Defending champs counting on depth as their X-factor
By Corey LeBlanc
Does 'X' mark the spot, once again, or will the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) men's basketball championship be in a new home after the 2023-24 regular season?
The story of how the much anticipated campaign will unfold – one expected to be highly competitive – begins later this week.
"We are ready to take on the challenge," STFX X-Men head coach Tyrell Vernon said of his program defending its championship.
After topping the regular season standings – with a 17-3 record – the White and Blue cruised to the program's first AUS banner since 2006 on the strength of blowout victories in the semi-final and final games of the 2023 conference championship tournament.
Describing it as a "new year," Vernon noted that doesn't mean anything has changed, when it comes to "what we accept and what we don't," for a program that garnered the silver medal at last year's U SPORTS national championship tournament.
When asked who will have to lead the way, if the X-Men are to repeat as AUS champions, he said, "I think that it is going to be a more collective effort."
Dondre Reddick (Antigonish, NS) and Deon Ejim (Brampton, ON), conference Second Team All-Stars last season, have returned, along with Gatluak James (Windsor, ON), to a talented roster that – once again – boasts plenty of depth and versatility.
The X-Men head coach said veteran point guard Antoine Vernon (Hamilton, ON) will have to continue to make good reads, while lockdown guard Steven Levnaic (Stoney Creek, ON) will – once again – take on the toughest assignment on the defensive end of the floor.
As for newcomers who will don the White and Blue, Vernon expects Jeremiah Usiosefe (Hamilton, ON) – a 6'5", 210-pound forward from Hamilton – to make a big contribution to the program.
The X-Men have also bolstered their backcourt by adding Marcus Upshaw (Burlington, ON) – a former Acadia Axemen player, who most recently took the floor with Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) – along with "pure freshman" Koat Thomas (Waterloo, ON), who – at 6'6" – brings size and versatility, according to his new head coach.
When the X-Men are playing well, Vernon offered, they are competing every possession, on both ends of the court.
"No matter what the situation, it is about playing hard at all times," he added.
As for going back-to-back, the reigning AUS Coach of the Year noted the importance of staying healthy, while also conjuring "a little bit of luck."
"The talent is there, but it depends on how we come together. But, again, the talent is there – no doubt about it," he said.
Prowling Panthers
After finishing second in the AUS last season, with a 15-5 mark, and then upending the defending conference champion Dalhousie Tigers in a semi-final contest, the UPEI Panthers were handed a lopsided loss by the X-Men in the title game.
Head coach Darrell Glenn says his AUS runners-up from last season have lost some key pieces, but added that this year's squad has plenty of talent.
"I like our guys a lot," he added, while commending "the way they work."
Noting that it will likely "take us a while to gel," Glenn conceded that the Panthers may be a little slow out of the gate.
Senior Kamari Scott (Malton, ON) will be one of the familiar faces expected to help key UPEI's push for conference supremacy.
"He made significant strides last year, and we expect him to have a big season," Glenn said, adding that the 6'3"guard had a great offseason.
The UPEI mentor also anticipates Sam Chisholm (Bridgetown, NS) and Cameron Brown (Scarborough, ON), to be a big contributors.
He added that fifth-year guard Jace Colley (East Preston, NS) – a transfer – will also play a "significant" role.
Another newcomer – fourth-year forward Daniel Gonzalez Longarela (Madrid, Spain) – will provide a boost around the rim.
"He is really, really experienced," Glenn noted.
As for what fans should see, when the Panthers are playing well, the UPEI mentor said, "I hope that we compete really hard, play strong 'D' and take good shots."
When asked about expectations for this season, Glenn offered, "It is always the same – we want to compete for an AUS championship."
Noting that his program has started moving the needle over the past couple of seasons, Glenn stressed the importance of continuing along that path.
"We have high expectations," he said.
Restore the roar
After capturing the AUS banner in seven out of eight seasons in 2022, the Dalhousie Tigers made an earlier than usual exit from the conference playoffs last year, dropping a semi-final decision to the Panthers.
The Black and Gold, who finished third in the regular season last year at 12-8, come into this campaign boasting a roster with eight newcomers and eight returnees, including only one fourth-year player (Samuel Maillet, Moncton NB).
"I love our youth, which creates a great mix with our veteran players," Dal head coach Rick Plato said.
He noted he was pleased with their pre-season, one that has included plenty of competition against strong programs from across U SPORTS.
When it comes to familiar faces, Plato said that junior guard Malcolm Christie (Fredericton, NB) has been playing "really, really well," especially his shooting from three-point range. He topped the 40-point mark a couple of times during the pre-season.
Nginyu Ngala (Montreal, Que.), an AUS first-team all-star last season, is back for his junior campaign, while the aforementioned Maillet and Alex Ruiz (Valencia, Spain) have also shown that they are ready to tackle another competitive conference campaign.
