Canada West Men’s Basketball Preview: A Wide-Open Chase in 2026–27
A defending champion replacing two award-winning players. A national tournament contender rebuilding its starting five. An Alberta team returning almost every point from last season. And a Saskatchewan centre whose development could change the outlook for the Huskies.
The 2026–27 Canada West men’s basketball season brings familiar contenders, but few programs enter with exactly the same expectations or personnel.
Victoria is defending its conference championship, UBC is adjusting to significant turnover, and Alberta and Winnipeg bring valuable continuity into the race. Behind them, Mount Royal and Thompson Rivers return experienced groups, while Calgary, Regina, Saskatchewan and several others are attempting to establish new rotations.
Across the conference, the contrast in returning production is striking. Alberta retains an estimated 99.2 percent of last season’s scoring, while Manitoba returns 31.8 percent. Those figures help explain why some programs can build on established chemistry while others must develop an entirely different offensive identity.
The Maple Minute has divided all 17 programs into five preseason tiers. These are evaluations of each team’s outlook rather than predictions of exact finishing positions. Returning-scoring percentages are based on a player-by-player comparison of last season’s conference statistics with current roster information, adjusted for confirmed eligibility and roster corrections.
Tier 1 — Championship Contenders
Alberta Golden Bears
Head coach: Geoff Pippus (2nd season)
Returning scoring: 99.2%
Who’s Back: Alberta returns nearly its entire established rotation, led by Isaac Simon (6’2”, 5th year), Kyle Varner (6’6”, 3rd year), Nash Semeniuk (6’1”, 3rd year) and Caiden Kushnir (6’9”, 4th year). Simon scored 318 points last season, while Varner contributed 255. Kushnir gives the Bears an important physical presence inside.
Who’s New: Izzy Helman (6’4”, 4th year) joins the backcourt after previously playing for Pippus at Camosun. He averaged 17.4 points through eight preseason appearances. Jack Snead is another addition to a roster that has avoided significant turnover.
Who’s Gone: Alberta has lost little of its established scoring. Owen Hickey is among the players not matched to the current roster, but the Golden Bears have retained almost all of their previous production.
Player to Watch — Caiden Kushnir (6’9”, 4th year)
Kushnir provides the size and physicality needed to compete with the conference’s strongest frontcourts. His ability to rebound, finish through contact and influence possessions defensively will be important to Alberta’s championship ambitions.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Alberta enters with perhaps the clearest advantage in continuity. Pippus has an experienced group that understands its responsibilities, while Helman adds another offensive option.
The Bears have enough size to control the paint and enough experienced guards to create efficient opportunities. The challenge is ensuring that their physical advantages translate into consistent half-court execution against elite opponents.
With nearly the entire rotation returning, Alberta should be considered a legitimate championship favourite.
UBC Thunderbirds
Head coach: Phil Jalalpoor (2nd season)
Returning scoring: 46.9%
Who’s Back: Nylan Roberts (6’7”, 3rd year) leads the returning group after scoring 272 points last season. Edouard Gauthier, Karan Aujla (6’8”, 4th year), Raj Dhadda and Zeru Abera provide additional continuity.
Who’s New: Roko Maric (6’9”, 3rd year) brings another talented frontcourt option. The Thunderbirds have added size and athleticism to compensate for the significant losses from last season.
Who’s Gone: Nikola Guzina, Holt Tomie, Gus Goerzen and Tobi Akinkunmi are among the important departures. UBC has lost its previous starting five and must replace considerable scoring, experience and offensive organization.
Player to Watch — Nylan Roberts (6’7”, 3rd year)
Roberts has developed into one of the conference’s most versatile forwards. He can attack the basket, shoot from the perimeter, rebound and defend multiple positions. His ability to handle a larger offensive role will be central to UBC’s success.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
The Thunderbirds have enough physical talent to remain among the contenders, but their offensive identity will look considerably different.
Roberts provides a genuine centrepiece, while Maric and Aujla give UBC significant size. The challenge will be developing chemistry and establishing dependable roles around a group that has not played extensively together.
