MBB: Victoria tops coaches poll in quest for four-peat

Oct. 30, 2024 – After claiming their third straight conference title last season, the Victoria Vikes are once again favoured as Canada West has unveiled the results of its 2024-25 men's basketball pre-season coaches poll.

The Vikes will be part of three games that open the new Canada West regular season tomorrow night. The defending champs travel to Langley to take on Trinity Western, UBCO visits rival Thompson Rivers, and UFV will host UBC.

Opening weekend continues with a full slate of games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Plenty of eyes will be on Victoria's sharp shooting guard Diego Maffia as he returns for his fifth and final season, coming off a jaw dropping offensive campaign that saw him named U SPORTS Player of the Year after averaging 26.7 points-per-game. The Vikes feature a strong group of returners but will need to adjust to a new voice on the bench, with Murphy Burnatowski entering his first year as head coach after taking over the reigns from Craig Beaucamp, who departs the program after a 21 year tenure.

UBC and Calgary placed second and third in the poll, respectively, both returning experienced rosters.

In Calgary, the Dinos will once again count on guard Nate Petrone to be the heart of their attack. The fourth year returns for his second season in the Scarlet & Gold, coming off a season where he led the Dinos in scoring and assists and was one of the best shooters in the entire country.

The T-Birds will certainly have high expectations for themselves as hosts of the 2025 U SPORTS Final Eight, taking place March 13-16. Fifth year forward Fareed Shittu has proven to be a human highlight reel and perhaps the most explosive dunker in UBC history. He'll be a constant lob threat who can also score from beyond the arc.

An exciting University of Winnipeg roster placed fourth in the poll and will look to build off another CW Finals appearance last season. The Wesmen will be led by the duo of Shawn Maranan and Donald Stewart, who are both capable of drilling clutch baskets.

Last year's cinderella story was the bronze medallist UNBC Timberwolves, who captured the first Canada West medal in school history. The T-Wolves return dynamic point guard Justin Sunga, who will be counted on offensively amidst the departure of a few key veterans. The team might feel a bit hard done by with a 16th place ranking in the coaches poll, but will surely relish the challenge of being plucky underdogs again this season.

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV, which now allows fans to watch games on popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku. Regular season sport passes are available for $39.99.

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

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

2024-25 CW MBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Victoria Vikes

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Key Performer: Diego Maffia
​Guard
​5th Year
​Hometown: Victoria, B.C.

Reigning U SPORTS Player of the Year and All-Canadian Diego Maffia returns for his fifth season in a Vikes uniform. Maffia led the nation in scoring for the second-straight year in 2023-24, recording a 26.7 points per game average. He also ranked eighth on the Canada West assists leaderboard, tallying 88 on the season.

The leader on offence for the Vikes, Maffia recorded a double-digit scoring total in all 23 games in 2023-24, tallying six games with 30+ points.

UBC Thunderbirds

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Key Performer: Fareed Shittu
​Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Fareed Shittu enters his second season as a Thunderbird expected to take an increased role in a year where the team is hosting the U SPORTS Championship. A human highlight reel and perhaps the most explosive dunker in UBC history, Shittu is a constant lob threat who can also score from beyond the arc. A versatile defender, with the length, strength and quickness ​ to give any opponent trouble, Shittu will be a massive presence for the T-Birds at both ends of the court in his final U SPORTS season.

Calgary Dinos

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

From the coach: “We return an experienced roster from a 15-5 season. Looking forward to a balanced offence with some rim protection to keep us in the hunt.” - Head Coach Dan Vanhooren

Key Performer: Nate Petrone
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

One half of the Dinos two-headed dynamic backcourt attack, Nate Petrone returns for his second season in the Scarlet & Gold. The fourth-year guard lit up the league last year and led Calgary in scoring and assists and was one of the best shooters in the entire country. The First Team All-Canadian will certainly be leaned upon as the Dinos go into this year once again with high expectations.

