MBB: Victoria tops 2026-27 coaches poll

Oct. 23, 2026 – The road to the Stan Broder Trophy once again runs through Victoria, as the defending Canada West champions have been picked first in the 2026-27 men’s basketball preseason coaches poll.

The Vikes collected 250 points and 10 first-place votes to edge the Winnipeg Wesmen, who received five first-place nods and finished with 237 points. The UBC Thunderbirds rounded out the top three with 227 points and two first-place votes, while the Alberta Golden Bears (217) and Calgary Dinos (174) completed the top five.

After back-to-back U SPORTS medal finishes, expectations remain high for a Victoria squad that has captured four of the last five Canada West titles. While the Vikes must replace Canada West Player of the Year Ethan Boag and Defensive Player of the Year Geoffrey James, they return two of the conference’s most prolific scorers in fifth-year standouts Shadynn Smid and Renoldo Robinson. Newcomers Cole Bekkering and Ryan Regault will also be counted on to help fill the gaps as head coach Murphy Burnatowski looks to guide Victoria to another banner.

Winnipeg enters the season ranked second after establishing itself as one of the conference’s most consistent programs over the past few seasons. Fifth-years Ryan Luke, Elijah Mensah and Alberto Gordo form the leadership group, while fourth-year point guard Kato Jaro returns after setting career highs in scoring, assists, free-throw percentage and three-pointers made. The Wesmen will look to build on that experience as they pursue a return to the national tournament.

UBC sits third as second-year head coach Phil Jalalpoor continues to build the Thunderbirds program around a new generation of talent. Despite graduating several key contributors from last season’s U SPORTS Final 8 squad, the T-Birds return leading scorers Nylan Roberts and Edouard Gauthier while welcoming a dynamic recruiting class. Roberts, who averaged nearly 14 points per game while shooting better than 42 per cent from three-point range last season, will be central to UBC’s hopes of remaining among the conference’s top contenders.

“After graduating an experienced group, we enter this season with a very young team eager to establish its own identity,” says Jalalpoor. “Our focus is on competing consistently and building a foundation that will allow us to grow throughout the season.”

The Alberta Golden Bears round out the top four, bringing considerable continuity into the new campaign. Head coach Geoff Pippus returns for his second season with 12 of 13 players back from a team that finished 13-7 in conference play and advanced to the Canada West semifinals. Fifth-year guard Isaac Simon, a two-time Canada West All-Star, leads an experienced group that will look to turn last season’s playoff success into an even deeper postseason run.

Placing fifth in the poll, the Calgary Dinos enter the season with a younger roster following the departure of 11 players from last year’s squad. Nine newcomers, including six first-year players, will join a group looking to remain competitive in a deep conference. Second-year forward Daniel Chijoke is among those expected to take on a larger role as Calgary builds toward another playoff push.

“We have a promising team with young talent, length and size,” says Dinos head coach Dan Vanhooren. “Looking forward to their growth over the year.”

The Thompson Rivers WolfPack sit just one point behind Calgary in sixth, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive playoff race. The WolfPack will look to shut down opposing offences just like they did last season when they surrendered a conference-best 71 points against per game.

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2026-27 CW MBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Victoria Vikes

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: The expectations for the Vikes are sky-high entering the season after back-to-back U SPORTS medal finishes. Key additions Ryan Regault and Cole Bekkering are expected to make an immediate impact, adding to an already deep Victoria roster.

The departures of Canada West Player of the Year Ethan Boag and Canada West Defensive Player of the Year Geoffrey James leave significant holes to fill, but the Vikes return two of the league's most prolific scorers in Shadynn Smid and Renoldo Robinson. Under decorated young head coach Murphy Burnatowski, Victoria enters the season with championship aspirations and the expectation of competing for another banner.

From the coach: “Looking to defend our Canada West title. All-conference players Shadynn Smid and Renoldo Robinson will need to lead us while newcomers Cole Bekkering and Ryan Regault look to help fill some gaps with players we lost. We will lean heavily on our roster depth.” - Murphy Burnatowski

Key Performer: Shadynn Smid
​Forward | 5th Year | Duncan, B.C.