UBC has the potential to challenge for another championship. Whether that happens immediately will depend on how quickly its new rotation learns to execute against experienced opposition.
Victoria Vikes
Head coach: Murphy Burnatowski (3rd Season)
Returning scoring: 70.8%
Who’s Back: Renoldo Robinson (6’3”, 5th year), Shadynn Smid (6’7”, 5th year), Griffin Arnatt (6’4”, 4th year) and Tyler Felt (6’9”, 2nd year) provide a strong returning foundation.
Who’s New: Ryan Regault and Cole Bekkering are among the additions expected to help replace departed production and maintain Victoria’s depth.
Who’s Gone: Ethan Boag and Geoffrey James leave significant gaps after outstanding seasons. Their departures affect more than scoring, particularly the defensive presence and leadership that helped Victoria win the conference championship.
Player to Watch — Tyler Felt (6’9”, 2nd year)
Felt is a developing interior player whose size, activity and finishing could become increasingly important. His progression as a rebounder and defender will help determine how effectively Victoria replaces its departed frontcourt production.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Victoria retains enough talent to remain among the country’s best programs.
Robinson and Smid provide proven offensive production, while Arnatt and Felt give Burnatowski additional experience. The Vikes have also established a culture of defensive accountability and postseason success.
Replacing the influence of Boag and James will not be simple. However, Victoria’s returning group and incoming talent give it a credible opportunity to defend its championship.
Winnipeg Wesmen
Head coach: Mike Raimbault (16th season)
Returning scoring: 74.2%
Who’s Back: Kato Jaro (6’0”, 4th year), Alberto Gordo (6’3”, 5th year), Elijah Mensah (6’7”, 4th year) and Ryan Luke (6’7”, 4th year) form one of the conference’s strongest returning groups.
Who’s New: The Alleyne twins add young perimeter talent, while Istvan Reid (7’0”, 1st year) provides additional size and long-term potential inside.
Who’s Gone: Winnipeg has retained its principal offensive contributors, avoiding the level of turnover affecting several other championship candidates.
Player to Watch — Kato Jaro (6’0”, 4th year)
Jaro is one of Canada West’s most accomplished returning guards. His ability to score, distribute and control tempo makes him central to Winnipeg’s offensive identity.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Winnipeg has the experience and offensive continuity to challenge almost anyone.
Jaro demonstrated his ability to carry the offence during the preseason, scoring 33 points against Lakehead and 20 against Thompson Rivers. The established frontcourt provides another dimension, while Reid offers additional size as he develops.
The Wesmen’s ceiling will depend on their defensive consistency and ability to handle the conference’s most physical opponents. With an experienced core and proven coaching, Winnipeg belongs in the championship conversation.
Tier 2 — Strong Playoff Contenders
Mount Royal Cougars
Head coach: Josh Mullen (3rd season)
Returning scoring: 64.6%
Who’s Back: Sam Barnie (6’6”, 5th year), Jacob McLellan (6’3”, 2nd year), Faruq Balarabe (6’6”, 3rd year) and Jose Miguel Alba Gabaldon (6’0”, 2nd year) provide an experienced foundation. McLellan scored 243 points last season, while Barnie contributed 199.
Who’s New: Randy Otieno, Noah Barlow and Miguel Hunte are among the additions expected to strengthen the rotation.
Who’s Gone: Kole Scott, DJ Roberts and Kuach Gajak are among the significant departures. Their absence creates opportunities for returning players to assume larger responsibilities.
Player to Watch — Faruq Balarabe (6’6”, 3rd year)
Balarabe brings length, mobility and defensive versatility. His selection to England’s U23 3x3 national team reflects his development into a player capable of contributing in different competitive environments.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Mount Royal has the experience to challenge teams in the top tier.
Barnie provides physicality inside, while McLellan and the returning guards give the Cougars several offensive options. Preseason victories over Laval and Concordia have provided encouraging evidence of their potential.
The question is whether Mount Royal can consistently execute in close possessions and defend at the level required against the conference’s best teams.
