Ken Hilborn played his final quarter last Saturday, but the Blues forward, who graduates this year, will be remembered for years to come. With a career average of almost 15 points and six rebounds a game, Hilborn’s towering frame was known to hit shots consistently from all over the floor. For the past two seasons, he was an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East second team all-star. This well-built 6’7 giant-of-a-man is also the tallest on the team-by an inch.
Impressive stats indeed.
He also has Tourette’s Syndrome – a neurological disorder that causes his muscles to periodically spasm uncontrollably. The star of the men’s basketball team has to concentrate extra hard to keep the twitches in check, an effort that frustrates and prevents some from playing competitive sports altogether. But the effort has certainly paid off for Hilborn, who boasts a record that is formidable in its own right.
He hails from Coquitlam, a growing city on B.C.’s west coast, where he played basketball for Port Moody High School. He decided to come thousands of miles across the country to attend U of T and to play basketball for the Blues.
“I chose U of T because when I came out for a visit I had a great time in the city. Also, I have some family that lives close by in Burlington.”
Hilborn majors in criminology and sociology, and has the future in his sights.
“Going on in basketball is a possibility, but I have so many other things I want to do in my life. I believe I’m the only sociology/criminology major on the team,” he adds. “I’m hoping to enter a career in either the police department or fire department.”
On the court, a casual observer watching the Blues play would never notice anything unusual or different about Ken, save maybe his size. When asked if it makes playing basketball any harder, Hilborn quickly says, “I don’t think so. If you are not concentrating, something might happen you don’t notice; but no, for the most part.”
“I don’t feel that [Tourette’s] makes me work harder,” continues Hilborn. “I have always worked hard at basketball and I’m in pretty damn good shape.”
Tourette’s Syndrome is only a small part of Ken Hilborn’s identity. He is a student, an athlete, and would much rather be remembered for his personality and talents than let Tourette’s define him.
“I definitely want to be remembered for basketball. It’s my accomplishments, man,” comments the star forward. “People will just remember me for who I am.”
Hilborn was a major contributor in the Blues’ first-round playoff victory over Queen’s on February 19. He scored 15 points and added seven rebounds in the game and was the highest scorer on either squad. This performance was one of the most memorable in his career:
“I really don’t have a specific career highlight off the top of my head, but winning the playoff game last weekend was very special.”
Unfortunately, the team’s game against Carleton this past Saturday was less special. The Ravens spanked the Blues 85-49, ending this season, and the productive university basketball career of Ken Hilborn.
The Blues will miss having him in their court.
