McKenzie was a starter in each of his seasons with the Grizzlies.[4] In his freshman year, he averaged 12 ppg and 9.5 rebounds per game, earning Big Sky honorable mention recognition.[4][3][6] He was named the Big Sky MVP twice (1974, 1975), in both of these seasons averaging around 18 ppg and 11 rebounds per game.[1][3][6] In these two seasons (1974, 1975), McKenzie was also named a First-team Big Sky all-star.[7][8][9] During his career at Montana, McKenzie averaged a double-double (16.3 ppg, 10.5 rbg).[3]
The Grizzlies performed well under McKenzie's leadership. In 1974, the Grizzlies finished second overall in the Big Sky Conference.[7] In 1975, the Grizzlies were the Big Sky champions, resulting in the Grizzlies qualifying for the NCAA tournament (for the first time in Grizzlies' history).[5][8][10] The Grizzlies reached the Sweet Sixteen and played top-ranked UCLA, who had future NBA players Marques Johnson and Richard Washington and were coached by the legendary coach John Wooden.[1][5][10] The Grizzlies ultimately lost by three points (67-64), led by McKenzie's 20 points and 10 rebounds.[5][9][10] UCLA went to win the NCAA tournament that year, which was UCLA's 10th championship in 12 years.[2][5][9][6]
McKenzie represented Canada on their national team from 1972-1976.[1][2] This included representing Canada at the 1973 World Student Games and the 1974 FIBA World Championship.[4][11][12] McKenzie was also selected to Canada's 1976 Olympic team; however, McKenzie suffered a severe knee injury in an exhibition game against the USA days before said Olympics, precluding him from competing.[2][13]
McKenzie performed well in international tournaments. In the 1974 FIBA World Cup, McKenzie was Canada's third overall scorer with 11.9 ppg.[11][14][15] He had notable performances against the US, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 18 points[11][15][16]; against Yugoslavia, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 25 points[11][15][17]; against Puerto Rico, where he was Canada's leading scorer with 14 points[11][15][18]; and against the Soviet Union, where he was Canada's second-leading scorer with 9 points.[11][15][19]
Professional
McKenzie was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1975 NBA Draft in the 8th round and as the 138th overall pick.[6][20][21] McKenzie decided to maintain his amateur status for the 1976 Olympics and instead played a year professionally in France in the 1975-1976 season.[2]
Post-career recognition
McKenzie was inducted into the BC Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.[1][2] The 1974-1975 University of Montana team of which he was part was inducted into the university's sports hall of fame in 2010.[9]
Personal life
McKenzie was born in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.[3] After the 1976 Olympics and his knee injury, McKenzie returned to Port Coquitlam and, like his father, became a railroad engineer where he worked for 29 years before retiring around 2008.[2] His daughter, Joby McKenzie, was also a successful basketball player and like her father, was inducted into the BC Basketball Hall of Fame (2015).[1]
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