During Black History Month, Keyano College Huskies Athletics will be celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of Black student-athletes and staff who have made an impact during their time at Keyano College. Today, the program is recognizing Men's Basketball student-athlete Jonatas 'Jo' Michel.
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In the game of basketball and its statistical collection, points are the most important barometer of success. However, the aspects of rebounding, blocks and steals play a large part in ensuring a team can maximize their performance on the scoreboard.
When it came to Jonatas Michel, who played three years with the Keyano Huskies Men's Basketball team and two years with the Olds College Broncos, he took care of it all.
Over the course of two seasons with the Broncos, Michel established himself as a lead player with their program. In addition to earning an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Bronze Medal in 2014-15, Michel recorded 236 points, 231 rebounds, 48 assists, 43 steals, and 19 blocks.
That effort translated to his time with the Huskies and then some, which began in the 2016-17 campaign. His third season in the ACAC, first with the Huskies, Michel finished second on the team with 357 points, first with 224 rebounds, first with 44 steals, and second with 19 blocks. His 135 field goals were also first on the team.
While the Huskies missed the playoffs in that campaign, Michel was recognized as a member of the ACAC's All-Conference Second team.
Returning to Keyano College for the 2017-18 campaign, Michel kept his play at a high level as the Huskies added more offensive talents to their roster. With 297 points, 178 rebounds, 35 assists, 33 steals, and 16 blocks, Michel aided the Huskies to a fifth place finish in the conference.
The ACAC once again recognized his efforts at the end of the season, naming him to the ACAC All-Conference Second team for the second time in as many years.
In the 2019-20 campaign, Michel returned for his fifth and final season of eligibility, helping the Huskies return to the ACAC podium in Men's Basketball. Playing his fourth full regular season, Michel put up 313 points to be part of a trio of Huskies to surpass 300 points scored in that season.
Rebounds were also in his wheelhouse once again as he had 180 to finish second on the team. He would also add 48 assists, 32 steals, and 18 blocks to once again make his impact felt at each end of the court.
In a fitting send-off, Michel got to end his ACAC career with a win on March 7, 2020 with a 107-96 decision against the NAIT Ooks to earn the Bronze Medal.
While his time in the ACAC was limited to five years, it's going to take time before he's usurped from his spot on the ACAC's All-Time leaderboards.
His 1,203 points ranked in the top 20 upon the conclusion of his career. His 813 rebounds also ranked second all-time while his 545 defensive rebounds leads all.
In blocks, his final figure of 72 ranked fifth all-time while his 152 steals were 13th all-time at the end of his time in the ACAC.
As the Huskies enter the next era of their team after Michel's influence, there are two certainties for the program: There will always be another 12 on the court, but there will only ever be one Jonatas Michel.
Black History Month Spotlight:
February 1: Omeechi Williams, Men's Basketball
February 2: Tyshaine Page, Women's Basketball
February 3: Jonatas Michel, Men's Basketball