Shadynn brings versatility that is hard to come by in Canada West. His ability to score at all three levels opens up the offence for the Vikes. Shadynn spent the offseason playing for the CEBL's Vancouver Bandits, experience that will elevate his game to even higher levels.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: Three fifth-years form the leadership group of a Wesmen team that has been among the winningest squads in the conference over the past three seasons. Ryan Luke, Elijah Mensah and Alberto Gordo each logged at least 24 minutes per game last season with Mensah now moving into a full-time starting role. Gordo will be expected to once again shoulder key minutes in the backcourt while Luke provides rebounding and inside-out versatility.

Key Performer: Kato Jaro
​Guard | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

In a program that has steadily turned out high-level point guards, Kato Jaro is the next star in line. The fourth-year point had career highs in scoring, assists, free-throw percentage and three-pointers made in leading the Wesmen to another memorable season. Jaro, who logged among the most minutes in the country a season ago, will once again be looked upon to carry a significant load as the Wesmen aim at a return to the national tournament.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: After graduating a number of key personnel from last season that drove the T-Birds to the Final 8, 2026-27 boasts a new look but a team not short on talent. Led by key offensive returnees in Nylan Roberts and Edouard Gauthier, the 'Birds have been bolstered by a well-rounded and dynamic recruit class. Building a young program focussed on culture and identity, second-year head coach Phil Jalalpoor oversees an up-tempo group which has already seen success this pre-season.

From the coach: “After graduating an experienced group, we enter this season with a very young team eager to establish its own identity. Our focus is on competing consistently and building a foundation that will allow us to grow throughout the season.” - Phil Jalalpoor

Key Performer: Nylan Roberts
​Forward | 3rd Year | Abbotsford, B.C.

One of the most dynamic threats in the conference, Nylan Roberts is equally effective at driving the lane or shooting beyond the arc. UBC's returning points leader from last season, the Abbotsford native averaged nearly 14 points per game while surpassing 42 per cent from three-point range. After representing Canada at the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League this past summer, Roberts enters his third season on a young T-Birds roster and will be relied upon as a leader both on and off the court.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: Geoff Pippus enters his second season leading Golden Bears Basketball with 12 of 13 players back from a team that finished 13-7 in Canada West play, earned the No. 3 seed and beat UFV 80-66 in the quarterfinal. Five fifth-years (Logan Powell, Isaac Simon, Matthew Osunde, Fahad Yusuf and Ethan Egert) lead a roster where 12 of 16 players are in their third year or later. With that continuity, the expectation is a return to the top of the Canada West standings and another deep playoff run.

From the coach: “We are returning all of our meaningful rotation players from last year's team that finished one game short of the national tournament. Our key additions are former Victoria guard Izzy Helman and rookie wing Jack Snead. After a disappointing start to the pre-season and battling some injuries, we finished our exhibition slate 4-1 in our last five. Two time Canada West All Star Isaac Simon is back for his 5th year, and we expect to compete at the top of the conference and for an opportunity to go to the national tournament." - Geoff Pippus

Key Performer: Isaac Simon
​Guard | 5th Year | Regina, Sask.

Simon returns to the Golden Bears for his fifth and final year with hopes of leading the Golden Bears to their first CW Championship since 2017. The fifth-year guard is incredibly well rounded as in 2025-26 he averaged 16.7 points per game, 4.1 assists per game, as well as 4.2 rebounds per game. He will be relied upon all over the court.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: The University of Calgary Dinos men’s basketball team enters 2026-27 with a youthful roster that has the makings to be a strong contender this season, despite 11 players from last season’s squad graduated or moved on. Nine newcomers join the program, including six first-year players, and they’re joined by four second-years and a veteran group of four third-years, one fourth-year and one fifth-year, with aspirations of a deep run this year.

From the coach: “We have a promising team with young talent, length and size. Looking forward to their growth over the year.” - Dan Vanhooren

Key Performer: Daniel Chijoke
​Forward | 2nd Year | Fort McMurray, Alta.

Entering his second year in the program, Daniel will be an impact player for the Dinos as he transitions into a starting role. His length and athleticism are obvious qualities, while his shooting ability has improved to a level that will expand his influence on offence.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: Putting together the best start to a CW season in program history last year, the WolfPack earned themselves a spot in the U SPORTS Top 10 for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. TRU is led by a deep core of veteran players that can all contribute on both ends of the court and boasted the best defence in the conference last year surrendering just 71 points-against per game.

Key Performer: Cason Scott
​Forward | 2nd Year | Kamloops, B.C.