Winnipeg Wesmen

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Key Performer: Donald Stewart
​Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

While most eyes are on guard Shawn Maranan as the engine of the Wesmen, veteran forward Donald Stewart has quietly combined dirty work with big-shot making over his past two seasons. Stewart will once again make up a good piece of the backbone of this Wesmen team as a player who bangs bodies inside and bangs down shots from outside.

Manitoba Bisons

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

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: Daren Watts
​Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

Senior Daren Watts put up career highs in every single key stat category last year, including points per game, where he led the team with 16.4. Watts is coming off a summer playing pro basketball with the Winnipeg Sea Bears, and should be one of the country's most efficient three point shooters, after finishing in a tie for sixth last season, with 45 made triples.

Alberta Golden Bears

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

From the coach: “This year’s young version of Golden Bears basketball has the building blocks to remain competitive.” - Head Coach Barnaby Craddock

Key Performer: Isaac Simon
​Guard
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Regina, Sask.

Fresh off a stellar sophomore season and a summer spent with the Saskatchewan Rattlers, expectations are high for Bears guard Isaac Simon.
​​
​A combination of personal growth from Isaac and graduating players leaving the team should see Simon put up big numbers in 2024/25. Three of the top four scorers have left, coupled with seven first-year Bears joining the fray this fall.

Regina Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Key Performer: Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo
​Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Liverpool, England

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo has seen his role increase steadily over the course of his time at the U of R and the Liverpool, England product is now entering his fifth season of U SPORTS eligibility. He averaged in excess of 30 minutes played per game last season and is the Cougars' leading returner in terms of both points per game (11.4) and rebounds per game (5.5).

Saskatchewan Huskies

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

From the coach: “New look team after six players graduated last year. Young defensive focused team that is hoping to make it tough on opposing teams to score. Our success will be determined by the how our returning players do in expanded roles and the development of our young players throughout the season.” - Head Coach Jamie Campbell

Key Performer: Easton Thimm
​Forward
​2nd Year
​Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.

Easton is a constant double-double threat for the Huskies. His ability to move his feet and defend ball screens while also being able to hold up physically in the post make him a big part of the Saskatchewan defence.

Trinity Western Spartans

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

From the coach: “Our roster gives us a solid mix of size, speed and versatility. We have a very deep and balanced team where we can attack you in a number of areas on the court and can have multiple players show up any given game. I am looking forward to seeing the veteran presence and leadership in the experienced players on the roster show up throughout the season and give us consistency and cohesion. We have key returning players that have built solid chemistry over the past few seasons, partnering them up with some experienced transfers we have optimism for what should be a much improved season.” - Head Coach Trevor Pridie

Key Performer: David Mutabazi
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Delta, B.C.

David is coming off a fantastic season and is poised to have another really strong season for the Spartans. He is a really tough matchup that can find a number of ways to impact the game whether it’s in the post or on the perimeter. He is a great teammate who helps build team chemistry and has been a pillar of the program in his time at TWU.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

“Sticking to our identity and discipline will dictate success for us this season. Veteran leadership with five seniors that are hungry to finish strong gives motivation to be successful as well.” - Head Coach Kenny Otieno

Key Performer: Angelo Mbituyimana
​Guard
​5th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

Angelo Mbituyimana is a dynamic guard known for his scoring and playmaking abilities, averaging 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during the 2022-23 season.

As a fifth-year player from Calgary, AB, he serves as the backbone of the squad, consistently demonstrating his dedication by spending countless hours in the gym and his eagerness to compete. His scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a vital contributor on the floor.

Fraser Valley Cascades

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

From the coach: "Returning four starters and key pieces of the bench from a quarterfinal team. Playing with pace and defensive physicality will be our focus.” - Head Coach Joe Enevoldson

Key Performer: Dario Lopez
​Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Moving into his fourth year, Dario Lopez will look to have another strong year for the Cascades in 2024-25. A player with the ability to absolutely dominate a game, Lopez has increased his scoring output during each of his three seasons for UFV, and will look to build on some explosive performances like last season's 41 point outburst against Lethbridge.

