MBB: Victoria tops preseason poll
The 2023-24 CW basketball season tips-off Thursday
After going back-to-back last season, the University of Victoria Vikes will once again enter as the favourites when the 2023-24 Canada West basketball season tips off on Thursday.
The Vikes received 14 first place votes in the preseason coaches poll and will be looking for a rare three-peat, a feat that hasn't been accomplished in CW men's basketball for over 38 years. They'll once again be led by Diego Maffia, the reigning CW Player of the Year who led the nation with 24.9 points per game. The hometown Victoria product will look to continue his domination as he enters his fourth year, and is also coming off an impressive debut season with the CEBL's Vancouver Bandits.
Looking to halt the Vikes' reign will be west coast rival UBC, who placed second in the poll and received two first place votes. The T-Birds will field a well-rounded roster led by fifth-year forward Brian Wallack, who is coming off a season where he averaged 18.8 points per game.
The two Manitoba based programs took third and fourth in the poll, with the Winnipeg Wesmen landing third and the Manitoba Bisons placing fourth. The Bisons also received a first place vote.
The Wesmen will look to build off last year's conference final and U SPORTS final eight appearance, led by fourth-year guard Shawn Maranan. The local product averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 assists per game last season while leading Winnipeg to a 15-5 record and a memorable semifinal win over rival Manitoba.
Across town, the Bisons will look to reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year and All-Canadian Simon Hildebrandt to push them toward a conference championship. The 6'9 home grown Winnipeg product led the Herd to an 18-2 regular season record in 2022-23, and is coming off a successful summer of pro basketball with the CEBL's Winnipeg Sea Bears.
Bisons to host CW Men's Basketball Championships All roads lead to Winnipeg as the Manitoba Bisons are set to host the 2024 Canada West Men's Basketball Championship from Feb. 21 to 25. The postseason tournament moves to a single site this year, hosted inside the Investors Group Athletic Centre.
View the complete 2023-24 Men's Basketball schedule here.
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2023-24 CW MBB PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Victoria Vikes - 254 (14)
- UBC Thunderbirds - 232 (2)
- Winnipeg Wesmen - 213
- Manitoba Bisons - 211 (1)
- Alberta Golden Bears - 205
- Calgary Dinos - 190
- Trinity Western Spartans - 157
- Regina Cougars - 138
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 120
- Brandon Bobcats - 108
- Fraser Valley Cascades - 107
- Mount Royal Cougars - 102
- Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 90
- Lethbridge Pronghorns - 78
- UNBC Timberwolves - 47
- UBCO Heat - 44
- MacEwan Griffins - 16
NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-16. First-place votes worth 16 points, second-place worth 15 points, etc.
Team by Team Preview
1. Victoria Vikes
Key Performer: Diego Maffia
2023 Canada West Player of the Year Diego Maffia returns to lead the Vikes for the 2023-24 season. Maffia led all players in the nation with a 24.9 points per game average, and also set the 2022-23 game-high for points scored in a single Canada West game with 42. Maffia played in every game for the Vikes in 2022-23, averaging 33 minutes on the floor.
2. UBC Thunderbirds
Key Performer: Brian Wallack
Brian is the team captain and leader on-and-off the floor. Over the summer he had the opportunity to a part of the CEBL Vancouver Bandits. An Academic All-Canadian, he is a very physical presence on the floor.
3. Winnipeg Wesmen
Key Performer: Shawn Maranan
The versatile point guard may see a changing role in the Wesmen backcourt as the team finds ways to utilize a wealth of talent that includes all-star calibre players in Alberto Gordo and Mikhail Mikhailov. Still, Maranan is the veteran presence who was tremendous in 2022-23 in helping the Wesmen make the U SPORTS Final 8.
4. Manitoba Bisons
Key Performer: Simon Hildebrandt
Reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year and All-Canadian Simon Hildebrandt returns to the Herd after playing a full summer of pro basketball with the CEBL's Winnipeg Sea Bears, where he was the team's first-ever selection, and the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.
The 6'9" forward thrives in head coach Kirby Schepp's system, where players one through five are asked to play full court defence, pass and bring the ball up at times.
Because of his size, shooting ability and overall skill, Hildebrandt is a matchup nightmare and he will look to build upon a record-breaking rookie year where he shattered the program record for consecutive free throws made in a game without a miss (14, first and 13, second) while scoring in double figures on 16 different occasions.
From the coach: “We return several key players from last year 18-2 team so there is an excitement coming into the season. The team is still mostly younger players so the key will the continued maturation of All Canadian Simon Hildebrandt, CW All Star Mason Kraus and a young core of players stepping into larger roles this year.” - Kirby Schepp
5. Alberta Golden Bears
Key Performer: Adam Paige
After a disappointing end to the 2022/23 season, the Bears are running it back looking for a deeper playoff run in 23/24. Alberta boasts a roster consisting of three fifth-year starters, including stretch-forward Adam Paige. The Surrey, BC product led the Bears in scoring last season, finishing among the leaders in three-point shooting and rebounds in Canada West.
With a young group of forwards behind him on the depth chart, Paige will be asked to carry a heavy load in his fifth and final season with the Bears.
6. Calgary Dinos
Key Performer: Noah Wharton
Noah Wharton is the proven leader of a very talented Dinos roster heading into the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot guard from Brampton, ON can score in a variety of ways and will be leaned upon for his expertise as Calgary enters the season with high expectations.
