Coming off the programs most successful season in over four decades, George Brown men's basketball will play host to La Cite on Friday night in their 2017/18 regular season opener.
"I think that last year earned us a lot of respect, particularly the provincial championship game against Sheridan," said head coach Jonathan Smith. "We want a program that competes at provincials for a national championship birth every year, and that is our expectation going forward."
A deep team that featured arguably Ontario's strongest backcourt trio a year ago is revamped, with a renewed focus on the frontcourt and key pieces heading both in and out the door. Headlining the group of newcomers are a pair of former Dalhousie Tigers, 6'5" combo guard Alex Petronis and 6'7" forward Justin Bhangoo.
"Physically, kids straight out of high school aren't always going to be where you need them to be," said Smith. "These are two guys with USports experience, who are men coming into the year. Bhangoo is a dominant post player, someone we haven't necessarily had in the past. And what Petronis can do athletically is special, he's going to be an incredibly exciting player to watch."
Among the returnees likely to play big roles are Matt Bukovec and Jordan James, a pair of versatile wings who can beat you both inside and out. Perhaps most important from a leadership perspective is the return of fifth-year guard Dejazmatch James, whose game is equal parts facilitator and scorer.
"He's a guy who has been to three OCAA championships, one of those guys who is a leader on and off the court. Having him back is huge for us and he's going to be a big part of what we are able to do this year."
Heading into his sixth year at the helm of the program, Smith has never finished below .500 and has turned the Huskies into one of the provinces elite team. 2016-17 saw the Huskies take a massive step, and a continuation of that growth could see them among the country's elite.
George Brown swept the season series with La Cite last season, and went 9-1 at home in 2016-17.
The Huskies will be playing in the newly renovated Casa Loma Campus gym, and will be accepting donations in support of Breast Cancer Awareness throughout the month of October.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm on Friday night, to watch the game live click
For the full 2017 men's basketball schedule click
