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Jonas Emilsson

St. Mary’s senior Brett Pekar carries a mighty big load on his shoulders.

As the Saints’ only true legitimate paint presence, Pekar, a 6’5” forward, is well aware that his team relies on him to do the dirty work under the rim, and he’s more than willing to accept the challenge.

On top of that, he’s the only returning starter from last years’ team.

In this week’s Kram Game of the Week, Pekar did everything that was expected of him to lead the Saints to an 84-80 victory over the Bishop Grandin Ghosts.
Brett Pekar

Pekar scored 25 points, swatted away five shot attempts and was a beast on the boards hauling down double-digit rebounds. Those numbers look mighty similar to an Amare Stoudemire box score.

“I’m the only returning starter so I feel that I have to lead the team a little bit,” said the grade 12 student. “And I’m the only tall kid so I have to rebound and box out and work hard on the boards.”

But doing the dirty work inside the paint isn’t the only asset that Pekar brings to the table come game time. The kid can spot up and hit the open jumper if his defender dares him to, which is something he did regularly against the Ghosts.

“My role is a little bit of both,” said Pekar. “As the big man, no matter what, I have to score as well.”

It’s thanks to his tremendous athletic abilities that Pekar is able to unleash his all-around game. That athleticism was on full display during the Higher Hoops tournament, where according to his coach, Earl Amankwah, Pekar threw down at least six dunks through three games.

That athleticism also runs in the Pekar family. Brett has two sisters currently playing ball in the ACAC and his father played for the University of Calgary back in the day.

It’s also his keen sense for the game of basketball that allows Pekar to use his athleticism to its fullest. In other words, his coaches know that once the ball is in his hands he’ll more than likely make the right decision.
Brett Pekar

And when a player with that toolset is also one of the hardest workers on the court, the sky is the limit.

“Brett has a great basketball IQ,” says Amankwah. “He plays a lot of minutes but he’s always going hard. He’s our tallest guy but he can also get out on the perimeter and shoot when he has to.”

KRAM 5 with Brett Pekar
What is your Favorite NBA team? Phoenix Suns
If you could play ball for any college, which one would you choose? North Carolina
What is your favourite pre-game meal? Spaghetti
What is your favourite TV show? Two and a Half Men
Who is your favorite NBA player? Steve Nash