Cason Scott hit the ground running in his rookie season with the WolfPack last year, earning a spot on the CW All-Rookie Team after playing over 20 minutes a night and finishing the year second in points-per-game (11.1) and blocks-per-game (0.8) as well as fifth in rebounds-per-game (4.9) in program history for freshmen. The Kamloops product will now look to take a on a larger role in his second season with the 'Pack among a deep core of key returning veteran players.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: The Mount Royal Cougars men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season looking to turn last year's 13-7 regular-season record into a deeper postseason run after falling to Trinity Western in the play-in game. With five players not returning and six new faces joining the roster, the Cougars will lean on veteran leadership from fifth-year forward Sam Barnie, who averaged 10 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season while providing a presence on the defensive end.

With Jacob McLellan returning as the team's leading scorer and newcomers Randy Otieno, Noah Barlow and Miguel Hunte adding fresh talent, Mount Royal will look to build on a balanced group that ranked fifth in Canada West in points allowed per game. The Cougars open their season Oct. 30 on the road against MacEwan.

From the coach: “We are very excited about the blend of new and returning players on our roster. Our ability to amplify one another will ultimately determine the level of success we can achieve." - Josh Mullen

Key Performer: Sam Barnie
​Forward | 5th Year | Courtenay, B.C.

Sam Barnie provides the Cougars with a veteran presence and physicality in the front court as he enters his fifth season with Mount Royal. Last year, the Courtenay, B.C. native averaged 10 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while leading the team in rebounding and blocks, making him a key contributor on both ends of the floor. His experience and consistency will be especially valuable for a Cougars roster welcoming six new players this season.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: After taking a step back last season, falling in the Canada West quarterfinals after being a win away from the Final 8 in 2024-25, the Herd has gotten much younger after graduating 64 per cent of last season's starting lineup. With the additions of first-years Samuel Desrochers and Paavo Makkonen, Division II transfer Tshawn-Fredly Bois, along with U SPORTS transfers Giovanni Ajiamah (Dalhousie) and Segun Akimbulumo (Windsor) to go with veterans Brandt Lenz, Jonam Kazadi and CEBL Champion Ramogi Nyagudi, the Bisons look to refresh rather than re-tool.

Look for the young squad to be in the mix come February, looking for their 12th consecutive postseason appearance and 14th under coach Kirby Schepp.

From the coach: “A large turnover of veterans players to graduation leave a very young team. Keys to success will be how quickly our new players adjust to the U SPORTS level of play” - Kirby Schepp

Key Performer: Brandt Lenz
​Guard | 5th Year | Chilliwack, B.C.

After starting his career behind now-assistant coach Elijah Lostracco and then splitting time with three-time Canada West all-star and CEBL champion Mason Kraus, Brandt Lenz gets his opportunity to be the lead guard in his fifth year of eligibility. As the only returning starter from last season with more than one year of Canada West experience, the Chilliwack, B.C. native looks to lead a young Herd deep into the playoffs after last year's tough quarterfinal exit.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: The Spartans enter the season with a veteran roster built around strong shooting, skill, and team chemistry. With four starters returning from last season, TWU will look to build on its established core while integrating key additions, including Kel Gatwech. Pearse Long, Caleb Gremaud, and Logan Stewart are also poised to take on larger roles, adding depth heading into the new campaign.

From the coach: “We have a nice mix of great floor spacing/shooting and veteran maturity anchored by a handful of multi-year starters who know what it takes to win. On the other end, we are locking in to be a much more gritty and active defensive team this year, aiming to use that speed to disrupt opponents and turn stops into transition opportunities for quick buckets. If we can stay healthy and keep our core guys on the floor we have a chance to put together a really good season.” - Trevor Pridie

Key Performer: Marcus Shankar
​Guard | 5th Year | Campbell River, B.C.

"As a fifth-year senior he really understands what we’re about on both ends of the floor. He sets the tone with his effort and leadership and has improved every season he’s been with us. I expect him to have a great senior year." - Trevor Pridie

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: With the departure of three of its top four scorers from last season, the Cougars will have a significantly different look in 2026-27 as several returning players take on expanded roles. Sufyan Elkannan is Regina's leading returning scorer after averaging 11.3 points per game last season, while veteran Cade Mather also returns after starting most of last year. Point guard Isaiah Bay and forward Drew Ackerman are expected to move into starting roles, while third-year player Isaac Kiona has seen a substantial increase in playing time during non-conference action. Newcomers Osagie Okundaye and Markez Cain project to make significant contributions, while Sina Ayerman, Mukungu Mutubazi, and Adong Dut have also carved out roles as the Cougars prepare for Canada West play.

