The St. Thomas University Tommies are looking to take another step forward in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball conference this season.

The STU squad finished the 2016-2017 regular season with a record of 5-16 and claimed the final playoff spot in a must-win game against the University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves.

Tommies head coach Scott MacLeod is hoping earning their ticket to playoffs will be a little less stressful this year.

"The plan is to take another step forward this year and to make the playoffs in that fourth or fifth spot," he said. "Ultimately, I'd like to develop this group into a team that plays well together and is strong with the ball."

The 2017-2018 edition of the Tommies includes eight new faces—Carlo Theriault, a guard from Campbellton, NB, Harrison Florean, a post from Fredericton, NB, Arthur Reece, a third-year guard from Houston, TX, Kevin Crawford, a post from Fredericton, NB, Chandia Dralle, a guard from Sarnia, ON, Thomas Drummond, a guard from Harvey, NB, Jordan Underhill, a post from Blackville, NB, and Brandon Seagrave, a post from Moncton, NB.

"Carlo is quick and athletic at the guard position, Harrison has great potential but is still getting used to the pace of the game at this level, Arthur is a strong on the dribble attack and sees the floor well, and Thomas has real promise. He uses his body well and his quickness is deceiving," MacLeod said.

"Chandia is gritty and is a defensive force, he just needs to settle in. Jordan is working to develop his game, and Kevin and Brandon will be working hard all season as red shirts."

Returning to the Green and Gold this year are Mitch Claybourn, Tariq Thomas, Justin Grant, Brady Atkinson, Sam Drummond, and Travis Valanne.

MacLeod will be counting on Drummond and Atkinson to lead the team this year on and off the court.

"Brady is stepping up. His quiet and calm demeanor helps lead the team," he said. "Sam leads by direction. He works hard and he drags other guys with him."

The team's focus this season will be on playing fundamental basketball and creating additional scoring opportunities from the foul line. In his three years at the helm of the program, MacLeod said this group possesses the most knowledge of the game, which he believes will be their biggest strength.

"This team has a high basketball IQ, so I can throw more at them than I could with teams in the past," he said. "We're running a read and react offense and they are playing off each other, so I'm excited about that."

The Tommies will begin the regular season Saturday when they host the Mount Allison Mounties at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym.  Game time is 4:00 pm.