Mentor meets his mentee

After winning the U Sports men’s basketball championship and coach of the year award in his first season as head coach at the University of Victoria, Murphy Burnatowski returned to the Dalplex victorious, leading his team to a decisive 95-64 win over the Tigers.

Before moving to Victoria, Burnatowski spent four years as the lead assistant coach with the Dalhousie University Tigers, learning from head coach Rick Plato.

On his way to coaching at Dalhousie, Burnatowski previously suited up as a player for the Canadian men’s national team. He also spent five years playing in the NCAA before playing professionally in six different countries, including Canada, Poland and Vietnam. 

Burnatowski made his head coaching debut on Feb. 16, 2024, during the Tigers’ final game of the regular season against St. Francis Xavier University. With Plato out for the game following a suspension, Burnatowski and the Tigers beat the X-Men 100-79, setting the stage for their eventual matchup in the Atlantic University Sport championship game. Burnatowski’s efforts were rewarded with a post-game water bottle shower.

Burnatowski learned “everything” about being a coach during his time at Dal.

“Not only did Plato teach me so much about the game, he taught me what it’s like being a U Sports head coach,” Burnatowski says. “In terms of how to run a program, how to manage players and how to make money for a program, it’s so important.

“As much success as we’re having, he’s a massive part of that. I wouldn’t be where I am now without his help and mentorship along the way.”

After winning his second AUS championship, Burnatowski and former Dalhousie Tiger, Sam Maillet, flew across the country to continue their basketball careers at UVic.

Plato was disappointed to see his lead assistant coach go, knowing Burnatowski was an integral part of the program. But he knew it was a difficult move for Burnatowski to make. Plato also needed to find himself a new doctor, as Burnatowski’s wife was his personal medical practitioner. But Plato understood Burnatowski’s decision.

“There’s only like 50 of these jobs in the country,” Plato says. 

Burnatowski wasn’t just joining an average program. 

In 2024, the Vikes won the Canada West title and were ranked the top seed heading into the U Sports men’s basketball championships. After a first round exit to Laval University, Burnatowski was at the helm of a hungry and dangerous squad. The team had a perfect 20-0 regular season record and won the Canada West bronze medal. Diego Maffia, the national player of the year, suffered a season-ending injury, but Sam Maillet, the defensive player of the year and Final 8 MVP, led the team to their first national championship since 1997. 
Coach Plato watched from the sidelines and didn’t expect Burnatowski to win the whole thing in his first year — but he wasn’t surprised. 

“I’m really proud of [Burnatowski], and he’s doing a great job,” Plato said. “Other than when he is playing against us, I want to see him doing really well.”

Dal vs UVic

Plato had a reason for saying that, as two nights before this interview, Burnatowski and the Vikes got the best of the Tigers in a 95-64 win. The second quarter powered the win, with UVic outscoring Dal 33-9 and going on a 15-0 run. The Tigers were outmatched by the Vikes squad, who no longer had Maillet, but still had the experience of a national championship run under their belts. 

Forty-year coaching veteran Plato walked off the court, as two-year coaching prodigy Burnatowski was embraced by Maritime friends and family, with his former players watching from the Dal bench and stands. 

“Other than the fact they kicked our butts,” Plato said, “It was really good.”

It wasn’t the first time the coaches met. Last pre-season, Burnatowski got the best of Dal 88-79 in Calgary. Burnatowski said the Tigers “really gave it to them” last year in one of the closest games UVic played that season. 
This year, Burnatowski said Plato asked the Vikes to come to Halifax.

“I’ll do it every year, if he wants me to come,” Burnatowski said.