The U SPORTS men’s basketball Final 8 tournament begins on March 9, and will host the top men’s basketball programs across Canada.
The Carleton Ravens enter the tournament in search of their seventh straight national title, as well as their 13th in the last 15 seasons.
Here’s a look at the teams the Ravens will have to take down in pursuit of the W. P. McGee trophy.
1. Ryerson Rams (OUA Champions)
The OUA Champions finished the regular season with a 17-2 record while earning a perfect 3-0 playoffs record.
Player to watch: Ammanuel Diressa. This senior guard has been averaging 22 points per game.
Noteworthy stats: The Rams are second in made three-pointers a game, with 12.3 a game, making them dangerous from beyond the arc. They are also first in attempted three-pointers, meaning they will be looking for that shot often.
2. Carleton Ravens (OUA finalist)
The Ravens finished the regular season with 19-0 regular season, however they fell to the Ryerson Rams in the OUA Finals and finishing the playoff with a 2-1 record.
Player to watch: Connor Wood. The 6’4” swing man has been averaging 19 points per game while knocking down 50 per cent of his shots. Although shooting is his strong point, he can be a nuisance in the paint.
Noteworthy stats: The Ravens are in the top 10 of points per game, field goals per game, made three points per game, as well as offensive rebounds per game. There isn’t a single stat that sticks out, but the Ravens are skilled at all fronts of the offensive end.
3. McGill Redmen (RSEQ Champions)
The RSEQ champions finished the regular season 13-3 while going 2-0 in the playoffs.
Player to watch: Michael Peterkin. The senior guard has been averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting 61 per cent.
Noteworthy stats: The Redmen are fifth in assists per game, making their passing among the most elite. Other than passing the Redmen lag behind on most other stats compared to their competition.
4. Alberta Golden Bears (Canada West Champions)
The Canada West champions finished the season 14-6, but went 4-1 in the playoffs.
Player to watch: Austin Waddoups. The junior guard is averaging 17.4 points per game and managed to pull in 26 rebounds in his five playoff games.
Noteworthy stats: The Golden Bears scored the second highest amount of points in the playoffs with 473.
5. Dalhousie Tigers (AUS Champions/host)
The host of the tournament and AUS champions finished the regular season 16-4 while going 3-0 playoffs.
Player to watch: Ritchie Kanza Mata. The senior guard averaged 18.5 points per game while also holding up the highest play time of his team.
Noteworthy stats: In play, the Tigers lag behind most teams in the tournament, not being in the top 10 for any important stats. However, the Tigers have the highest attendance, and being the host that could have an impact.
6. Manitoba Bisons (Canada West finalist)
The Canada West finalists finished with a 12-8 regular season and 5-1 playoff record.
Player to watch: AJ Basi. The senior guard is averaging 18.7 points be game.
Noteworthy stats: The Bisons have four players averaging double digit numbers with Basi, Ilarion Bonhomme, Justus Alleyn, and Keith Omoerah. The diversity of player strength can be a huge asset in the tournament format.
7. Calgary Dinos (At-large berth)
The At-large berth and Canada West bronze medalists finished the season with a 16-4 record as well as a 3-1 playoff record.
Player to watch: Thomas Cooper. The senior guard is averaging 24 points per game while also pulling in 26 rebounds, enough for 10 in the tournament.
Noteworthy stats: The Dinos are sixth for steals per game, maybe not a huge statistic but can make the difference in a close game.
8. Saint Mary’s Huskies (AUS finalist)
The lowest seed comes into the tournament as the AUS finalists with a 13-7 regular season and a 2-1 playoff record.
Player to watch: Theon Reefer. The senior guard is averaging 18.3 points per game, the veteran guard put in a impressive performance to get his team to the tournament.
Noteworthy stats: The Huskies sit in third in field goal percentage, the only statistic that is in their favour. In order to make some damage, the Huskies will have to shoot.
– File photo