"He has really showed great improvement," Plato said of junior guard Lydell Husbands-Browne (Halifax, NS).
When it comes to new faces, Plato touched on the guard tandem of freshman Andre Reid (Calgary, AB) and junior transfer Gabe Damey (Ypsilanti, MI).
"They are both playing really well," he noted.
Another duo – 6'6" twin brothers Caleb and Riley Stewart (Stevensville, ON) – are fitting in nicely.
Because they are not very big, Plato explained it is going to take a team effort to improve on the defensive glass.
"It continues to be our Achilles heel," he noted.
Also, on the defensive side, the Tigers will have to focus on ball containment.
"We are also going to have to take care of the ball," Plato said, noting that they collected 20 or more turnovers in a couple of pre-season match-ups.
On the offensive side, he added, "We know that we are going to score."
New look Capers
With the loss of program stalwarts, such as former AUS Most Valuable Player Osman 'Ozzy' Omar, Paul Watson and Jason Callaghan, a new-look Cape Breton Capers' roster will be taking the floor this season.
"I love coaching them – we have a great group of guys," head coach Matt Skinn said.
In describing the team, he used a variety of endearing adjectives, including "eager, enthusiastic, energetic and keen."
Although there have been some key departures, some familiar faces to CBU fans have returned from the club that finished fourth last season (9-11), before dropping a conference semi-final game to the rival X-Men – the eventual AUS champions – after ousting the UNB Reds in the quarterfinals.
Tyson Cato (Ajax, ON) and Justus Peuser (Geisenheim, Germany) – who played significant minutes last season – are back, while homegrown product Mitchell Mersereau (Sydney, NS) – is expected to play a more expanded role this season.
"They are going to be the natural leaders of our team," Skinn offered.
Describing him as the "epitome" – on and off the court – of what a student-athlete should be, the CBU mentor said, "Tyson is such a keen player."
As for Peuser, he added, "There is nothing that he can't handle."
When it comes to newcomers, Skinn anticipates veteran guard Shakael Pryce (Pickering, ON) will make an immediate impact.
"We expect him to be a veteran presence and a vocal leader," he said, while noting his high basketball IQ and his ability to shoot and finish.
"Shakael has been a winner at every level," Skinn said of Pryce, who also had a standout stint with St. Clair College, which included an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championship in 2023.
Freshman Tyler Fiaui (Fredericton, NB) – a 6'10" forward – is "going to be great for us," according to Skinn, while first-year Capers Stefan Anisko (Caledonia, ON) and Aaron Cunningham (Orangeville, ON) are also expected to be contributors.
As for what they need to do to compete for a conference crown, the former CBU student-athlete explained – using their depth and athleticism – "We want to wear down teams."
Success there will lead to opportunities in transition; the Capers want to be in the open floor.
"Our confidence is high – we are ready to go," Skinn said.
Seeing Reds
The UNB Reds, who finished fifth last season – at 7-13, are coming off a strong 2023-24 pre-season, which included a tournament victory at the Concordia Classic in Montreal.
Helping lead the way for the Reds will by homegrown product Norm Burry (Grafton, NB), a former AUS Rookie of the Year, who earned a Second Team All-Star nod in the conference last season.
Sophomore guard Marcus Barnes (Kitchener, ON) will be building on a freshman campaign that earned him the 2023 Rookie of the Year Award in the conference.
Guard Reese Zorogole (Halifax, NS) and forward Vegas Evans (Brampton, ON) are also key returnees.
UNB is high on newcomer Javordo Mitchell (Woodbridge, ON), who arrives for his junior season of eligibility.
"Javordo is one of the more athletic big men I've seen at this level," Reds head coach Joe Salerno said of the 6'10" center in a UNB Athletics' press release issued when he signed with the program. "He's extremely mobile for his size and has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors in the AUS."
Ready to fly
The Memorial Sea-Hawks, who garnered the final playoff spot last season – with an 8-12 record, are primed to make a move up the conference standings.
"Things are looking good for us – I feel great about our team," head coach Ian Coultas said.
He noted that they are focused on bettering their finish from last season – a quarterfinal loss to the Dalhousie Tigers.
"We have some really nice new pieces that we expect to make an immediate impact," Coultas added.
They will help offset the roster losses, particularly versatile veteran forward Boris Ristanovic.
"Manny is ready to have a great year," Coultas said of senior Emanuel Ring (St. John's, NL), who garnered a conference First Team All-Star selection last season.
Guard Jodick Moudiandambu (Hamilton, ON), a 2023 All-Rookie Team member, is also back in the fold.
Coultas expects junior guard Flynn Boardman-Raffet (London, England) to be more comfortable in 2023-24, after "taking on a lot of responsibility" last season.
Homegrown forward Nicholas Tuff (St. John's, NL) will also be counted on to make a big contribution.
