OCAA Rookie of the Year Joseph Buckley commits to Acadia Axemen basketball

The Acadia Axemen basketball program has added one of the top young guards in Ontario with the commitment of Oshawa native Joseph Buckley for the upcoming Atlantic University Sport season.

Buckley, a 6'4 combo guard, joins the Axemen after a standout rookie campaign with Niagara College, where he emerged as one of the top players in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

Buckley was named the OCAA Rookie of the Year after starting all 18 games for the Knights. He averaged 17.6 points per game while logging 31.1 minutes per contest, playing a key role in the team’s lineup throughout the season.

A consistent scoring threat, Buckley shot 39.2 per cent from three-point range and 86.0 per cent from the free-throw line. He also contributed defensively, recording 36 steals over the course of the season.

His performance earned him multiple honours, including West Division Rookie of the Year, a spot on the West Division second all-star team, and recognition on the division’s all-rookie team.

Buckley said the opportunity to join Acadia is an exciting next step in his development.

“I’m excited about the growth I believe Acadia can offer me, and what I can bring to Acadia,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to being around teammates who share the same mindset of reaching greater heights.”

Buckley’s size, scoring ability and experience at the collegiate level add another dimension to the Axemen backcourt as the program continues to build toward the 2026 season.