MBB: 2025-26 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 23, 2025 – A new season of hoops is set to tip off across Canada West, with 17 teams vying for the Stan Broder Trophy.

For the first time since 2019, the defending conference champions hail from the University of Calgary. The Dinos ended Victoria’s three-year reign last season with a stunning semifinal victory, handing the Vikes their first loss of the year and halting an undefeated campaign.

Calgary carried that momentum into the conference final, defeating UBC to capture the eighth Canada West championship in their program history.

The Vikes, however, completed a full redemption story. The two powerhouses met again in the national final, with Victoria dominating from start to finish to claim their ninth U SPORTS championship—and first since 1997—with a convincing 82–53 victory.

Based on the Canada West coaches poll, both teams will be formidable again as they look to defend their banners. Victoria topped this year's poll with 14 first place votes, while Calgary came in fifth. Manitoba placed second with two first place votes, while their cross-city rival Winnipeg placed third, also receiving a first place vote. UBC came in fourth.

Led by battle-tested veterans with championship pedigree such as Renoldo Robinson, Shadynn Smid, and Ethan Boag, the Vikes will be a formidable opponent once again this season.

"The goal is to compete for a conference and national championship. With a solid veteran returning group and a new young core, we look to improve on the basketball we played last season,” says Vikes head coach Murphy Burnatowski, who was named Canada West Coach of the Year in his debut season.

While the Vikes bring back much of their national championship roster, Calgary enters a season of transition with a younger lineup in a year where they’ll host the U SPORTS Final 8. Replacing team MVP Nate Petrone—who signed professionally with the Artland Dragons in Germany—will be no small task, but a youthful core led by promising guard Daniels Baumanis is expected to rise to the occasion.

"We expect to be competitive by the end of the season for what is at stake. We have a good amount of talent, and a great team culture at this stage of the season," says Dinos head coach Dan Vanhooren. "Our young talent will have to grow up a bit faster than normal and our patience in allowing this process to happen will be important.”

Elsewhere, there's plenty of anticipation at UBC as Phil Jalalpoor takes over the reigns of the Thunderbirds. After a CW silver medal and valuable nationals experience last season, the T-Birds will look to take another step.

“This season marks one of the biggest transitions in program history, with most of our rotation players moving on and a new coaching staff working to reorient the program for the future," says Jalalpoor. "We have a healthy mix of returning veterans eager to prove they can still compete at a high level and a large group of young players ready to step in and contribute right away."

The regular season begins with a full slate of games running Friday through Sunday. The schedule runs through Feb. 7, with playoffs beginning Feb. 13 and the Canada West final scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 27.

All roads lead to Calgary for the 2026 U SPORTS national championships, which will be hosted by the Dinos at the Jack Simpson Gymnasium from March 6 to 8.

Catch every game on Canada West TV

Fans can stream every game on CanadaWest.TV - Powered by BioSteel. This season, purchasing an All-Access pass allows fans to download three games to keep forever. A regular season pass is also available, allowing fans to catch all the action across both men's and women's volleyball for one low price.

For the complete Canada West men’s basketball schedule, click here.

To view CW men's basketball history and records, click here.

2025-26 CW MBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Victoria Vikes

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: The Vikes will look to defend their national title when the 2025-26 season tips off. They will return Renoldo Robinson, Ethan Boag, and Shadynn Smid, key pieces from that championship roster. An experienced roster is also adding Cam Slaymaker, a D-1 transfer who brings his own experience. The Vikes are optimistic they will find success in the CW regular season like they did a year ago in Head Coach Murphy Burnatowski's first season at the helm. The team is confident they can repeat the success of last year with another deep postseason run.

From the coach: The goal is to compete for a conference and national championship. With a solid veterna returning group and a new young core we look to improve on the basketball we played last season.” - Murphy Burnatowski

Key Performer: Renoldo Robinson
​Guard | 4th Year | Montreal, Que.

