The 2024-25 Lancer basketball season is set to get underway Friday as the blue and gold travel to our nation's capital to kick-off what is expected to be an exciting year.
 
MEN'S PREVIEW
"Success is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day," head coach Chris Cheng referenced this mantra posted in the team's locker room, emphasizing the energy, focus, and attention to detail needed to achieve success. The team aims to "pay rent" daily through their efforts on the court, in film sessions, and in the weight room.
 
"The OUA is a gauntlet," said Cheng. "There is nowhere to hide." The Lancers will face teams that are each ranked in the top 10 in the opening four games. This demanding season on the court will push the team to seek more competition and adversity in practice and game preparation.
 
Knowing that the four road matches will set the tone for the season, the team has used their preseason games to simulate the travel and competitor mindset. "We wanted to practice how to compete in environments that are not our own," said Cheng.
 
The men's tactical approach centers on winning every quarter. "Our objective is to focus on a short-term objective that will translate to long-term success," Cheng explained.
 
The team has also concentrated on quantifying their defensive performance, showing steady improvement. The men have identified specific benchmarks in defensive statistics to maintain consistency and enhance their game. A robust Lancer defensive foundation will enable the blue and gold to shift the momentum of games, providing a competitive edge.
 
Integrating eight new players into the roster has also been a key focus during the pre-season.  Fans can expect substantial contributions from forwards Emmanuel Otong, Matt Abersold, and Dawson Wineguard. The Lancer family should also keep an eye out for guards Simeon Smith, Justice Gordon, and Aburi Marko. "There are a lot of new faces that we welcome to the program, who have been shining in the last few weeks of our pre-season," expressed Cheng.
"Our ultimate goals are to be a minimum-500 team, make it to the playoffs, and hopefully the OUA finals."
 
Cheng encourages Lancer fans to "be present and support a team that is working hard and showing great promise. There is a new energy this year, and the Lancers have a lot to look forward to."
 
WOMEN'S PREVIEW
Head coach Chantal Vallée emphasizes that the team is approaching this season with a renewed commitment. "We're ready," she said, highlighting the teams focus on personal growth and team unity. "We can read our defense better and are really committed to our individual development and team cohesion."
 
This season, the Lancers are set on flipping the script against teams they have fallen to in recent years. The women also have their sights set on hosting playoff games.
 
Vallée expressed that the two recruits have integrated well into the team, and are ready to hit the court running. That said, the blue and gold's roster also holds more seasoned veterans than in previous years. "We have a few girls who can really lead," Vallée expressed. "We count on them to bring this team over to the next step on the floor with their performances. The ball is in our court."
 
The team's goals are clear: stay healthy, build on each game, and take advantage of every opportunity. "We need to stay healthy and if we can do that, we should be ready to achieve greatness together."
 
Vallée also recognizes the value of the Lancer Family as a tight-knit community. "We love their support and would like to see more Lancer fans return, just like in the pre-Covid years. Our home events team does a great job – it really is an entertaining evening to spend with us!"
 
HOME OPENER
After starting their season on the road for their first four games, the blue and gold will host the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday, November 8th at 6:00pm & 8:00pm at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
 
Tickets for the game can be purchased online at goLancers.ca/tickets.