7. Trinity Western Spartans
Key Performer: Connor Platz
Connor has a unique combination of size and skill that cause opposing teams issues on both ends of the court. He will be stepping into bigger role on the team offensively and has worked hard this off-season to take another step after a great sophomore season.
8. Regina Cougars
Key Performer: Matt Barnard
Entering his final season with the Cougars, Matt Barnard leads the team's returning crop of players in all major statistical categories. Barnard has been an integral part of the Cougars since his first year of U SPORTS eligibility in 2018-19, averaging well in excess of 20 minutes played per game in his 75 career Canada West contests. With several key contributors gone from last year's Cougar squad, look for Barnard to be among those seeing a larger role on the floor this season.
9. Saskatchewan Huskies
Key Performer: Alexander Dewar
"Alex is the person who makes our team go, both on and off the floor. His ability to constantly put pressure on the opposing defense gives the rest of his teammates the space they need to be successful." - Head Coach Jamie Campbell
From the coach: "We are mix of older and younger players, looking to build on the promise shown near the end of last season. We are hoping with the addition of some of our recruits and a healthier season we will have more success. Our teams defense will be the key to that success and hope that it will help us to be a tough team to play against nightly.” - Jamie Campbell
10. Brandon Bobcats
Key Performer: Jahmaal Gardner
After graduating last year, Gardner is returning for his fifth and final year of eligibility. After helping the Bobcats to a 12-8 regular season record (sixth in the Canada West conference standings) and a triple overtime defeat at the hands of the Winnipeg Wesmen in the playoffs, Gardner is looking to take the Bobcats at least one step further in his last season.
From the coach: "We return 11 players from a group that went 12-8, and one of the highest scoring teams in the country. We will need to continue to build on our up-tempo style of play, and be better defensively to have success in a very competitive CW conference." - Gil Cheung
11. Fraser Valley Cascades
Key Performer: Dylan Kinley
Heading into his final year of eligibility, Dylan Kinley will once again be looked upon as the engine for the cascades' offence. Kinley has the ability to be a difference maker on the floor for a team that finished 12th in points per game last season. A deadly shooter from beyond the arc, with the ability to drive to the rim, the Cascades will be hoping for a good start to the season from their only 5th year.
12. Mount Royal Cougars
Key Performer: Keivonte Watts
Keivonte Watts enters his second season with the Cougars after putting up an impressive offensive performance in 2022-23. He scored 20+ points in eight regular season games and had a campaign-best 35 points in the Cougars' play-in game against UBC. Watts and fellow guard Holt Tomie have formed one of the most feared backcourts in Canada West and will once again lead MRU's men's basketball team.
13. Thompson Rivers WolfPack
Key Performer: Asher Mayan
An impact player on both ends of the court, Asher Mayan is poised to continue his upwards trajectory with the WolfPack as he enters his fourth year of eligibility. The product of Langley, BC has the ability to finish both from distance and by driving to the rim and is a leader on and off the court for TRU.
From the coach: “Defensive keys will be defensive rebounding, and bringing a tough, gritty, physical defensive mindset each possession. Offensive keys will be to share the basketball, limit turnovers, and 3-PT shooting.”- Chad Jacobson
14. Lethbridge Pronghorns
Key Performer: Kymani Pollard
Kymani Pollard wants the ball for Horns men's basketball. A dynamic scorer, Pollard averaged 14.3 points per game for the Pronghorns. Along with getting to the hoop, Pollard is a creator for the team, averaging 3.6 assists per game.
15. UNBC Timberwolves
Key Performer: Darren Hunter
Darren Hunter heads into his third Canada West season as the fiery leader of a Timberwolves roster with half the players being new to the program. Incredibly strong for his size, the Edmonton product will be asked to contribute at both ends of the court while providing his signature speed and shot-making to the green and gold. With the offence likely to be provided by committee, Hunter will be crucial to Todd Jordan's program as they look to climb the Canada West standings.
From the coach: "We are excited about the upcoming season. Our team will need to score by committee and I anticipate we will have some fairly balanced scoring averages across our top 4-5 players. Spencer Ledoux should take on a major role for us as a scoring presence in the post. 2nd year players Justin Sunge, Evegeni Baukin and 3rd year player Darren hunter maturing into larger roles will have a big impact on our success this season. Import Forward Josh Gillespie will also have an impact role for us as a rebounder and scorer. The development of our youth off the bench (Will Keyes, Patrick Freeman, Drew Williams) as the season progresses will be a big key to finding success as the season progresses.” - Todd Jordan
16. UBCO Heat
Key Performer: Jalen Shirley
Entering his 3rd season with the Heat, Shirley is set to takeover the offensive mantle for the Heat in 2023-24. The dynamic guard has the ability to score both in the paint and from three, while creating for his teammates as he led the team in assists a season ago. Shirley can also impact the game on the defensive side of the ball as he has 51 steals in his first two seasons, ranking him 7th all-time in team history.
From the coach: “We graduated four players last year. Our returning core is solid but largely inexperienced. We added a couple of key college players and a transfer and are hoping to punch above our weight this season.” - Clayton Pottinger
17. MacEwan Griffins
Key Performer: Matthew Osunde
MacEwan's offence runs through the electric point guard, who not only led the team in points last season, he also topped the Griffins in minutes, assists, rebounds, steals, free throws and three-pointers, all while being an important defender, as well.
Now in his third Canada West season, Osunde is primed to be one of the best players in the conference as the Griffins aim to get back to the playoffs.