"They are going to carry us a lot of nights," Coultas offered of that group of returnees.
Newcomers to the roster include Josh Reimer (St. John's, NL), a sophomore guard-forward, who started his varsity career with the Queen's Gaels.
He explained that Reimer's experience with that quality program will not only benefit him, but also his new team.
Coultas also expects 6'11" freshman Josh Francis (Calgary, AB) to play an instrumental role.
The Memorial head coach believes his team, once again, will boast a strong offense.
"It has been our 'D' that has been holding us back over the past couple of seasons," Coultas offered.
He noted that their recruiting class should impact improvement on that end of the court. With an improved 'D' and, of course, staying healthy, he believes the Sea-Hawks will be in the mix for a conference banner.
Describing the AUS as the "toughest it has been in a long, long time," Coultas offered, "It should be an interesting year."
Young pups
Perennial contenders for conference supremacy, the Saint Mary's Huskies ended up in unfamiliar territory at the end of last season – out of the conference playoffs, after finishing seventh with an 8-12 regular season record.
"I am really enjoying coaching this group," veteran head coach Jonah Taussig said of his 2023-24 team.
With a young roster – one made up of mainly first to third-year players, along with only one fifth-year senior – the former All-Canadian guard with Saint Mary's hopes to make a return to the conference post-season in March.
"We have had some ups and downs – we are still trying to figure out each other," he said of the pre-season.
Their development as a team has been hindered by injuries, including ones to the Maroon and White's top two scorers from last season: guards Shae Linton-Brown (Toronto, ON), a Second Team AUS All-Star, and Jayrell Diggs (East Preston, NS).
"They played a big role for us last year, and we expect that to continue," Taussig offered of the dynamic duo.
As for other returnees expected to play "bigger roles" this season, he noted forwards Jackson Enyinna (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) and Jonah Crowther (Dartmouth, NS), along with guard Jonas Maerz (Rosenheim, Germany).
The list of newcomers includes Marc-Denault Gabriel (Montreal, QC), an explosive third-year guard who is coming off winning a CCAA national championship with SAIT.
"He has been having a really good pre-season," Taussig noted.
He is also pleased with the early performance of Tjark Lademacher (Lüneburg, Germany), a 6'7" freshman guard.
Noting that his Huskies are "not very big," Taussig stressed the importance of "playing with pace."
"We need to be fast and hit shots," he said.
And, because they do not have as much individual athleticism as in past seasons, Taussig explained that they will have to "move the ball and create shots for each other."
Agreeing that the AUS, once again, will be highly competitive, the Saint Mary's mentor offered, "We have the pieces to compete, but it is not going to be easy."
He added, "We are not going to rely on one guy; we are going to have success doing things by committee."
Rebuild progresses
In the Annapolis Valley, the Acadia Axemen are in "Year 2 of a program rebuild," according to head coach Mike Leslie.
In the second year, they are shooting for a move from the basement of the conference standings, where they finished in 2023 at 4-16.
"We are focused on being competitive every night, and I believe that we are going to be able to do that this season," Leslie offered.
Nevertheless, that doesn't mean his roster – one with 12 first and second-year student-athletes – won't continue to experience inconsistency, considering their youth at the AUS level.
"It is an evolving group – we are still trying to figure out who we are," Leslie explained.
One of the newcomers to the Acadia line-up – Glen Cox (Scotsburn, NS) – is expected to be a key to helping continue the program's development.
"He has significant experience in the AUS, which is going to benefit us a lot," Leslie said of the junior guard, who started his varsity career with the UPEI Panthers.
Three other new faces – guard Ricky Biyavanga (Brossard, QC), forward Samou Brayan Kone (Thiais, Ile-de-France) and guard Ike Imegwu (Calgary, AB) – "true freshmen" – are expected to contribute, more and more, as their first AUS campaign unfolds.
Leading the returnees is sophomore guard Gabe Davignon (Whites Lake, NS), who garnered a spot on the AUS All-Rookie Team last season, along with junior forward Thomas MacDonald (Rothesay, NB) and sophomore forward Miguel Perez Boskovic (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain).
"They are going to push us," Leslie offered of that trio.
He offered that the "next step" for his Axemen is to move up the standings, becoming part of the group that has a "crack" at the playoffs.
"And, once we get there, hopefully, get can make some noise," Leslie said.
Affectionately calling it the "black and blue" conference," the veteran coach noted, "If you don't come ready to play, anyone can beat you on any given night."
Game on
Leading into a full slate of games over the weekend, the AUS men's basketball regular season will get underway on Thursday, Oct. 26, when the Saint Mary's Huskies host the Acadia Axemen, in an 8 p.m. start, at The Tower in south end Halifax.
You can watch this – and all other AUS games throughout the year – at austv.ca
-30-