From the coach: "We are a young group who is going to compete hard every weekend. Canada West has a lot of talent on every roster and we know you have to continue to improve each week to give yourselves the best chance at being successful." ​ - Steve Burrows

Key Performer: Cade Mather
​Guard | 4th Year | Grand Coulee, Sask.

Cade Mather will provide a valuable veteran presence for a Regina team that graduated its top two scorers and three of its top four from last season. A member of the program since 2020, Mather has averaged 23.3 minutes per game through six non-conference contests this fall, including two games in which he played at least 30 minutes. Mather also makes significant contributions on the defensive end, leading the Cougars with 35 steals last season while entering this year as the team's leading returning rebounder.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: The Pronghorns welcome seven new players to the lineup this season as they look to build momentum and establish themselves as a competitive team in Canada West. With an emphasis on execution and competing on every possession, the focus will be on trusting the process and continuing to improve throughout the season. The addition of depth and talent gives the Pronghorns the personnel to compete with teams across the conference and make a push for the playoffs. Consistency will be key, but this group has the potential to surprise some teams as they work toward their goals.

From the coach: “We have a talented young group that is extremely competitive. With only five returning players and the majority of our roster consisting of new players, we are continuing to build our chemistry week to week and game to game. Excited for this group as we look to focus on the process of getting better every day and let the results follow.” - Kenny Otieno

Key Performer: Dray Walburger
​Guard | 3rd Year | Lethbridge, Alta

Dray Walburger brings versatility and experience to the Pronghorns after previously playing at Mount Royal, where he averaged over 10 points per game and contributed 2.1 assists per game. A dynamic player who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates, Walburger also makes an impact defensively with his ability to generate steals. His ability to contribute at both ends of the floor makes him a valuable addition to the lineup, with the potential to be a difference-maker for the Pronghorns this season.

UNBC Timberwolves

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: Todd Jordan's club has high expectations for itself in 2026-27. On paper this is a Timberwolves team that is balanced, talented, and difficult to game-plan against. Health, as always though, is the major X-Factor. When they're full healthy, the Timberwolves possess an incredible blend of size, shooting, physicality and speed - but unfortunately there have been too few games in recent years when they've been able to be fully healthy and cohesive together. The TWolves are motivated and excited to see what this season has in store for them.

From the coach: “Our team is deeper and more veteran than we have been in a couple of seasons. This is the biggest roster we have ever had, and we should be one of the bigger teams by size in Canada West. The return of Will Keyes and Evgeny Baukin from injury should have a significant impact on the season. Our keys to success will be staying healthy and our ability to play with pace and use our size to our advantage." - Todd Jordan

Key Performer: Evgeny Baukin
​Forward | 5th Year | Moscow, Russia

Before sustaining an injury last season, Evgeny Baukin was in the midst of a historically dominant season for UNBC. The 5th year Russian forward was the top scorer in the nation, averaging just over 25 points-per-game until an upper-body injury derailed his season. Baukin is now back and at full health ahead of his final season at UNBC and his motivation to achieve both team and individual success is at an all-time high.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: After the 2025-26 campaign saw the Saskatchewan Huskies miss out on the conference postseason for the second consecutive season, the 2026-27 edition of the program looks to take the next step in returning to conference contention. With key contributors such as Easton Thimm and Dylan Miller now entering their veteran years and third-year guards Owen Murphy Wiebe and Mohamed Jabateh looking to step into more significant roles, the Huskies possess the experience and skill to do so. The addition of exciting incoming talent ready to make an immediate impact solidifies the excitement surrounding this year’s squad.

From the coach: “Young team that is looking to play fast and through the post. Easton Thimm is looking to build on a good third year with the Huskies and freshman point guard Moe Osman is looking to build on a strong preseason. With good size inside if we are able to establish a strong interior presence, make shots off of that and value the ball that will put us in a position to have some success." - Jamie Campbell

Key Performer: Easton Thimm
​Forward | 4th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

Returning for his fourth season in green and white, the Huskie men's basketball team will once again feature one of the best bigs in the nation. A local Saskatoon product, Easton Thimm will look to build on yet another dominant season in the paint in which he led the nation in rebounds while averaging a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double per game. The 2025-26 season saw the former Rookie of the Year record double-digit points and rebounds in all but just five games, and following an offseason stint with the Saskatoon Mamba in which he was named the CEBL's Developmental Player of the Year, the Huskies once again have lofty expectations for their 2025-26 All-Star.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: Canada West Rookie of the Year Munroop Gill and the Blue and Gold provided plenty of electrifying moments in 2025-26, and Bobcat Nation is eager to see what Gill and his teammates have in store for this season.

