By Matt Starr, Director of Athletics

The Bulldogs Athletics Department of  JPPS would like to welcome Shawn Taylor as the new head coach for the juvenile boys basketball team for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Shawn brings with him 27 years of basketball experience. Most recently he coached the Dawson College CEGEP Division 2 Men from 2014-2017. He has successfully coached intercity basketball in Laval, Dawson Community AAA and at Red Rush in the South Shore.

“I am looking forward to working with a new group of kids this season and teaching them team concepts, communication and life skills,” he said.

His main goals are to make sure the kids work hard, are determined and put in the effort to grow and get better on and off the court.

We asked Shawn a few questions to get to know him a bit better:

What is your favourite sports brand? ‘‘Nike’’

What is your favourite type of music? ‘‘Old school hip hop’’

Who is your favourite sports reporter? ‘‘Chris Berman’’

Do you have a favourite food? ‘‘Roti’’ (Carribean dish)

Do you play Fortnite? ‘‘NO!’’

What would you do with $150,000? ‘‘Pay off debts and start a youth center’’

Do you have a charity of choice? ‘‘No but from time to time I donate to certain causes’’

Who is your favourite basketball player? ‘‘Damian Lillard’‘ (wants to play with players he has, doesn’t want to pair up with another superstar)

What is your most/least favourite basketball rule? ‘‘14 seconds in the front court is my favourite and the new FIBA travelling rule is my least favourite.’’

What is your favourite part about coaching? ‘‘Making kids better, showing them the game and relating it to life.’’

Shawn resides in Laval with his wife Lara and kids Kashawna, Tristan and Jasmine. Please join me in welcoming Shawn to JPPS-Bialik.