Bemidji State’s Dhel Duncan-Busby has taken a unique journey from being a Canadian basketball star to becoming a key player in college football. Born and raised in Toronto, Duncan-Busby had always focused on basketball and even had the opportunity to train with top Canadian prospects like R.J. Barrett, who now plays for the New York Knicks. However, life had a different path in store for him when he transferred to Madison, Ohio for high school.
Once in the United States, Duncan-Busby caught the attention of the football coach at his new school. Despite his basketball background, the coach saw potential in him on the gridiron and recruited him to join the team. Duncan-Busby faced some setbacks, including a season-ending injury in his junior year that required surgery. However, he persevered and entered his senior year ready to make his mark.
Today, Duncan-Busby is the leading returning receiver for Bemidji State and is expected to step into the role of the team’s number one receiver after Brendan Beaulieu’s departure. Beaulieu set numerous records for the university’s wide receivers during his six-year career and even earned a brief training-camp stint with the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Duncan-Busby’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He was named to the All-NSIC North First Team in 2022, and there is much anticipation for what he will bring to the field this season. Last year, he had an impressive 48 receptions for 870 yards and eight touchdowns. Throughout his career at Bemidji State, he has caught 122 passes for 2,014 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Aside from his on-field performance, Duncan-Busby has also grown into a leader both on the team and within the wider football program. His wide receivers coach, Jordan Hein, recognizes the growth he has witnessed in Duncan-Busby’s maturity and character over the years. Hein emphasizes that Duncan-Busby’s role as a leader is just as important as his performance on the field.
As he looks ahead to the 2023 season, Duncan-Busby aims to embody the qualities that made Beaulieu a successful leader. While he may not be the most vocal person, he plans to lead by example and guide the younger players on what it means to play college football. Duncan-Busby’s teammates have already come to rely on his advice and look up to him, not just in football matters but in other aspects of life as well.
With a deep wide receiver roster this year, Bemidji State expects great things. Duncan-Busby’s evolution into a leader on and off the field, combined with his impressive statistics, make him a player to watch in the upcoming season. As he aims to fill the shoes of the record-breaking Beaulieu, Duncan-Busby understands that success comes from doing the little things correctly and leading by example.
The journey of Dhel Duncan-Busby from a Canadian basketball star to a college football leader is a testament to his adaptability and determination. Bemidji State is fortunate to have him as a key player on their team, and his growth as a leader will surely contribute to the success of the program in the coming season.
