the best of luck in the playoffs.