Renoldo Robinson returns as a first team All Canadian and National Championship All Star from the Vikes' National Championship winning roster a season ago. Robinson was second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.3 points per game, while being the team's main threat from outside the arc.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: Manitoba didn't graduate a single impact player from last year's roster, retaining all ten players that saw meaningful minutes, including all five starters. With multiple impact transfers, and the return of Jonas Kazadi from injury, the Bisons are built to win now, one year after making it to the Canada West bronze medal game.

From the coach: “A small but athletic team that will rely on pressure and quickness as well as returning veteran players. Returning impact players Daren watts, Mason Kraus and Cieran O'Hara will be key players for the Bisons.” - Head Coach Kirby Schepp

Key Performer: Mason Kraus
​Forward | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

The program leader in career regular season steals, Mason Kraus enters his final year of eligibility coming off a notable summer. He spent time playing pro ball with the Winnipeg Sea Bears and also represented Canada at numerous international 3x3 tournaments, returning to the Herd with unfinished business. One of six seniors on Manitoba's roster, Kraus and company were one game away from nationals a season ago, and with a relentless pace on both ends of the floor, and the ability to play positionless, look for another big year from last season's conference all-star and leading score, and the rest of a talented roster.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: Having made nationals in two straight seasons before a narrow loss to UBC last year in the conference quarter-final, the Wesmen hope to reload with a veteran group and a mix of young talent. Donald Stewart, Malachi Alexander, Ryan Luke, Kato Jaro and Elijah Mensah are all veterans with a lot of minutes under their belts with hopes of another memorable playoff run.

From the coach: “We hope to improve week by week and play our best basketball at the most important moments of the season.” - Mike Raimbault

Key Performer: Donald Stewart
​Forward | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

An inside-outside big, Donald Stewart enters his fifth and final season with the Wesmen as one of locker-room and on-court leaders. Stewart plays with grit on the interior while defending opponents' bigs, and stretches the floor as a shooter and post-up threat. If he continues the development arc he's shown over five years, the Wesmen will once again be a treat in the conference.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: The Thunderbirds are in a year of transition, with heavy roster turnover from last season and plenty of new faces to integrate. Having said that, the players they've brought in are talented, and the team as a whole will likely have a balanced approached with multiple guys who can put up big numbers on any given night.

From the coach: “This season marks one of the biggest transitions in program history, with most of our rotation players moving on and a new coaching staff working to reorient the program for the future. We have a healthy mix of returning veterans eager to prove they can still compete at a high level and a large group of young players ready to step in and contribute right away. The focus is on building a strong foundation, developing our identity, and setting the tone for sustained success in the years ahead.” - Phil Jalalpoor

Key Performer: Nikola Guzina
​Forward | 4th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Guzina is a crucial piece for the T-Birds on both ends as their big man in and around the paint. A strong offensive player, he has good hands and a great finishing ability around the basket, shown by him finishing top-five in Canada West in FG% last season.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: It's a brand new look for the Calgary Dinos in 2025-26. The vast majority of players that helped bring home the latest Canada West banner and the U SPORTS silver medal are gone, with 10 talented newcomers set to fill the void. All is far from lost for head coach Dan Vanhooren's squad however, as the Dinos plan to remain right in the thick of things while building to hosting this year's U SPORTS Final 8 in March.

From the coach: ““The Dinos team for 2025-26 is a work in progress. We expect to be competitive by the end of the season for what is at stake. We have a good amount of talent, and a great team culture at this stage of the season. Our young talent will have to grow up a bit faster than normal and our patience in allowing this process to happen will be important.” - Dan Vanhooren

Key Performer: Daniels Baumanis
​Guard | 4th Year | Ikskile, Latvia

After spending two years developing within the Dinos' program, fans will finally get to see what second-year guard Daniels Baumanis fully brings to the table. The 6-foot-4 sharp-shooting guard will be leaned upon early with the significant roster turnover for the Dinos. The spotlight will not be something new for Baumanis, however, as he spent the past summer helping lead his home country of Latvia at the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: First-year head coach Geoff Pippus will benefit from a veteran roster as he takes the reigns of the Golden Bears.

