MBB: Pahl carving out role in first season with Timberwolves

Men's Basketball
January 11, 2018

It’s never an easy jump, going from the highschool ranks to competing at the University level. The adjustment can be even more challenging when you go from being the biggest athlete on the court, to matching up with men older and stronger than you are. Timberwolves freshman Adam Pahl is making that leap, and looking more at home every time he puts on the UNBC jersey.

“The pace of pay and the physicality. I am playing a lot of older, bigger guys, but with each week of practice and games, I am feeling more and more comfortable. I don’t look too out of place on defense, and offensively, I have been getting more spots and definitely feeling more skilled. Coach Todd is really dedicated to getting in the gym with us and helping us work on our skills.”


Pahl was a prized recruit for Timberwolves coach Todd Jordan, coming out of Foothills Composite in Okotoks, Alberta. He credits the 18-year-old for his work-ethic and willingness to improve his level of play.

“Playing the position he plays, he has been working to get used to the physicality, and he has been getting better every week. He is a great kid. He brings length to our team, has good scoring touch, and we are really happy to have him on the roster.”


Pahl averaged more than twenty points per game in his Grade 11 and Grade 12 seasons, and trained with Genesis Basketball. He was highly-sought after by a number of Canada West schools, and has seen playing time in every game of the Timberwolves season in his first campaign.

“I feel very fortunate to be at this level, never mind a rookie who actually gets minutes. I know a lot of guys don’t get that opportunity. But I want to be looked at less like a rookie, and more of a solid, key guy for this team.”


Calm, cool, and collected, Pahl is studying chemistry with the intention of eventually teaching at the highschool level. His maturity allows him to appreciate his chance to learn from his new teammates, including Ukrainian guard Vova Pluzhnikov, who has played professionally in Europe.

“It has been really good for me. They’ve been through it all, so they’re always there to talk to you after the game, letting you know what you did right and what you did wrong. Vova and I have been getting in the gym a lot. He is a high-level shooter, and he has definitely helped me, setting a standard that I should be shooting for.”


The six-foot-six forward hinted at a promising second half to the season during the TWolves’ holiday tournament at Dalhousie University, including a nine-point, six-rebound game against UPEI. With four-and-a-half seasons remaining in his Timberwolves career, Pahl promises to keep working, and keep improving as his role grows for the green and gold.


“They can expect to see a versatile player, who can do a bit of everything, and plays with energy defensively. I feel like I can definitely score in bursts once I get going. It’s definitely exciting, and I keep looking forward to the future.”