Chris Cheng, the head coach of Lancer men's basketball, has been named the head coach of the 2026 U17 Men's National Team ahead of the FIBA U17 Men's Basketball World Cup 2026, set for June 27–July 5 in Istanbul, Türkiye, announced by Canada Basketball on Thursday, Apr. 2.

Cheng led Canada to silver medals at the FIBA U16 Men's AmeriCup in 2023 and 2025. He has worked with Canada Basketball since 2013 in multiple roles with the men's teams. This is be his second time as Canada's head coach at the FIBA U17 Men's Basketball World Cup. His first appearance was in 2024.

Cheng has been the Lancers head coach since the 2019-20 season, accumulating a 64-63 record and five playoff appearances in six seasons. This past season, he guided the Lancers to a 12-10 record and a first-round playoff berth.