Thompson Rivers WolfPack
Head coach: Chad Jacobson (4th season)
Returning scoring: 85.9%
Who’s Back: Jayden Stephens (6’7”, 4th year), Dami Farinloye (6’3”, 5th year), Steve Stinson (5’10”, 5th year), Jayden Green (6’2”, 4th year) and Cason Scott (6’7”, 2nd year) provide extensive continuity.
Who’s New: Thompson Rivers has added depth around its established rotation rather than requiring newcomers to replace most of its scoring.
Who’s Gone: The WolfPack have retained the majority of their previous production, giving them one of the strongest continuity profiles in the conference.
Player to Watch — Cason Scott (6’7”, 2nd year)
Scott gives Thompson Rivers a developing forward with size and mobility. His growth as a rebounder, defender and interior contributor could make an important difference.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Thompson Rivers has a legitimate opportunity to outperform its preseason position.
The WolfPack return experienced guards, useful frontcourt size and players who understand how to compete together. Their preseason included a victory over Manitoba and a narrow loss to Winnipeg.
Improved defensive consistency and rebounding will determine whether this group can turn its returning production into postseason success.
Calgary Dinos
Head coach: Dan Vanhooren (26th season)
Returning scoring: 41.4%
Who’s Back: Mrigendra Dhaliwal (6’2”, 2nd year), Daniel Chijioke (6’8”, 2nd year) and Dre Francis (6’7”, 5th year) are important returning pieces. Francis’s confirmed return improves Calgary’s continuity considerably compared with the initial roster audit.
Who’s New: Gabe Vig (6’3”, 3rd year) arrives from Briercrest, bringing additional experience to the backcourt. The Dinos have also added players with size and developmental potential.
Who’s Gone: Hayden Franson, Daniels Baumanis, Eli Djordjevic and Aidan Smith are among the players not returning from last season’s statistical group.
Player to Watch — Daniel Chijioke (6’8”, 2nd year)
Chijioke has the size and athletic tools to become a more influential interior player. His development as a rebounder, defender and finisher will be important as Calgary establishes its new rotation.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Calgary has enough talent to compete with strong opponents, but considerable uncertainty remains around its offensive identity.
Francis provides valuable experience, while Vig adds another perimeter option. The Dinos must establish dependable scoring roles and improve their execution in close games.
Vanhooren has managed roster transitions before. How quickly the younger players develop will determine whether Calgary can challenge the conference’s leading teams.
Trinity Western Spartans
Head coach: Trevor Pridie (8th season)
Returning scoring: 68.5%
Who’s Back: Jack Vandenberg (6’0”, 4th year), Marcus Shankar (6’3”, 5th year), Tyus DeVries (6’5”, 5th year), Logan Stewart and Pearse Long provide an experienced returning group.
Who’s New: The incoming players will be asked to provide depth around the established perimeter core and strengthen the team’s defensive versatility.
Who’s Gone: Connor Platz and David Mutabazi are important departures. Their combined production and experience leave responsibilities for the returning group to absorb.
Player to Watch — Tyus DeVries (6’5”, 5th year)
DeVries gives Trinity Western an experienced scorer with positional size. His ability to create difficult shots is valuable, but his leadership and decision-making will be equally important.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Trinity Western has the offensive ability to challenge the conference’s better teams.
The returning guards provide multiple scoring options, and the Spartans should have a clear offensive foundation. The question is whether they can consistently defend and rebound against larger opponents.
If Pridie can establish a more balanced approach, Trinity Western could become a difficult postseason matchup.
Tier 3 — Playoff Challengers
Regina Cougars
Head coach: Steve Burrows (14th season)
Returning scoring: 37.1%
Who’s Back: Sufyan Elkannan (6’2”, 5th year), Isaiah Bay (6’0”, 3rd year), Cade Mather (6’7”, 4th year) and Isaac Kiona provide continuity.
Who’s New: Osagie Okundaye (6’4”, 2nd year), Markez Cain (5’11”, 1st year), Adong Dut (6’8”, 3rd year) and Drew Ackerman (6’8”, 5th year) are among the additions expected to reshape Regina’s rotation.
