As the three-time defending AUS champions and 2017 U SPORTS bronze medallists, the men’s basketball team is focused on building upon the success of last season. With the graduation of co-captains Ritchie Kanza Mata, Kashrell Lawrence and Jarred Reid, as well as 6’7 post Ryall Stroud, the Tigers will look to some familiar faces to lead a team balanced with experience and youthful enthusiasm. 

Returning for the challenge are AUS championship all-star Sven Stammberger and former AUS rookie of the year, Jordan Aquino-Serjue. They are joined by fourth-year players Adam Karmali and Kevin Duong, and third-year 6’10 forward Sascha Kappos. Returning for their fifth and final seasons are Warren Liang and Ryan Harnett who will be counted on to provide senior leadership and an offensive punch. 

Cedric Sanogo re-joins the line-up for his third year after recovering from shoulder surgery last season. He and Lower Sackville native, Alex Carson, who also returns to the court after missing the last half of his year due to injury, will both have an immediate and significant impact.  

Seven new faces will wear the black and gold for the first time this year including 6’2 guard Jordan Brathwaite (Milton, Ont.) who is a strong, athletic scorer. Keevan Veinot (New Minas, NS), who was one of the top players in Atlantic Canada last year, will look to fill the shoes of Kanza Mata at the point guard position. 

They are joined by 6’7 power forward Tyler Williams (Dallas, TX) and brothers Riley and Conor Foran (Halifax, N.S) who will bring a toughness and grit to the Tigers line-up., Six-foot-five wing, Marley Blommers (Chatham, Ont.) and 6’3 guard, Adam Sellan (Toronto, Ont.) round out the freshman class. 

The Tigers are determined to make the 2017-18 year another banner season and to make their fourth-straight appearance at the Final 8 in March.