Lancer men's basketball head coach Chris Cheng is excited to announce his recruits for the 2023-24 season.
 
With the recent departure of former U SPORTS Player of the Year Thomas Kennedy (signed with Telekom Baskets Bonn, Champions League) and standout Najee Brown-Henderson (signed with KK Joker Sombor, Serbian Pro B League), the Lancers are looking forward to some young talent coming in and helping the team make it back to the playoffs.
 
The new players this year include local guard Yashar Greaves-Saddat, transfer forward Luke Grace, point guard Denzel Cummins, and transfer guard Matt Abersold.
 
Yashar Greaves-Saddat, a 6'4 guard from Windsor, (Kennedy Prep) grew up as part of the Lancer system. "Yashar has been part of our Jr. Lancers program for many years," says Cheng. "He has been a priority for us from the beginning. I am very happy he has decided to stay home to represent the Blue and Gold. Yashar is a dynamic and athletic guard that finishes at the rim and shoot the three. I am confident his role and contributions on the court will improve over the years."
 
"Windsor is home for me," commented Greaves-Saddat. "It means a lot to me to represent the Blue and Gold. Coach Anderi and Coach Cheng devoted many years to my development. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under their leadership."
 
Luke Grace, from Ailsa Craig, ON, is a 6'9 forward/centre transfer who brings collegiate experience to the Lancers.
 
"Luke is a major addition to our program", said Cheng. "He is a Junior College transfer with experience. He is someone my staff and I were high on from the beginning. His skill set fits our style of play and Luke recognized that throughout the recruitment process. Luke is a player that can stretch the defense with his shooting as well play make from the perimeter with his decision-making and passing ability. We are expecting Luke to contribute immediately for us. Lancer fans will enjoy watching Luke over the next 4 years."
 
"I chose Windsor because of the championship mindset," stated Grace. "After talking with Coach Cheng, it was clear we had the same goals and interest, the main being to win a national championship. Windsor also felt like the best fit both academically and athletically for me to grow and continue bettering myself on and off the court."
 
Denzel Cummins, a 5'10 guard, is joining the Blue & Gold from Oshawa, ON. "Denzel has been on my radar for a very long time," stated Cheng. "I am happy he has found a home with our Windsor program. Denzel is an experienced guard who takes pride in his on-ball defense first and foremost. Offensively, he can play make and score. He will be reliant to create for his teammates while finding his spots to utilize his scoring abilities."
 
"I chose Windsor because of my relationship and trust I have in Coach Cheng," said Cummins. "The system and culture they have here is an environment I can grow in on and off the court."
 
The final recruit for this season is Swiss guard Matt Abersold, a 6'5 NCAA transfer from Fredonia State University. Unfortunately, due to U SPORTS rules, Abersold will have to sit this year, but he's expected to make an impact on his return to competition next year.
 
"Matt is an experienced international NCAA transfer," said Cheng. "Matt brings height and shooting to our program. Matt will learn and develop over the course of this season and will be ready to showcase his abilities next season."
 
"The reason I chose Windsor was to be able to balance my studies as well as be a part of a basketball family," commented Abersold. "Not only does the school have the perfect fit for me academically, but we are also involved in high level basketball competition in which I cannot wait to be a part of! Being able to improve and learn as a student athlete is very important for me, and Windsor is the perfect fit for that."
 
The Lancers tip off the regular season on Halloween in London before their home opener on November 4th against the Laurier Golden Hawks. Season tickets are available at goLancers.ca/tickets. Stay tuned to goLancers.ca for additional information!