Ken McKenzie (basketball)

McKenzie played at the high school level at Port Moody Secondary School until the school burned down in 1969, requiring him to transfer to Centennial Secondary School for his senior year.^[2] McKenzie was offered scholarships at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Montana, ultimately deciding to attend the University of Montana.^[2][4][5]

McKenzie was a starter in each of his seasons with the Grizzlies.^[4] In his freshman year, he averaged 12 ppg and 9.5 rebounds per game, earning Big Sky honorable mention recognition.^[4][3][6] He was named the Big Sky MVP twice (1974, 1975), in both of these seasons averaging around 18 ppg and 11 rebounds per game.^[1][3][6] In these two seasons (1974, 1975), McKenzie was also named a First-team Big Sky all-star.^[7][8][9] During his career at Montana, McKenzie averaged a double-double (16.3 ppg, 10.5 rbg).^[3]

The Grizzlies performed well under McKenzie's leadership. In 1974, the Grizzlies finished second overall in the Big Sky Conference.^[7] In 1975, the Grizzlies were the Big Sky champions, resulting in the Grizzlies qualifying for the NCAA tournament (for the first time in Grizzlies' history).^[5][8][10] The Grizzlies reached the Sweet Sixteen and played top-ranked UCLA, who had future NBA players Marques Johnson and Richard Washington and were coached by the legendary coach John Wooden.^[1][5][10] The Grizzlies ultimately lost by three points (67–64), led by McKenzie's 20 points and 10 rebounds.^[5][9][10] UCLA went to win the NCAA tournament that year, which was UCLA's 10th championship in 12 years.^[2][5][9][6]

McKenzie represented Canada on their national team from 1972 to 1976.^[1][2] This included representing Canada at the 1973 World Student Games and the 1974 FIBA World Championship.^[4][11][12] McKenzie was also selected to Canada's 1976 Olympic team; however, McKenzie suffered a severe knee injury in an exhibition game against the USA days before said Olympics, precluding him from competing.^[2][13]

McKenzie performed well in international tournaments. In the 1974 FIBA World Cup, McKenzie was Canada's third overall scorer with 11.9 ppg.^[11][14][15] He had notable performances against the US, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 18 points;^[11][15][16] against Yugoslavia, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 25 points;^[11][15][17] against Puerto Rico, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 14 points;^[11][15][18] and against the Soviet Union, where he was Canada's second-leading scorer with 9 points.^[11][15][19]

McKenzie was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1975 NBA Draft in the 8th round and as the 138th overall pick.^[6][20][21] McKenzie decided to maintain his amateur status for the 1976 Olympics and instead played a year professionally in France in the 1975–1976 season.^[2]