Meet the 3 Fil-Canadians of Simon Fraser University

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos born overseas and playing in foreign schools is nothing new. However, what makes this special for David Penney, Elliot Dimaculangan and Hunter Cruz-Dumont is that Simon Fraser University is the only Canadian school playing in the American National Collegiate Athletic Association. 

The SFU teams compete in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) in NCAA Division II. Unfortunately for SFU, their men’s basketball season ended following a 91-83 overtime loss to Alaska Fairbanks. They finished with a 12-13 record for the season. 

Penney top-scored for SFU with 26 points, four assists and two steals. Dimaculangan, a freshman, was held scoreless but chipped in five rebounds and a block shot. Cruz-Dumont, another freshman, was not fielded in by head coach Steve Hanson.

The 6’1” Penney, who was recruited by a UAAP school, is fifth in team scoring with 10.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. 

“David is a tough court general that leads by example,” described Coach Hanson in the SFU website. “He brings tenacity, leadership and a strong work ethic we expect in our student-athletes. He has played excellent competition at Middleburg Academy the past two years and this experience will serve him well in the NCAA and the GNAC."

Dimaculangan normed 5.8 points, 2.6 boards and 1.6 assists. 

As for Elliot, Coach Hanson said of his 6’2” point guard: “Elliot is a pass-first point guard with excellent court vision and a high basketball IQ. He has a great feel for the game and the ability to make his teammates better. He can pass the ball with both hands effectively and is a knock-down shooter in the clutch.”

According to some SFU watchers, it is also possible that by next season, Penney and Dimaculangan could be the first Filipino backcourt playing in the NCAA. 

Dumont’s parents both played basketball for the University of British Columbia. In fact, Hunter’s father, the late John Dumont, suited up for the Pasig-Rizal Pirates in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association under head coach Joel Banal.

Banal noted of Hunter’s father: “He was a tall guard who can defend, get rebounds, pass, and attack the basket.  He was very competitive. I am reminded of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Bobby Jones when I see him and his game. A silent operator too!”

All three Filipino-Canadians are in touch with their Filipino roots and culture. Penney has even been to the Philippines.

Elliot’s parents were both born in the Philippines and later moved to Canada. Elliot played prep ball in Toronto where he was scouted by Coach Steve and recruited for SFU.

David’s mother hails from San Nicolas, Pangasinan, and moved during her early teen years to Canada. It was his mother who introduced her to the game of basketball. 

“Since both of my parents played college ball, they were my coaches at an early age. My dad though was special,” shared Hunter. “As for players I followed and idolized, for me, it was Steve Nash who was at the top of his game when I was growing up and seeing him in the NBA was inspiring.”

As for Dimaculangan, he points to his environment as being a huge influencer in playing basketball. “Being Filipino, basketball is huge. My dad also played and he too coached me when I was younger. As for role models, I like watching Stephen Curry.”

Much like his other SFU teammates, Penney also was influenced by his father.

“He said one time, ‘Yo, you could be good at this.’ And that began my love affair with hoops. And so I began playing in Filipino leagues. And I grew up watching Matthew Wright play.”

All three Fil-Canadians have heard of the basketball scene in the Philippines. As for playing college ball here or even looking at the Philippine Basketball Association. 

“When I went down there (to the Philippines), I got to try out with some teams but by the time any of them had gotten back to me, I made a commitment to SFU,” shared Penney. “Definitely playing there is an option, but let’s look at all the developments.”

“It would be nice to experience playing there since my father did,” said Cruz-Dumont. “I need to further hone my skills and get better. If I am able to do that, then it will increase my chances of playing not only here in Canada, but anywhere.”

“Yes, that would be exciting and fun,” said Dimaculangan. “Right now, I am taking it one day at the time. I am going to use this off-season to get better and help SFU win.”