Written by Thomas Scott
For the first time since the 2017-18 season, the Dalhousie University Tigers men’s basketball team lost in the AUS playoffs. The Tigers defeat to the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers in the semi-final left a bitter taste of losing, which many team members had not experienced in the AUS.
“It definitely motivated everybody to work even harder, so it doesn't end that way again,” says six-foot-seven guard Sam Maillet.
This season, the belief is high. Last season’s leading scorer for the Tigers, Nginyu Ngala, believes Dal is a top-five team in the nation.
“All we got to do now is prove it and show it,” says the management major who averaged 17.5 points per game last season. “We're young, and we're quick. I really believe this team is special."
Ngala finished seventh in scoring and 3-pointers made in the AUS last season.
The next step for Ngala, a 2022-23 first-team AUS all-star, is becoming an All-Canadian talent, says Plato.
“I told him we didn't win anything last year. We got work to do."
The team did not have its complete starting lineup until the final two games of the season. In Plato’s long coaching career, he’s never seen a team be so unlucky with injuries. Despite the injuries, the Tigers finished third in the AUS with a 12-8 record.
“I think we're a lot deeper than people realize,” says third-year guard Malcolm Christie, who scored 44 points with 9 3-pointers against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves in an exhibition on October 14. “The ultimate goal is to come out on top; you want to win your conference. That's the standard we will hold each other to.”
Christie had a breakout season last year. The six-foot-five commerce major increased his scoring average by 8.5 points and made the most 3-pointers on the greatest percentage in the conference. There is still room for growth for the Fredericton, New Brunswick native, who has been working on his dribbling this past summer.
“I'd like to be more consistent. I'd like to help us achieve more than last year,” says Christie.
Maillet had a variety of responsibilities last season as one of the primary ball handlers and defending the best player on the opposing team. The sustainability major will have more opportunities to play off the ball, keeping Maillet fresh with more scoring chances.
“It's my job to put him in a situation where he can get some easy baskets early and build a little confidence,” says Plato.
Maillet has grown into a leadership role in his fourth year. With eight freshmen joining the squad, the 2021-22 AUS Defensive Player of the Year will help set the tone with his leadership.
“I take a lot of pride in leadership and the values that I have when helping lead a team,” says Maillet.
The Tigers open the season at Dalplex against the Cape Breton University Capers on Friday, October 27, at 8pm.