By Chris Zorbas
 
As the Windsor Lancers men's basketball team gear up for the 2019-20 season, there will undoubtedly be learning moments along the way. In May, the Lancers named Chris Cheng the sixth head coach in the basketball program's history. Cheng built the basketball program at Nipissing University and this past summer, represented Canada as an assistant coach in Heraklion, Greece as an assistant coach with Canadian National U19 team. 
 
Along with a new coach, the Lancers field a young team with just three retuning fourth year players. Cheng is no stranger to being in a new place and dealing with inexperience.
 
"I've been a head coach before at four different institutions so I kind of know what I'm getting myself into," explained Cheng. "Coming here to the University of Windsor has been a good transition because of the people and the support they give us. The support from our alumni and the community has been great."
 
The priority currently for the new head coach is to get to know his squad and what gets each player to perform. In fact, Cheng has delegated most basketball duties to his assistance as he works to build personal relationships with his team.
 
"It's a daily investment," said Cheng. "I try to spend as much time as possible with them, I let my assistants do most of the basketball stuff for now. Getting to know them is most important for now just for them to feel comfortable with me and have that trust."
 
As a young squad the Lancers will have challenges but the youth on the team is exciting for a new head coach nonetheless. Cheng and the Lancers will lean on fourth year veterans Chris Poloniato, Telloy Simon, and Lukas Wood, in addition to second year star Thomas Kennedy to set good examples for the host of young talent as well as work plays in with them.
 
Windsor gets the Chris Cheng era started on Wednesday Oct. 23 at 8:00 pm when they host the Western Mustangs at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse. Tickets for the game can be purchased in advance at www.goLancers.ca/tickets.