University basketball is coming to Sardis secondary school.

No, the players aren't all graduating early. Rather, on Thursday, the school is hosting a university basketball tilt between the University of the Fraser Valley's men's team and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The game is the brainchild of UFV assistant coach Kyle Graves, who is the head coach of Sardis's boys basketball team and a teacher at the school.

Sardis hosted a game last year as well, and Graves hopes the exposure to college basketball will help local ball players make the leap to university competition.

"To be a better basketball player, you have to watch better basketball players," said Graves. "I think Chilliwack basketball as a whole needs to grow."

Graves said he also hopes the game reminds players that there is a local university at which they can play high-level basketball if they're good enough.

"I know most kids don't even realize that there's a full-fledged program 20 minutes away."

While several Chilliwack women play basketball for the school, Graves is the sole local link to the UFV men's team. He would like to see that change though. Ideally every couple years would see another Chilliwack basketball player graduate to CIS level basketball.

"That would be a great thing for our program," said Graves.

In the meantime, though, he's focusing on this week's game.

Graves would like to see a big show of support for the local school.

- The game takes place Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. at Sardis secondary school. There may be a minor admission fee.

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com