CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – UPEI Panthers fans will be doing a double take when they get their first look at their men’s basketball team this season.
Nudy and Judy Georges are identical twin brothers from Montreal who have joined the squad and are looking to make an immediate impact on the rebuilding program.
“We’ve always played on the same team. I kind of know what he’s going to do,” Nudy said prior to a recent practice. “If I grab a board, I know he’s going to be running, so I know where to pass the ball.”
That unique intuition the twins have has helped the six-foot-three guards become known across the country.
The Georges twins played three seasons at Dawson College and were looking for opportunities to play at the next level, either in Canada or the United States. One thing was clear: they came as a package deal.
“Even my mom didn't want us to separate,” Nudy said. “Everyone knew we were going to stay together.”
“We know each other’s game, so being able to play together makes us better,” added Judy.
UPEI head coach Darrell Glenn said assistant coach Rami Arabi first saw the twins play in July 2017 and “was blown away by their athleticism”.
The coaches kept in touch with them and went to see them play a couple of times in person. The twins visited the campus in April and committed in August.
“They really loved the Island, and the rest is kind of history,” Glenn said.
He is excited by the potential the players bring both on and off the court. He said they’re good players but also humble kids willing to work hard and be part of everything the team is doing.
“What they bring to the table for us is explosiveness and their athleticism both on the offensive and defensive end,” Glenn said. “Our primary concern was our inability to contain the ball last year and we feel they really help us do that.”
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The 20-year-old twins are coming to Charlottetown with three years of Cegep experience at Dawson but retain five years of U Sports eligibility.
“We’re the freshmen here, but we’re like older than second-year players,” said Judy, who is 15 minutes older than Nudy. “It helped us become more prepared for this next level.”
The Georges are both studying business.
Need to know
A look at two of the UPEI Panthers men’s basketball team’s recent recruits.
Who – Identical twins Judy and Nudy Georges. Judy is 15 minutes older.
Hometown – Montreal.
Position – The coaching staff sees the twins being versatile enough to play any of the one, two or three positions and even see some time at the four because of their strength.
Coach Darrell Glenn: “They’re going to be able play in a wide variety of positions within our scheme (and) what we’re trying to do. They’re a really nice fit. To have two of them is really a blessing.”
Judy said: “It was a long journey. We had to consider a lot of offers, but in the end, we thought this was the best one.”