All five starters from 2024/25 return to the Golden Bears, including all but one rotation player. While expectations for a first-year head coach shouldn't be too high, the Golden Bears have the potential to be a surprise contender this season.

From the coach: “We are returning 13 out of 14 players from last year’s team, but with a new head coach are getting used to some different systems and a new voice. The team is led by returning 2nd team all-star Isaac Simon and CW rookie of the year Kyle Varner and fellow all-rookie team member Nash Semeniuk. The team had inconsistent performances last year, and struggled in areas consistent with a young team such as a high number of turnovers. The maturation process of a strong young core and the ability to blend with capable veterans and a new head coach will determine how the team performs throughout the season.” - Geoff Pippus

Key Performer: Isaac Simon
​Guard | 4th Year | Regina, Sask.

Finishing fourth in Canada West in scoring in 2024/25, fourth-year guard Isaac Simon returns to Golden Bears Basketball with big expectations for himself and the program. Simon spent another summer with the Saskatchewan Rattlers of the CEBL, and was named the CEBL Developmental Player Of The Year.

A three-level scorer, Simon will be among the front-runners for Canada West MVP honours in 2025/26.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: Veteran forward Tyus DeVries leads a talented group of newcomers, joined by standout freshman Logan Stewart and JUCO transfers Pearse Long and Rondell Moore, who bring athleticism and toughness to both ends of the floor. Seniors David Mutabazi and Connor Platz return as steady cornerstones, providing leadership and two-way consistency that could see both earn all-star recognition. With added depth, shooting, and balance across the roster, the team’s success will hinge on its collective buy-in and commitment to playing together.

From the coach: “We have two potential All Star players who are very experienced in this league in 6”10 big man Connor Platz and fifth year G/F David Mutabazi, who is coming off a great summer in CEBL and with the Rwanda senior men’s national team. We need these two players to play up to expectations and our supporting cast to be solid. Notable transfers include Pearse Long (US juco), Rondell Moore (US juco), and Tyus DeVries (TRU). Impact freshman Logan Stewart, who had a great summer with the U17 Provincial team, started and helped that team to a silver finish. A few other players who are poised to have really good year and take a big step: Marcus Shankar, Caleb Gremaud and Jack Vandenberg. We have a very fast paced team with a lot of shooting and are excited to see what this team can do and build off from last season’s team.” - Trevor Pridie

Key Performer: Jack Vandenberg
​Guard | 3rd Year | Vancouver, B.C.

With last season’s backcourt graduated, Vandenberg is ready to step into a much bigger role. After showing flashes last year and having some big games against top teams Vandenberg is primed for a breakout season—expect him to be a steady presence at both guard spots with improved scoring and playmaking.

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: After knocking off Lethbridge in the playoffs and falling in the Canada West quarterfinals to Victoria last season, the Cascades are looking to take another run at the postseason in 2025-26. With multiple players looking to step into expanded roles this year, the Cascades will be looking to fight off some preseason injury woes and show once again that they are a team that should be battling in those postseason elimination games come February.

From the coach: “Looking forward to a great season ahead as we have two fifth year mainstays in returning All-Conference forward Dario Lopez and big man Matthias Klim. The emergence of Ismael Hernandez will also be key to our success as we look to make a playoff push and get to a Canada West Final Four (and beyond) for the first time since 2015.” - Joe Enevoldson

Key Performer: Ismael Hernandez
​Forward / Guard | 3rd Year | Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, ESP

Entering his third year, Ismael Hernandez is primed for a step forward for UFV. With injuries hitting the Cascades roster in preseason, Hernandez will look to take a bigger chunk of the team's offence to start the 2025-26 season.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: The 2025-26 season marks the second season with Josh Mullen as head coach of the program, as they continue to transition into their new era. With the departure of high-scoring guard Keivonte Watts, a new core of players will be tasked with carrying the load. The Cougars have hopes of returning to the playoffs and building on last season's 10-10 record.

