Salissou Abdoulkader has a new perspective on life.

It's also one that he has worked very hard at achieving - and credits his basketball coach, teammates and friends for being there for him when times were tough.

Born in Niger, a country in Africa, the 22-year-old came to Canada at the age of 11. His mother died when he was five.

He's been living with his older brother, Jabourou, and trying to make ends meet while studying at George Brown College. Abdoulkader is studying Hotel Management and, if things go his way, hopes to graduate this summer.

One day, he not only wants to work in a hotel - but own it.

"Been in so many hotels while travelling because of sports, that I am fascinated by the operation, the people, the service and it's something that interests me," said the graduate of Toronto's Etienne Brule Secondary School.

That's also where he was basketball team MVP for three years, and now the 6-foot-4 forward with the Huskies is hoping he can combine work in the hotel industry with playing basketball in Europe.

"Never know what the future brings, but one thing is for certain - I will be working hard to reach my goal," he said.

On the hardwood, Abdoulkader just might be playing some of his best basketball - although he believes the best is yet to come.

Huskies head coach Jonathan Smith points to confidence.

"He's changed his demeanour and has become a team leader," praised Smith. "He made mistakes, but a sign of success is learning from that and improving. He's doing that and it affects everything in life."

Abdoulkader may have had a rough start this year, but being more focussed and sensitive has improved his over-all confidence.

At the recent 35th George Brown College tournament, Abdoulkader was not only an all-star - but was solid on offence and defence in three pressure games during a 48-hour span. In a quarterfinal nail-biter, he had a game-high 32 points and 10 rebounds in the Huskies 89-88 OT win. In the semi-final, another gut-wrenching win - this time 67-65 over Dawson College of Montreal - Abdoulkader had 13 points, but his brilliance in the defensive game overshadowed the points on the game sheet. And in the final, an 80-68 loss to the defending Canadian Colleges Athletic Association champs from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Abdoulkader poured in 24 points.

"Feeling good about things, much better than before, but I can play better and there's more to come," said Abdoulkader. "The challenge is to stay committed, focussed and remain confident in everything."

Source: George Brown College

Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic