It's all about team for the St. Thomas University Tommies this season.

After narrowly missing the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association playoffs last year, the Tommies men's basketball team has adopted a "pack mentality" that head coach Scott MacLeod believes will help get them there this season.

"We have to survive as a team," he said. "There will be no individual play. There needs to be sacrifices for teammates and we need to create for each other."

The on-court plans for the Tommies all involve pace—transition offense with early, quick attacks, and defense with multiple layers and ball pressure.

MacLeod is confident the team's speed will be its biggest strength.

"We're small, but we're quick," he said. "If we can get the league to sit their slower players because of our speed we'll have a big advantage. If we can force them into that style of game then we will be able to dictate the game."

The Tommies have seen a decent turnover from last year's roster with the departure of five players, but they've brought in some fresh talent to fill the void.

Tariq Thomas, of East Preston, NS, Justin Grant, of Winnipeg, MB, and Jakeb Urquhart, of Oromocto, NB, will make their ACAA debut this season and MacLeod is happy with what they bring to his roster.

"There's real potential with Tariq. He's starting to show some talent already," MacLeod said. "Justin has some adjustments to make, but he attacks strong and can get to the basket fairly well, and Jakeb adds good height and length."

Returning to the Tommies this season are Dylan Gallant, Jeremy Speller, Mitch Claybourn, Sam Drummond, Brady Atkinson, Travis Valanne, Quentin Sock, and Quentin DesRoches.

MacLeod will be relying on Gallant and Speller to set the tone throughout the season.

"Dylan and Jeremy are natural leaders," MacLeod said. "The guys look up to them and go to them for direction and support."

With their "pack mentality" and skill, MacLeod expects this team to make a strong playoff push.

"We were so close last year, so we want to make playoffs this year and then see what happens. I think when we get there we can surprise some teams."