From the coach: “We have an exciting group of young players. Eight of our 12 players are in their first or second years, with four key vets entering their fourth year of eligibility. In the preseason the team has established an identity as a strong defensive team that likes to play in the open court. The team is looking to build off last season's successes and learn from our failures to continue climbing the standings in the CW.” - Josh Mullen

Key Performer: Sam Barnie
​Forward | 4th Year | Courtenay, B.C.

Returning to Mount Royal for his fourth season, Sam Barnie has been one of the most underrated players on the team during his tenure. Barnie is known to be a threat from beyond the arc but can also put the ball on the ground and use his 6'6" frame to get to the rim. He will be expected to lead the Cougars on and off the court this season.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: Despite losing multiple key players who were instrumental both on and off the court, the Pronghorns enter the season with optimism thanks to several impactful additions. After qualifying for the CW playoffs last season, the team will look to strong team chemistry in pursuit of another playoff berth.

From the coach: “It is always tough losing six players especially when they are big contributors that were also leaders on and off the court. Although, I feel like we have added some key additions and have some players that are returning from injury that fit well together and have great chemistry. The chemistry and desire to win with this group is evident and I feel will have a positive impact with our team having resilience to do well and surprise a lot of teams that may underestimate us.” - Kenny Otieno

Key Performer: Kymani Pollard
​Guard | 5th Year | Gardena, California

Pollard going into his senior year will be the Horns' key performer because of his skillset and experience. Offensively, he has proved to be one of the elite scorers in Canada West when he puts his mind to it. He has improved defensively with his physicality and leadership setting the tone for the Horns backcourt.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: The 2025-26 edition of the Huskies features several key players returning to a team which just missed out on the postseason a year ago thanks to a strong run down the stretch. Now with an exciting mix of veteran student-athletes and plenty of talented incoming players set to join the mix, the program will look to take another step forward in a competitive conference landscape.

From the coach: "We are a young team who is defensively focused. We need Easton Thimm and Emmanuel Bonsu to continue to develop as focal points in our offence. Looking for a lot of our first and second year players to continue to develop into players who can contribute on a nightly basis in Canada West. If those things happen we are excited to see what type of success that we can have on the court." - Jamie Campbell

Key Performer: Easton Thimm
​Forward | 3rd Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

Easton Thimm returns for his third season as the Huskies leading big man after a 2024-25 campaign which saw the local product finish as a top-20 scorer and second in total rebounds. A pivotal piece for the Huskies at both ends of the court, the program will once again be expecting the 2025 CEBL Draft pick to play a significant role both on and off the court as a veteran on a developing Saskatchewan team.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: With 10 new players joining the roster, the Cougars feature a mix of immediate contributors and developing talent for the future. A solid group of returning veterans provides experience and leadership, positioning the team to make a strong push for the playoffs.

From the coach: "We have a new group this year that is working hard and learning about each other. We will have to play a little differently than usual, so hopefully we can be a tough team to play against as the year goes on.” - Steve Burrows

Key Performer: Lodie Kenyi
​Guard | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Lodie is entering his 5th year and is a leader for us. He can score in multiple ways and we are looking forward to his contributions this season.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: With Sultan Haider Bhatti confirming his return for his fifth and final year, the outlook for the Brandon Bobcats dramatically improves. The expectation is set on making the playoffs with veterans like Travis Hamberger, who alongside Bhatti will be key to making a push for the post season.

Key Performer: Sultan Haider Bhatti
​Guard/Forward | 5th Year | Laval, QC

Sultan Haider Bhatti was the cornerstone of the Bobcats program last season, earning both Canada West First Team All-Star and U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian honors. His 2024-25 season placed him in elite company as he was drafted 1st overall in the U-Sports CEBL draft to the Montreal Alliance.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: It will be a new-look WolfPack squad that tries to build on last season's playoff success as head coach Chad Jacobson has brought seven new faces into the fold. A veteran core remains for TRU who will look to gel with the newcomers as the 'Pack aim for back-to-back postseason berths.

Key Performer: Dami Farinloye
​Guard | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Dami Farinloye returns for his second season with the 'Pack after a debut to remember last year. The product of Winnipeg, MB led the team in assists, steals and rebounds while finishing second in points to help TRU pick up their first postseason win since 2017.

