Of all the players to don a UNBC jersey, there has never been a more physically dominant presence than Franco Kouagnia. One of the most popular athletes UNBC has ever had, Kouagnia’s time in green and gold was short but massively impactful, making Timberwolves history along the way. A giant personality in an even bigger frame, Kouagnia left behind a new standard for TWolves basketball at the university level, making him a slam dunk for the Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, the big man transferred to UNBC in 2013 from Coventry University in the United Kingdom, where he played three seasons. Due to eligibility questions because of his experience playing semi-professional in the UK, Kouagnia and TWolves coach Todd Jordan had been in contact throughout 2012, before he made the trip to Canada. When he arrived in the summer of 2013, he brought a tantalizing package of athleticism and power in a 6’7 frame, but was an unfinished project with raw potential.

Throughout his first season at UNBC, where he averaged 13 points per game to go along with 6.2 rebounds per game and 20 blocks, Kouagnia would work every day with long-time UNBC assistant coach Dale Dergousoff, who had experience playing the post position at a National team level.

“I spent a ton of time working with and playing against Franco,” said Dergousoff. “My body will never be the same. He worked hard in the gym and in the weight room, and the results showed by his second year. He became a special player because he was committed to being the best he could be. He was willing to be coached. He had the athleticism and raw ability; he just needed that coaching and time to learn the game here in Canada.”

To say Kouagnia became a special player in year two would be an understatement. He stayed in Prince George over the summer to maximize his potential, and looked like a different player when his Timberwolves teammates returned for training camp in 2014. Colin Plumb was one of the UNBC forwards who had the unenviable task of guarding Kouagnia in training.

“Franco is, still, by far the strongest player I have ever played against. He was able to impact games and shift defences with his presence. He was able to break down the idea that you shouldn’t lift heavy during the season. It was fascinating to see how his game developed. Beyond being a physical force, Franco was able to work towards developing a more refined skill package.”

That 2014-2015 campaign would end up historic for both Kouagnia and the Timberwolves. Competing in a newly formed Pioneer Division in Canada West, the TWolves would set a program record with a 12-8 record, qualifying for the conference playoffs for the first time since making the step up to U SPORTS. The roster was deep and talented, but it was Kouagnia who dictated play at both ends of the floor.

The Cameroonian averaged 16.4 points per game, to go along with 7.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks; all marks that were good for top ten in the conference. Those stats, along with his game-changing impact, earned him a Canada West All-Star nod, making him the first Timberwolf to ever earn the honour at the university level. He was also named team Most Outstanding Player, and earned the UNBC Male Athlete of the Year award.

Jeff Chu played guard for the TWolves that season, and graduated alongside Kouagnia at the conclusion of the year. According to Chu, it was Kouagnia’s commitment that led UNBC to the best season in team history.

“Franco is the most dominant player I’ve ever played with. Of course, his size and strength make him a force, but it’s his will to win and willingness to work at his craft every day that set him apar. He demanded excellence from everyone around him, and he led us by example, putting the work in every single day.”

Despite playing just two seasons in TWolf colours, the dominant big man concluded his UNBC career with his name all over the program’s record book. He sat top spot all-time in the Timberwolves’ Canada West years in points, free throws, and blocks, and top five in rebounds and assists.

“Franco is a big man unlike any other big man I played with. He was an absolute wrestler on the block, a menace under the rim, and a beast in the gym,” said longtime teammate Daniel Stark. “He played big, scored big, rebounded big, and talked big. But anyone that plays with him knows he also laughed big. He had one of the most infectious laughs to ever echo through the T-Wolves locker room. Franco is one of those players that seem like a gift to the program and from then on, every big that follows is compared to his dominance.”

After his incredible UNBC career concluded, Kouagnia played professionally in Europe, with stops in Sweden, France, and Spain.

Just 43 games in a Timberwolf jersey, but an impact and legacy that still resonates in the halls of the University of Northern British Columbia and Northern Sport Centre. The first All-Star on the first playoff team, and a benchmark set for all those that came after could follow. Franco Kouagnia’s TWolf coach Todd Jordan summed it up best, when asked about his star post’s induction into the Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

“You had to see Franco to believe it. He was a dominant presence in our league, with his combination of strength, athleticism, and footwork. He was the first Canada West All-Star in school history and led the team to the first ever Canada West playoff appearance in any sport. That is so important. He made TWolves history, and is extremely deserving of induction into our Wall of Honour.” 

• 2013 - 2014 
• 2014 - 2015

Biography

Career Stats

Points: 613
Points Per Game: 14.7
Rebounds: 290
Rebounds Per Game: 7.0
Assists: 53
Assists Per Game: 1.3
Blocks: 38
Steals: 25
3-Pointers: 1
Free-Throws: 172

Awards

2021 - Timberwolves Wall of Honour
2014 - 2015: UNBC Male Athlete of the Year
2014 - 2015: Canada West Second Team All-Star
2014 - 2015: Most Outstanding Player