Who’s Gone: Lodie Kenyi and Ben Kamba are among the significant departures, leaving considerable offensive production to replace.
Player to Watch — Osagie Okundaye (6’4”, 2nd year, Regina, SK)
Okundaye arrives with junior-college experience and useful size in the backcourt. His ability to defend physical matchups, handle pressure and provide efficient offensive production could make him an important addition.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Regina has enough talent to remain competitive, but the new backcourt combinations will need time.
Elkannan provides returning scoring, while Mather and Ackerman give the Cougars size and experience. The newcomers offer more possibilities, although the team must establish reliable offensive roles.
If Regina can improve its ball security and generate consistent defensive pressure, it has the potential to become a playoff threat.
Saskatchewan Huskies
Head coach: Jamie Campbell (5th season)
Returning scoring: 44.7%
Who’s Back: Easton Thimm (6’10”, 4th year, Saskatoon, SK), Dylan Miller (6’3”, 4th year), Mohamed Jabateh (6’3”, 3rd year) and Owen Murphy Wiebe (6’2”, 3rd year) provide experience.
Who’s New: Jalen Glenn (6’4”, 1st year), Faisal Mahadhi (6’0”, 1st year) and Moe Osman (6’2”, 1st year, Saskatoon, SK) are among the young players who could contribute.
Who's Gone: Emmanuel Bonsu is the most significant departure after averaging 13.7 points per game last season. Dillyn Morin, Freddy Kapinga, Dylan Boughen and Amari Lessa Linklater are also gone, leaving Saskatchewan with important perimeter scoring and experience to replace.
Player to Watch — Easton Thimm (6’10”, 4th year, Saskatoon, SK)
Thimm has developed from a multi-sport high-school athlete into one of Canada West’s most intriguing interior players. His expanding three-point range gives him another offensive dimension and makes him increasingly difficult to defend.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Saskatchewan’s potential begins with Thimm.
The fourth-year centre recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists against Alberta during the preseason, including two made three-pointers. He followed with 14 points and 19 rebounds against Laurentian.
The Huskies have a player capable of changing games inside, but the supporting cast must provide consistent guard play, shooting and decision-making.
Saskatchewan has enough talent to challenge stronger opponents. Its ability to develop a dependable perimeter rotation will determine whether the Huskies can move up the standings.
UNBC Timberwolves
Head coach: Todd Jordan (17th season)
Returning scoring: 90.0%
Who’s Back: Justin Sunga (5’10”, 5th year), Tony Kibonge (6’0”, 5th year), Isaiah Bias (6’0”, 3rd year) and Will Keyes (6’11”, 3rd year) provide a strong veteran foundation. Sunga contributed 200 points and 98 assists last season.
Who’s New: The incoming players will be asked to provide depth around a group that already has considerable offensive experience.
Who’s Gone: UNBC retains most of its previous scoring, making improvement from returning players particularly important.
Player to Watch — Justin Sunga (5’10”, 5th year)
Sunga is an experienced point guard who can create opportunities and take important shots. His ability to control possessions and lead the offence will be central to UNBC’s success.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
UNBC has enough continuity to challenge for a playoff position.
The Timberwolves return experienced guards and useful interior size, but their defensive consistency must improve.
Returning 90 percent of last season’s scoring provides stability. Whether that translates into more victories will depend on improved rebounding, shot selection and late-game execution.
Tier 4 — Fighting for Position
Brandon Bobcats
Head coach: Gil Cheung (17th season)
Returning scoring: 56.3%
Who’s Back: Munroop Gill (5’11”, 2nd year), Arjun Hehar (6’6”, 2nd year), Youri Cange and Malik Brown are among the returning contributors. Gill scored 322 points last season and averaged 17.9 points per game.
Who’s New: Brandon has added guards with Quebec basketball experience and younger frontcourt players who will compete for roles.
Who’s Gone: Sultan Haider-Bhatti and Travis Hamburger are significant departures, removing established scoring and playmaking.
