VICTORIA - When Diego Maffia stepped onto the court on Nov. 22 against the University of the Fraser Valley, it wasn't just another game on the calendar. The defending U SPORTS MVP and two-time national scoring leader was ready to cement his place in University of Victoria history, which he did in the second quarter, surpassing Spencer McKay's 33-year-old scoring record of 1,657 points—a record that has stood since 1991.
For Vikes and Maffia fans alike, it's never been a question of if but rather when he would break the decades-old record. From his days as a high school phenom, delivering jaw-dropping performances like his unforgettable 96-point explosion at the Western Canada tournament, the writing has always been on the wall.
In just 82 regular season games, the electrifying guard from Oak Bay High School has not only shattered the Vikes scoring record but has done so in fewer games than any player since Bill Turney Loose set the record with 846 points in 40 games back in 1980.
"It feels incredible having my name among such great players this program has produced and I'm honestly just grateful to be a part of its history. When I first came to UVic this wasn't even in the realm of possibility for me, so to do something like this is a testament to all of the work put in and all of the support from my teammates and coaches because without them this wouldn't have been possible," said Maffia, after securing the title.
Maffia's scoring prowess is as versatile as it is dazzling. He can bury a logo three with a defender in his face, then slice to the hoop with craftiness and poise, finishing over taller, stronger opponents. His ability to score from anywhere on the court has drawn comparisons to Victoria's most famous basketball export, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.
Despite the personal accolades and comparisons, Maffia has never cared much about individual glory. While excited about breaking UVic's all-time scoring record, his focus remains on the Vikes ultimate goal—winning a U SPORTS national championship and putting the cherry on top of what has been a remarkable university career.
"Personally, I hope this record is a small piece of something way bigger that we built at UVic and that I can look back at it and think of the memories I built with such a great group of guys. I also hope this shows young players out there that an undersized guard from a small island in B.C. can accomplish great things at the university level."
While Maffia has undoubtedly shined at the U SPORTS level, UVic men's basketball coach and former professional basketball player Muphy Burnatowski is no stranger to elite global talent and is confident that Maffia is just getting started and will go on to a long and successful career overseas.
"Even though I've only been a part of his prolific basketball career for a short time, Diego is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and this accomplishment definitely shows how hard he's worked to get to this point. I'm super appreciative to be a part of his journey and continue to grow it from here," said Burnatowski.
UVic and UFV meet again Saturday night in UVic's last game before the Christmas break. Other Canada West teams play next weekend but it is UVic's scheduled bye week.