Key Performer: Arjun Hehar
​Guard | 2nd Year | Surrey, B.C.

Arjun Hehar is living by the motto “next man up” for the Bobcats. Two-time All-Canadian Sultan Haider Bhatti and inspirational leader Travis Hamberger have both graduated, meaning opportunities abound for the 6-foot-6 Hehar as he enters his sophomore season with BU men’s basketball. Hehar showed flashes of what he can do during his rookie campaign, recording seven multi-point games, highlighted by a monster 32-point performance last November.

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Team Overview: A young Cascades squad enters the 2026-27 season with opportunities for players to step into expanded roles. Following the graduation of seniors Dario Lopez and Matthias Klim, UFV will look to players like Bennett O'Connor, Dilveer Randhawa, and Jaylen Lee to play a bigger part, while the return of guard Clay Kurtz from a long injury break will be a large boost for the team.

From the coach: “We have several new talented faces this year, but are led by returning backcourt of Bennett O'Connor and Dilveer Randhawa. How all of our new student-athletes adjust and mold into a team will be our key to success." - Joe Enevoldson

Key Performer: Bennett O'Connor
​Guard | 4th Year | Fall City, WA

Cascades starting point guard Bennett O'Connor will be looking to shoulder a lot of the load as he leads a young Cascades roster onto the court in 2026. The Fall City, Wa product led the Cascades with 15.2 points per game last season, and will look to continue to show as a threat as a passer and scorer if the team wants to be successful this season.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #16

Team Overview: Attempting to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22, the UBCO Heat will lean on a strong core of returning veterans along with an infusion of local Kelowna talent. Leading the newcomers is Will Zylyk, who returns to the Okanagan after two seasons with the Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he helped the program capture a conference championship and a third consecutive national bronze medal. He will be joined by Tarun Saroya, a highly touted recruit who spent last season at Erie Prep Academy in Pennsylvania. Combined with returning fourth-year guards Isaak Moore and Lamine Conde, the Heat are well-positioned to improve on both ends of the floor as they look to climb the Canada West standings this season.

From the coach: “UBCO is a new look team with the graduation of all-star guard Jalen Shirley. Roster is bolstered by a few U SPORTS transfers and some key returning players. Lamine Conde is a fourth-year forward that has played well in the pre-season, along with a superb local rookie class.” - Clayton Pottinger

Key Performer: Lamine Conde
​Guard | 4th Year | Montreal, Que.

Lamine Conde is a fourth-year guard and versatile two-way player with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. The Montreal product has range from beyond the arc and combines his scoring touch with a strong defensive presence. Conde returns as the Heat's leading rebounder and shot blocker and will look to help anchor an improved defensive unit this season.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #17

Team Overview: Now in year two under new head coach David Kapinga, the Griffins are being built more and more into the tenacious, offensively-creative and defensively-responsible team that the 2018 U SPORTS Championship MVP for the Calgary Dinos wants to see.

Among 10 new players at MacEwan this season are seven transfers, so, while they will take time to gel as a unit, they all bring seasoning that isn't usually seen in a recruiting class. The Griffins also have more size than in years past - featuring seven players who are 6-foot-6 or taller - as they aim to catch a playoff spot out of the Prairie Division.

From the coach: “Entering our second year of establishing our system, our program has taken a substantial step forward with the addition of high-IQ transfers alongside a battle-tested returning core led by Diego Presingular, Elisha Ampofo, and Favour Igbinyemi. Our incoming talent brings crucial length, rim pressure, and shot-making that perfectly align with how we want to play on both ends of the floor. Our baseline expectation is to compete every single night and earn a spot in the post-season. Success for us hinges on daily defensive discipline, offensive continuity, and embracing the physical demands of this conference.” - David Kapinga

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

After suffering a season-ending injury on the first weekend of last season, Ampofo has worked hard in returning to form for his final university campaign. Among the better guards in Canada West while previously playing four seasons for the Brandon Bobcats, Ampofo has the ability to make a major impact both offensively and defensively for the Griffins. His shooting and gravity on the court has helped him become a key playmaker for MacEwan.