Name: Jaz Bains
Program: Arts & Science
Academic Year: 4
Sport/Position: Basketball/Guard
 
Gaels guard Jaz Bains is one of the newest members to suit up for the Queen's men's basketball team, and while he's a rookie in the Tricolour, Bains is no rookie to the varsity basketball scene.
 
Making the jump from college ball, Bains had a sensational career with the St. Lawrence Vikings and brought an impressive resume to the Gaels team.
 
The OCAA rookie of the year and a second team All-Star during his collegiate debut, Bains was named the Ontario College Player of the year in 2015 and capped off his final season with the Vikings as a CCAA All-Canadian and OCAA first team all-star last year.
 
"The biggest difference between OCAA and U SPORTS has to be the pace of the game and the size. The players are bigger, faster, smarter and more athletic," said Bains. "It is definitely a level higher than the OCAA but, I believe I can still be an impact player."
 
Now six games into the regular season, Bains has certainly stepped up as an impact player. Leading the Gaels offence, the 5'11 guard averages 20.5 points per game for fifth in the OUA conference.
 
Outside of the court, the transition to Queen's campus has been smooth for the fourth year student-athlete.
 
"The transition to Queen's hasn't been difficult for me. The only real difference is the amount of people-going from a 30 person classroom to a 400 person lecture hall is a huge change," reflected Bains. "The learning environment is definitely different and the content is academically challenging, but SLC has put me in a great position to be successful at the university level." 
 
In great position indeed, Bains comes into the Queen's squad as a decorated veteran – with that, come the duties of a senior leader.
 
"It was difficult being a new player on a team, but also being the oldest. I didn't really understand my role, until things got going," said Bains.
 
"I understand as an older player, and a point guard, I have to be a role model for the younger guys. This means I have to do whatever is necessary to pave a path for them to be successful in the same ways I am on the court," continued Bains.

"Nonetheless, the younger players also have to lead, and I can learn a few things from them as well."
 
Last season, the Gaels finished the regular season with a 7-12 record and went on to advance to the OUA East quarter-finals against Nipissing. A close 77-74 score that fell in the Lakers favour would see the Gaels season come to an end.
 
With the 2017-18 season well underway sitting at 4-2, Bains has his mind set on goals for the Tricolour: "Be a top four team in the OUA, win more games than last year and be ranked in the top 10 nationally."
 
Following a thrilling 77-76 victory over Laurier last weekend where Bains recorded 14 points and seven assists, the Queen's men's basketball team will look to keep rolling when they host the Windsor Lancers on Friday night at the ARC. Tip-off is set for 8pm.
  
Admission for students is free. For tickets, head to www.gogaelsgo.com/tickets.

Can't make it to the game? Watch it live on OUA.tv.