Brandon Bobcats

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Key Performer: Sultan Haider Bhatti
​SetterGuard/Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Laval, QC

The secret is officially out, as Sultan Haider Bhatti has continually proven year after year to be one of the most versatile players in Canada West, to the point of earning conference all-star accolades last season. He ranked second in the conference in rebounding (11.2 rpg), fourth in scoring (19.1 ppg), and third in three point shooting (59-138) all while logging the second most minutes (36.9 mpg) in all of Canada West.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Key Performer: Cyrus Harrison
​Guard
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Now in his third season with the 'Pack, Cyrus Harrison will once again be looked on as a leader on both ends of the court for TRU. The product of Surrey, B.C. led the team in scoring (12.7), rebounding (6.3) and steals (1.6) last season as the 'Pack narrowly missed out on a postseason berth.

UBC Okanagan Heat

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Key Performer: Jalen Shirley
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Brampton, Ont.

After setting a new school record for points in a single season last year, Shirley will look to raise his game to another level as he looks to get the Heat back to the Canada West playoffs. The dynamic guard will have a stronger and deeper supporting cast around him in 2024-25 which should open up more looks for a player who was the fourth-best three-point shooter in the conference a season ago.

Mount Royal Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #15

“We are very excited about the people we have in the room. Our groups ability to develop chemistry in a short amount of time will have a large impact on our success this season." - Head Coach Josh Mullen

Key Performer: Keivonte Watts
​Guard
​5th Year
​Hometown: Utica, Mississippi

Last season Keivonte Watts was a force to be reckoned with in Canada West. Scoring 19.6 PPG, Watts was named to a Canada West Second Team All-Star leading the Cougars to the playoffs eventually falling to Alberta. This will be Watts first year without Holt Tomie in which the two were a one, two punch. Look for Watts to lead his team in scoring again under new Head Coach Josh Mullen.

UNBC Timberwolves

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #16

“Our team returns a number of key players from our CW bronze medal run last season. Justin Sunga, Evgeny Baukin, and Josh Gillepie will need to be key contributors for us to have success again this year. The biggest factor in our success will be the development of our 1st and 2nd year players as the season progresses. Will Keyes, our 6'11 2nd year forward will be thrust into a much bigger role this season with the departure of Spencer Ledoux. His development and ability to be efficient as the season goes along will factor largely into our success. I expect our team to be solid defensively as we have good size a number of guys who can alter shots around the rim. Last year, our success heavily depended on good ball movement and multiple guys contributing which made us difficult to guard when we were at our best. We will be looking to follow the same formula this season, and our incoming players ability to contribute meaningfully in that system will have a large impact on our ability to make playoffs and be dangerous come the end of the year.” - Head Coach Todd Jordan

Key Performer: Justin Sunga
​Guard
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.

During his first two seasons of Canada West play, Justin Sunga has established himself as one of the top playmakers in not just the conference, but the country. The Burnaby, B.C. product finished third in the conference with 5.3 assists-per-game last season and chimed in with an average of 10.2 points-per-game. Sunga's role with the T-Wolves is only going to increase with the departure of some key veterans, but the talented guard is more than up for the challenge.

MacEwan Griffins

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #17

“We’re looking to make the playoffs. Our defensive execution will determine the team’s success this year.” - Head Coach Mike Connolly

Key Performer: Job Janda
​Wing
​4th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

Unanimously voted as team captain, Janda is primed for an impact season as he enters his fourth year of eligibility.

Possessing an intense, hard-nosed style in the paint that endures him to teammates, Janda brings strong two-way ability to the court that sets the standard for the team.

Always a threat for a double double, Janda is coming off a strong preseason and is chief among the Griffins' building blocks put in place early in head coach Mike Connolly's tenure at MacEwan that are set to pay dividends.