Ngot wraps up StFX basketball career

(ANTIGONISH, N.S.) StFX X-Men basketball center Riiny Ngot would love to be suiting up with the blue and white for one more season, but unfortunately he has been bit by the injury bug and his time as an X-Man has come to a close.

Known as one of the 'Lost Boys' of Sudan after escaping horrific conditions in his home country of Sudan when he was a young child, Riiny has come a long way and is poised to become a StFX graduate next spring.

After playing with the X-Men for two seasons from 2009-11, Riiny missed the majority of last season due to concussion. Further testing by specialists found more injuries aside from the concussion effects, rendering him not medically cleared to play for the 2012-13 varsity season.

Riiny has accepted that his X-Men basketball playing days are done, and that focusing on his long-term health is the priority now, along with finishing his Arts degree, graduating from StFX and moving on to a career.

"I will definitely miss the game," comments the lanky 7'2" soft spoken athlete. "After my experience as a 'lost boy' of Sudan, basketball has been my refugee; it is where I usually go to leave my mind and the world we're living in. Basketball helped transition me really well, I don't feel lonely when I'm playing."

Ngot continues, "I know I'm going to miss basketball a lot but I really want to say thank you to the StFX fans – I am so appreciative of the entire Antigonish community, the generosity and treatment I have experienced over the last three years has been wonderful."

"I also want to say thank you to my fellow StFX students, and to all the faculty and staff. My heart will always stay here at StFX University. I have one more year here, I am going to get my X-ring and my degree, but I really appreciate all the support from everyone."

Riiny extends a special thanks to the Oland Centre cleaning staff, the athletic department and therapy staff, especially to head athletic therapist Tara Sutherland for "trying to put me back together over the past two years."

The one group of people he will miss most with not being on the basketball court every day is his teammates. "Of course I want to thank my teammates for being there for me over the last two years and for all their support, especially the captains."

"I really want to thank all my teammates from deep down in heart. I wish I could have stayed and played with them, this isn't the way I thought my basketball career would end, but you never know, I hope to be back playing semi-professional or professional basketball someday if I make a full recovery."

"I want to extend a special thank you to my coaches - thank you to Coach K for all the time invested in me. I feel bad that I couldn't finish out my career with you but I am proud to say that I will always be an X-Man and a part of the StFX family."

After graduation he aspires to become involved with development and human rights and perhaps attend law school. He would like to share his knowledge with youth and stay involved in basketball.

Although this year will be tough watching from the sidelines, Riiny enthusiastically shared that he will be 'the biggest X fan out there' this season.

His final remarks to everyone are heartfelt sentiments. "Again, sincerely, from deep down in my heart I am really thankful for everything that StFX has given to me."

Source: StFX Sports Information