Driven by Determination: Tommies Men’s Basketball Ready to Chase ACAA Glory
The St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies men’s basketball team is preparing to embark on another highly anticipated season. Coming off a heartbreaking loss in the ACAA finals by just one point, the team is determined to change the narrative and bring home the championship they’ve been chasing.
Reflecting on last season, Coach Hickey acknowledged the bitter end but also praised his team’s overall performance. “Losing by one point in the final is a tough way to finish the season,” he said. “We played two very tough, close playoff games, but unfortunately, we came out on the wrong side of one. As a group, we evaluate every single year, and we know we need to change some things moving forward.”
Despite the heartbreak, there is optimism within the program as the team welcomes a mix of young talent to the lineup. “We’re really excited about the new guys we’ve brought in this year,” said Hickey. “We have a good mix of players who can perform both inside and outside. Some can shoot the 3, others bring grit. We’re really looking forward to coaching this group.”
However, the team will miss long-time player/assistant coach Ian Watters, who has relocated to Miramichi to pursue a teaching career. Harrison Florean, Rees Hasson, Zachary Vautour, Ted Braden, and repeated MVP winner Geoffrey will no longer form part of the 2024-25 roster.
The Tommies have had a productive offseason, with players dedicating time in the weight room and on the court.
The goal for the Tommies remains unchanged: win the ACAA Championship and aim for a CCAA medal. “That’s our expectation every year,” said Hickey. “But to reach that goal, we have to focus on the process. We need to ensure we’re doing things the right way in practice, taking care of our bodies, and staying sharp in the classroom. If we focus on the little things, we’re confident it will translate onto the court.”
The Tommies’ leadership this season will come from a collective effort, with every player expected to contribute in various ways. “We want all our guys to step up and take leadership roles.”. “Whether it’s on the court, in the classroom, or in the weight room, everyone has a valued voice. Of course, we have some veteran guys who have ‘been around the block’ and we’ll lean on them, but leadership comes in many forms.”
Fans can expect a familiar, high-paced playing style, with a focus on applying early pressure and making smart decisions at the rim. "Defensively, we’re going to pressure the ball in full court and have some new looks in the half court this year".
The Tommies biggest challenge remains the same: treating every possession like it matters, whether in games or in practice. Tommies have learned the hard way how crucial every possession can be. "We need to stay focused on the tiny details, and as coaches, we can’t let poor habits creep in. This group is battle-tested, and I think that will be an advantage when playoff time comes.” said Hickey.
As always, fan support will be crucial to the team’s success. “Our fans are incredible, whether at home or on the road, and we’re grateful for that support,” Hickey said. The Tommies are set to host the highly anticipated Ken Gould Invitational from October 18-20. “We’d love to see a great crowd for that tournament." The ACAA is an incredibly strong league with high-quality basketball, and we think fans will really enjoy the experience."
Tommies are working hard to bring home a championship. "We’ve been close the last couple of years, so hang in there with us. We’re confident this group has what it takes.”