The NAIT Ooks men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2023/24 season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jordan Baker, the team is poised to make its mark in the ACAC and beyond.
Their journey begins with an away game against Concordia on Friday, October 20th. The home opener is set for Saturday, October 21st at 8 PM, offering a chance to showcase their hard work and determination in front of their fans.
With a challenging 20-game season ahead, the team's aspirations are set high, with Coach Baker stating, "We have high expectations for everyone on our roster. Student-athletes who commit themselves to excellence in the classroom, weight room, and during practice will find success with us this season."
When asked about their aspirations for the season, Coach Baker said, "As is the case at the beginning of every season, our goal is to compete for an ACAC Championship."
A blend of youth and experience marks this season's team dynamic. Coach Baker noted, "Our young group has been eager to learn and brings an exciting, enthusiastic energy to the gym every day. Combined with a strong veteran presence from Griffin Lorenz and Yasser Abdullahi, our team is beginning to build strong habits that will allow us to be successful once the ACAC season begins."
One of the significant highlights of the season is the Elite 8 ACAC Championship tournament, taking place on March 1-2 at the north's highest seed home court. The opportunity to compete at this level is what propels everyone to play their best.
Senior night is another important event on February 10th, where the team will celebrate the contributions of their senior players throughout their careers.
The ultimate goal is the CCAA Nationals, scheduled to take place at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, from March 13-16. The team is looking forward to the chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.
The preseason has been crucial in preparing the team for this weekend. Coach Baker explained, "With so many new players, consistent practices have been extremely valuable as student-athletes are beginning to adjust to each other. We played a good mix of opponents during our non-conference schedule, and we have already improved a great deal since September 1st."
The NAIT Ooks men's basketball team is ready to face the season with determination and high expectations. Be sure to catch the action in person or tune in on ACACTV or Telus Optik channel 1998 to support the team on their journey to success.