UNBC Timberwolves

Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Team Overview: Todd Jordan's club is poised to bounce back in a big way in 2025-26. Two seasons removed from a bronze medal in the Canada West playoffs, the T-Wolves are now hoping that health, depth and a productive summer can help swing them back into the playoff conversation in the Canada West conference. This group has a ton of confidence and belief in itself, and fans can look forward to a competitive and exciting brand of basketball at UNBC this season.

From the coach: “Our team is looking to bounce back after a tough year last season with a large number of injuries that kept key pieces out. The improvement of a large freshman class last season plus the addition of a couple of older transfers should help significantly. Our team success will be largely dependent on the defensive end of the floor, as we have good team size with the ability to be disruptive on the defensive end.” - Todd Jordan

Key Performer: Evgeny Baukin
​Forward | 4th Year | Moscow, Russia

In a season full of injuries to key personnel last season, the one major constant for UNBC was Evgeny Baukin. The electric forward set new career highs offensively despite the main defensive focus for every team UNBC faced. Baukin is a threat to score from anywhere on the floor, and assuming he can stay healthy, he'll be capable of even greater things this season given the influx of added veteran talent and health in 2025-26.

UBC Okanagan Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #16

Team Overview: The Heat will have a number of new faces taking to the court this season as they look to make a return to the Canada West playoffs in 2025-26. Fifth-year senior Jalen Shirley, who over the summer became the first CEBL draft pick in team history, will be the focal point of the Heat's offence along with a pair of guards, including Lamine Conde and 2024-25 breakout star Isaak Moore. Defensively, a pair of 6-8 forwards in Wisdom Sunday and Julien Malfair will look to make up for the departure of big man Jas Dhudwal but it will be a collective effort for a team looking to improve their overall defensive numbers this season.

From the coach: "New look UBCO squad featuring seven rookies. Returners Jalen Shirley, Lamine Conde, and Issak Moore will factor heavily into our success this season. We will need veteran performances from rookies like Anthony Brady and Mathias Schurtzer. Returners Michael Adarkwah-Nti and Wisdom Sunday will factor into the team's success as well." - Clayton Pottinger

Key Performer: Jalen Shirley
​Guard | 5th Year | Brampton, Ont.

As Jalen Shirley goes, so do the Heat. One of the top guards in the conference enters his final season at UBCO looking to lead the Heat back to the postseason. He has recorded 300 or more points in back-to-back seasons while shooting close to 40% from three-point range. Currently 3rd all-time in school history for career scoring, a big season from the dynamic guard could see him end his career on top of that list.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #17

Team Overview: New head coach David Kapinga has transformed the roster by bringing in 10 new players who weren't at MacEwan a year ago. Well respected already in coaching circles, Kapinga will lean on his experience as a star player of the Calgary Dinos after being named tournament MVP of Calgary's 2018 U SPORTS championship victory.

Kapinga knows what it takes to win and will be aiming to turn MacEwan into a contender over the next few seasons. That will start with making the playoffs, a definite goal of Kapinga's group in 2025-26.

From the coach: “This season represents a fresh start for the MacEwan men’s basketball program, featuring a new coaching staff, new systems, and a re-energized roster. Our primary focus is on building a strong foundation by ensuring our players understand and execute our new style of play — emphasizing pace, space, and discipline on offence, while maintaining a disruptive and connected approach on defence. We aim to compete at a high level each game and put ourselves in a position to win every time we step on the court.” - David Kapinga

Key Performer: Elisha Ampofo
​Guard | 5th Year | Milton, Ont.

Among the top players for the Brandon Bobcats from 2019-24 - averaging 13.4 points/game in his final season there in 2023-24 - Ampofo has transferred to MacEwan for his final year of eligibility.

Bringing the leadership that can only come from being a key player for four seasons already in Canada West, the 6-foot-2 guard can score and make plays, while also being a fierce force defensively. He has already shown his ability in preseason, leading the Griffins in scoring in every outing he's been in the lineup so far.