Bardi finding his way at Niagara

Suiting up for the Governor Simcoe Redcoats, Rahim Bardi was one of the top graduating high school basketball players from Niagara in the spring of 2018.

But coming off a strong season, the 6-foot-4, 208 pounder knew it wouldn’t be easy stepping into the lineup of the Niagara College Knights.

“It was definitely a big adjustment from high school because in high school I was used to having the ball in my hands more,” the 19-year-old St. Catharines resident said. “But now I have to move without the ball and trust my teammates to find me. It also about confidence because you have to get more confident with your teammates.”

It has been a gradual process.

“You get better every game and I get to know my teammates better and better every game,” Bardi said. “And I trust them more every game.”

Knights head coach Phil Mosley has been happy with Bardi’s progress.

“Coming in from high school, he was a scorer and it took him a while to get used to the speed and the physical nature of the game, but once he did, he started to get some confidence and he has had some really strong games for us,” he said. “He is also starting to work well with some of the guys and finding difference places where he can contribute.

Mosley describes Bardi as a character guy and a pleasant surprise.

“I expected him to be strong and good, but he is one of those players who puts in the work and progresses through the season,” he said. “You can see the progression from the beginning of the year.”

Bardi’s physical presence has played a role in his solid rookie season.

“Part of the reason he was able to come in as a first-year guy and get the minutes he is getting is because of his strength and his body,” Mosley said. “He was able to take the punishment of college basketball.”

Mosley also credits the coaches that came before him.

“He has been coached really well,” he said. “Without the ball, he finds the little spaces to hit and he lets the game come to him. In the jump from high school basketball to college, that is really crucial.”

Bardi feels like he belongs at the college level.

“There are definitely games and practices you have that you realize you are adjusting really well and finding your role,” he said.

Finding his groove has been his biggest progression this year.

“Coming off that big injury in the summer, I just wanted to work my way back to being a starter or finding a role.”

Playing in the end-of-season all-star game, Bardi broke his left foot and it took a few months before he felt healthy again.

He already knows what he wants to focus on in the off-season.

“I need work more on my ball-handling skills, losing some weight and becoming more fit,” he said. “I just need to work on my game in total.”

The health and fitness student believes he has made a smooth transition into the role of student/athlete.

His biggest surprise at Niagara has been the calibre of college ball.

“Guys in the league are very athletic and coming from high school, I was always that guy,” he said. “It was a big shock.”

Coverage of the Niagara Knights is made possible with the support of the Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation. For more information, please visit www.goknights.ca