The season may be long gone for the George Brown men's basketball team, but player intensity hasn't changed.

Head coach Jonathan Smith has had veteran players practicing and improving on what many call a successful season, one that ended with a 15-5 record, even though a quest for a gold medal was halted by a 10-point OT playoff loss to Sheridan College.

Yes, the same team that won the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association title.

Smith doesn't need to remind his players – and especially about a game they let slip away.

For now, it's preparation time for the 2014/15 OCAA season, with the league opener set for Oct. 22 and the Huskies hosting their rivals from Seneca College.

George Brown hasn't been waiting for the new school year to start in the fall.

Quite the contrary as George Brown took a jump-start with an off-season schedule of training and, earlier in June, won an invitational tournament. Dejazmatch James looked in playoff form with an impressive 38 points (including seven three-point baskets) in the championship win.

Now, news that George Brown has arranged three exhibition games with schools that compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. All will take place in the Alex Barbier gym of George Brown's St. James Campus.

"I'm happy, the guys are too and it's wonderful to give them some great competition – especially since they've been working very hard so far and will do so in the summer," said Smith, a former OCAA Coach of the Year.

George Brown will host Howard University from Washington, D.C. on August 14.

"It will be a great experience for our players, a chance to challenge and also keep in shape," added Smith.

For the complete 2014/15 George Brown men's basketball schedule, go to http://www.georgebrown.ca/athletics/sports/basketball/

- DG