Player to Watch — Munroop Gill (5’11”, 2nd year)
The reigning Canada West Rookie of the Year is one of the conference’s most exciting young scorers. His confidence attacking defenders gives Brandon an offensive centrepiece.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Brandon has a talented young player to build around, but the supporting cast must develop quickly.
Gill will face greater defensive attention, making secondary scoring and offensive organization increasingly important.
The Bobcats have enough ability to challenge opponents on individual nights. Consistency across the conference schedule will be the larger test.
Fraser Valley Cascades
Head coach: Joe Enevoldson (7th season)
Returning scoring: 57.1%
Who’s Back: Bennett O’Connor (6’0”, 4th year), Ismael Hernandez (6’7”, 4th year), Dilveer Randhawa (6’6”, 3rd year), Jaylen Lee (6’5”, 4th year) and Isaiah Lee (6’3”, 2nd year) provide a returning foundation.
Who’s New or Returning to Availability: Clay Kurtz (6’3”, 5th year) returns from an extended injury absence, while Adam McDonald (6’2”, 5th year) provides another experienced option.
Who’s Gone: Dario Lopez and Matthias Klim are among the significant departures, leaving important frontcourt production to replace.
Player to Watch — Clay Kurtz (6’3”, 5th year)
Kurtz’s return could strengthen Fraser Valley’s perimeter organization. His experience and ability to create opportunities for teammates will be important as the Cascades establish their offensive hierarchy.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Fraser Valley has more returning talent than its roster changes might suggest.
The Cascades possess length, experienced guards and several players capable of taking on greater responsibility. Rebounding and consistent half-court execution remain important concerns.
If the returning players establish dependable roles and the newcomers contribute, Fraser Valley should remain in the playoff discussion.
Lethbridge Pronghorns
Head coach: Kenny Otieno (4th season)
Returning scoring: 36.1%
Who’s Back: Brady Baines (6’3”, 5th year), Mason Hoffman (6’1”, 4th year), Jaxen Perrett (6’3”, 4th year) and Joseph Lemieux (6’5”, 3rd year) provide an experienced returning foundation.
Who’s New: Dray Walburger (6’4”, 3rd year) returns to Lethbridge after playing at Lethbridge Polytechnic and Mount Royal. The Pronghorns have also added size and depth to their rotation.
Who’s Gone: Several important offensive contributors have departed, leaving the returning guards with greater responsibility.
Player to Watch — Dray Walburger (6’4”, 3rd year)
Walburger brings experience and the ability to create offence. His confidence attacking defenders could help Lethbridge establish a more dependable perimeter identity.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Lethbridge has enough talent to challenge for a postseason position, but considerable offensive production must be replaced.
The returning group provides experience, while Walburger offers another creator. Improved defensive consistency and shot selection will be essential.
If the new combinations develop quickly, the Pronghorns could outperform their preseason position.
Manitoba Bisons
Head coach: Kirby Schepp (18th season)
Returning scoring: 31.8%
Who’s Back: Ramogi Nyagudi (6’10”, 3rd year, Winnipeg, MB), Taven Vigilance (6’6”, 3rd year), Brandt Lenz (6’0”, 5th year) and Jonam Kazadi (6’7”, 5th year) provide continuity. Nyagudi scored 242 points last season.
Who’s New: Samuel Desrochers (6’2”, 1st year) arrives with a CCAA national championship background. Barac Thon (6’7”, 3rd year), Tshawn-Fredly Bois (6’4”, 3rd year), Segun Akin-Akinbulumo (6’7”, 4th year) and other newcomers provide a variety of competitive backgrounds.
Who’s Gone: Daren Watts and Mason Kraus are among the significant departures, removing established scoring and playmaking. Clarence Suter is listed as a redshirt and is not projected as an active contributor.
Player to Watch — Ramogi Nyagudi (6’10”, 3rd year, Winnipeg, MB)
Nyagudi gives Manitoba an established interior presence. His ability to rebound, finish and assume greater responsibility will be important as the Bisons develop their new rotation.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
Manitoba is undergoing one of the conference’s more substantial transitions.
