Thunderwolves men's basketball team lands NCAA transfer

THUNDER BAY – The Lakehead Thunderwolves are repatriating one of Canada’s own, hoping to inject a little more athleticism into their lineup this fall.

The Wolves on Thursday announced they’ve signed 6-foot-6 forward Abedngo Lufile, a Burlington, Ont. native who spent the past three seasons playing basketball south of the border.

Lufile played two seasons for Wyoming’s Sheridan College, where he averaged 12.3 points a game in his sophomore season at the junior college.

He transferred last season to East Tennessee State, where he was buried on the bench, averaging just 3.3 games a contest.
Lakehead coach Manny Furtado envisions a much larger role for Lufile in Thunder Bay.

“Abednego Lufile is a  great addition to our team," said Furtado in a release issued by the university’s athletic department.

"His ability to defend 1-through-5, rebound and play multiple spots on offense will help make our team better immediately. From a physical and athleticism perspective, he'll be up there with some of the best in the OUA."

It was a past relationship with Furtado that convinced the 235-pound forward to head back home to Canada.

“"He was a former coach of mine at Blessed Sacrament and I know how much he cares about his players. My family has supported me in this decision and this is the best university for me to pursue my goals. I'm really looking forward to being a part of the Thunderwolves program and playing for coach Manny again."