The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men’s basketball team will look to build off last season’s success when they begin their season on October 25. The Ridgebacks will travel to Hamilton to play the McMaster Marauders, a team with a long history of success.
Although the Ridgebacks had the programs best season ever last year with a 16-6 record, achieving their first ever playoff berth, second year guard Zubair Seyed made it clear that the team is not satisfied.
In an interview with The Chronicle, Seyed said the main goal is to capture the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship and qualify for nationals.
“I feel like it’s very possible for our team,” he said. With all but one of the team’s players returning this season and a few exciting new recruits coming in, the Ridgebacks are in a prime position to take another step forward this season.
One of the program’s biggest challenges will be replacing Levi Ogbonna, a foundational player for the program. “Levi’s been with us since the inception of the program, so he’s a big loss … but we did recruit heavily this past summer, so we do have a lot of great players coming in that bring their own flavour to the program,” said head coach Deluxshan Pathmanathan.
Key additions include Avedis Karagavour, Joakim Gouamba, Raeshaun Ambris and Azad Chahal, who will all look to contribute to this year’s success.
The Ridgebacks preparation for the season has been rigorous. “We’ve been going since May … training four times a week, with strength, and conditioning three times a week, so it’s been long and gruesome hours,” said Pathmanathan. “I’m actually excited to see the boys play.”
The team’s chemistry will play an important role in the team having another successful year both on and off the court. They have bonded through a multitude of different team building activities, that they believe will translate into stronger performances on the court. “Culture wins,” said Pathmanathan, noting that cohesion off the court will lead to better cohesion on the court.
The Ridgebacks also plan to focus on improving on the defensive side of the court. “We’re going to be one of the longer, athletic teams in the OUA, so we’re putting a large emphasis on defence and rebounding,” Pathmanathan added.
With depth, talent, and a solid team culture, the Ridgebacks are poised for a big season. “Just taking it day by day, brick by brick … we were number three in the OUA last year, and that was our first season playing together,” said Seyed. “It can be a very special year if we keep our minds right and stay locked in.”
It won’t be easy but, an exciting, skilled, and resilient group in the Ridgebacks will look to reach new heights this season.
“Every night is going to be a battle,” said Pathmanathan.