Schepp has experience building competitive teams, and the newcomers provide useful talent. Desrochers is particularly intriguing after his success at the college level.
However, replacing so much veteran production will require time. Manitoba must establish offensive roles, develop chemistry and determine which newcomers can consistently contribute.
The Bisons may improve considerably as the season progresses, but early consistency could be a challenge.
Tier 5 — Rebuilding
UBC Okanagan Heat
Head coach: Clayton Pottinger (8th season)
Returning scoring: 66.9%
Who’s Back: Isaak Moore (6’3”, 4th year), Lamine Conde (6’7”, 4th year), Mike Adarkwah-Nti (6’2”, 3rd year), Anthony Brady and Mathias Schertzer provide experience. Moore scored 231 points last season, while Conde contributed 230.
Who’s New: Cole Koop (6’1”, 3rd year), Tarun Saroya (6’6”, 1st year) and Wil Zylyk (6’5”, 3rd year) are among the additions with Okanagan connections.
Who’s Gone: Jalen Shirley is the most significant departure, having scored 416 points last season. His absence leaves considerable offensive production to replace.
Player to Watch — Isaak Moore (6’3”, 4th year)
Moore provides experience and offensive creation in the backcourt. His leadership will be important as UBC Okanagan develops a more consistent offensive identity.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
UBC Okanagan returns enough experience to be competitive, but the program must demonstrate more consistent execution.
Moore and Conde provide established scoring options, while the incoming players offer opportunities for development.
Defensive rebounding, half-court defence and offensive efficiency remain important concerns.
The Heat could be more competitive than their recent results suggest, but sustained improvement will depend on establishing dependable roles and reducing mistakes.
MacEwan Griffins
Head coach: David Kapinga (2nd Season)
Returning scoring: 43.5%
Who’s Back: Diego Presingular (5’10”, 3rd year), Favour Igbinyemi (6’7”, 5th year), Elisha Ampofo and Khushal Shukla provide continuity. Presingular scored 241 points last season, while Igbinyemi contributed 178.
Who’s New: Jonel Muyo (5’10”, 3rd year, Calgary, AB), Freddy Kapinga and Nathan Lefevre are among seven incoming transfers. The Griffins have also added considerable size across the roster.
Who’s Gone: Marcus Moore, Job Janda, Dami Osuma and Milan Jaksic are among the significant departures, leaving scoring and rebounding to replace.
Player to Watch — Jonel “Jojo” Muyo (5’10”, 3rd year, Calgary, AB)
Muyo returns to Alberta after two seasons in the American junior college system. Following a limited role at Odessa College, he moved to Shorter College, where he averaged 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 19 games.
His ability to contribute as a rebounder and distributor despite his size makes him an intriguing addition. The challenge will be translating that production into consistent Canada West guard play.
The Maple Minute Outlook:
MacEwan is attempting to establish a different identity under Kapinga.
The transfers provide experience and physical tools, but bringing together players from different competitive backgrounds presents its own challenges.
The Griffins must improve their defensive consistency, half-court execution and ball security.
There is enough talent to expect a more competitive team. Meaningful progress should be measured by how consistently MacEwan challenges opponents rather than an immediate jump into championship contention.
The Race Ahead
Canada West enters 2026–27 with several legitimate championship candidates and a large middle group capable of challenging the established favourites.
Alberta’s continuity, UBC’s physical talent, Victoria’s championship experience and Winnipeg’s veteran backcourt offer different paths to success.
Mount Royal and Thompson Rivers return substantial experience, while Calgary and Trinity Western have the personnel to challenge stronger opponents.
Further down the conference, Saskatchewan has a potentially dominant interior player in Easton Thimm, Regina is introducing a different backcourt, Manitoba is rebuilding around a younger group, and MacEwan is hoping an experienced transfer class can change its trajectory.
Returning production provides useful context, but it does not guarantee improvement. Teams must still defend consistently, create efficient offence and execute when games become close.
With so many different roster constructions and competitive identities, Canada West should provide one of the more interesting conference races in Canadian university basketball.
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