The Lancer basketball teams kick off the 2023-24 season tonight in London. Sports information assistant Celina Seguin sat down with both head coach Chris Cheng & Chantal Vallee to get their perspectives on the upcoming year.
 
Check out the two previews below.
 
MEN'S BASKETBALL
The Windsor Lancer men's basketball team is looking to hit the floor running this season as they tip off against the Western Mustangs in London on October 31st 8:00 p.m. Following their season opener on the road, the blue and gold will return to the Toldo Lancer Centre for their home debut on November 4th against the Laurier Golden Hawks at 6:00 p.m.
 
Competitive behaviour is the name of the game for the men's team. Head Coach Chris Cheng emphasized the importance of raising their competitiveness, focusing on their effort, enthusiasm, and concentration. Cheng identified their main objective is "to control what we can control where one area is being better every day."
 
The team enters the season with a clear focus on regaining their division title, putting them in the best position to get back into the OUA final four. In one word, "resiliency" is how Cheng describes his expectations for the season. After losing two key players last year, the team has a much different composition; "we will have to be resilient collectively if we want to accomplish what we have set out for our season."
 
Fans can anticipate outstanding performances from seasoned veterans Xavier Ochu and Daniel Cummings, who will play crucial roles on and off the court. Looking at the lineup, second-year players Yohann Sam and Quinn Carey are also expected to produce on both ends of the floor. Further, fans can keep an eye out for Lorenzo Barbieri, whose talent promises a standout season, as well as rookies Denzel Cummins and Luke Grace who are expected to make an immediate impact.  
 
Beyond the court, Cheng emphasized that the team values the support from Lancer fans and is committed to reciprocating it through their competitive spirit on the floor and professionalism in the classroom and community.
 
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The Windsor Lancer women's basketball team is looking to get off to a quick start Tuesday night against Western.  
 
In one word, "resilience" is how head coach Chantal Vallée describes her expectations for the season. "We want to be known as one of the most resilient teams in the OUA. We want to foster togetherness. We want to build good relationships. Our mission is to win."
 
Three years ago, the team was composed of mostly rookies—fast forwarding to now, the women's experience on and off the court is invaluable. The team is now more capable of handling challenges and proving their resiliency day in and day out.
 
The team is also being supported by experienced and enthusiastic coaches and support staff, featuring many newcomers to the Lancer Family. Mariah Chandler is one of the new additions who contributes a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful in a competitive environment. "Chandlers track record of championships with the Baylor Bears shows that she brings the resilience that we are looking for," said Vallée with confidence.  
 
Fans should first be on the lookout for Mariame Dehkissia to bolster the team's offensive pressure as the top scorer for the blue and gold last year. The attacking lineup also boasts guards Maggie Denys, Julia Chiarot, and Reine Ndome. The trio all had significant minutes last season, and so the team will be looking to them again for another standout performance. Further, dynamic duo Vanessa Budimunda and Kali Grootenboer also promise a solid inside presence.
 
Beyond the court, Vallée emphasized her appreciation for the support of the Lancer Family. "We want to pack our gym," said Vallée. "Since the rise of the program, we have had great support from the community at our games. This year, fans can look forward to seeing a faster and more aesthetic style of play."
 
Don't miss any of the action! Season tickets or individual game tickets are available at goLancers.ca/tickets or at the admissions gate on game day. The Lancer family can also stay connected all season long by streaming Lancer women's basketball games on OUA.tv or following @WindsorLancers on X (formerly Twitter) for all your game day updates.