Written by Justin Dunk

The roar of the crowd after hitting a big shot. The sound of the whistle in practice. The chatter and laughter in the locker room.
These are all moments that were part of Jay Mott’s daily life for five years. But now, as the he graduates from the Gryphons basketball program, these moments will become memories.
Five years may seem like a long time for some, but for Mott, the past five years of his Gryphons basketball career have flown by.

“[It has happened] so fast,” said Mott. “It seems like yesterday I was in my first year and I thought I had so much time to learn. Where did the time go? Where did the years go?”
Mott played his final game for the Gryphons this past Saturday. The team will not qualify for the playoffs this season and Mott took out his frustration from a tough season against the Brock Badgers.
Mott was on fire, scoring a career high 41 points against the Badgers, shooting a sizzling 9-for-13 from three-point territory, while grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out two assists and adding one block. Mott’s 41 points against the Badgers put him into an elite category, finishing his illustrious career with 1008 points scored.
Mott, the embattled senior, has worked through numerous injuries during his time in Guelph.
“I have had some weird injuries,” he recalled. “I broke my thumb, tore a ligament in my wrist, fractured my femur, and have hurt my ankles. There is a difference between playing hurt and being actually injured. So I feel like if I can get out there and play, then injuries are not going to stop me.”
In Mott’s first year with the Gryphons, he made an instant impact, averaging almost 20 minutes of court time while scoring 6.6 points-per-game, impressive statistics for a first-year player. Also, Mott played well enough to catch the attention of coaches around the league as he was named to the OUA West All-Rookie team for the 2005-06 season.
Being named to the All-Rookie team was a sign that a solid career was in the making for Mott.
“In first year, when I [made the] All-Rookie team, it was a big accomplishment for myself,” he said. “Watching my career progress, I kept working on things year after year and finally, in my fifth year, I started to play really well and it felt like all the hard work finally paid off.”
Mott spoke very highly of Gryphons basketball head coach Chris O’Rourke and the impact he had on his playing career.
“We’re both fiery and really get into the game,” said Mott. “He has worked on helping me maintain my emotions. He was just really focused on making me the best player I can be, and I really thank him for that because I wouldn’t be where I am right now without him.”
Mott has a few career highlights he will not soon forget.
“My first playoff game (against Laurier in 2006) was good. After 22 [regular season] games, it was nice to get that extra game with a crazy crowd, knowing that with one loss, you’re done.”
Another fond memory was Mott’s first trip to Lakehead University.
“We had to win both games to secure a good playoff spot and we did. That was definitely a highlight,” he recalled. “I like everything, every game was always so much fun. I can look back and think of so many [memories].”
Moving forward, Mott wants to try and continue his playing career in Europe.
“I would like to try and play at another level, I just don’t think I am ready to stop playing right now,” he said. “I am going to talk to a couple teams and hopefully it works out for me.”
Mott was quick to thank all the people within the Guelph community that have supported him and the basketball team throughout the five years he spent as a Gryphon.
“I just love Guelph,” he beamed. “Everyone that comes to our games, they’re just so supportive and they have been there for us for years. I just want to say thanks to everyone that has had a part in my life at Guelph. It has made it so enjoyable and I have really loved my five years here.”

Your anonymous comment may be printed in The Ontarion's print publication.