Mohawk College former coach and athletes included in OCAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) announced earlier this month the Hall of Fame Class of 2025, featuring three standout Mohawk Mountaineers. Former Mohawk men's basketball head coach Brian Jonker, along with former student-athletes Aminu Bello and Manny Campbell, will be inducted into the prestigious hall.
Jonker, who coached both Bello and Campbell, sees his former players join him in this special induction year, marking a unique milestone for the Mountaineer program.
Jonker's 18-year tenure at the helm of the Mohawk men's basketball program culminated in 17 seasons of excellence. He announced his retirement after the 2022-23 season, having led the program to 312 total victories, including a record 180 regular season wins—a mark unmatched by any other Mohawk sport. Under Jonker's leadership, the Mountaineers claimed two OCAA Championships, earned five conference medals, and made three appearances at the CCAA National Championship, securing a national title in 2011-12. He was also named OCAA West Division Coach of the Year twice.
Bello, widely regarded as one of the most talented and decorated players in Mohawk men's basketball history, played for the Mountaineers from 2010 to 2012. His contributions to the 2011-12 OCAA and CCAA Championship-winning team were pivotal. That season, he earned CCAA All-Canadian honors, was named Player of the Game in the national championship gold medal match, and was selected as both the OCAA and CCAA Male Athlete of the Year. He also received OCAA All-Academic honors and was recognized as a CCAA Academic All-Canadian. Bello was a two-time OCAA First Team League All-Star.
Campbell, who played for Mohawk from 2011 to 2013, amassed an impressive collection of accolades during his time with the team. In addition to being part of the 2011-12 OCAA and CCAA championship teams, Campbell helped guide the Mountaineers to an OCAA silver medal in 2012-13. His individual achievements included being named a CCAA First Team Championship All-Star, OCAA Second Team League All-Star, and OCAA Championship MVP in his first season. In 2012-13, he was honored as a CCAA All-Canadian, OCAA West Division Player of the Year, and an OCAA First Team League All-Star.
Jonker, Bello, and Campbell will be honored along with 29 other new members during the 10th OCAA Hall of Fame ceremony, which will take place at the Pan Pacific Toronto on May 5, 2025.
Founded in 2003, the OCAA Hall of Fame will expand to 484 members following this year's induction.