The NAIT Ooks men's basketball team led by head coach Mike Connolly are looking to combine last year's experience with some fresh faces to find success in the 2018-2019 season.

The Ooks finished last season with a 16-8 regular season record which placed them 2^nd in the ACAC North Division. After defeating the RDC Kings in the quarterfinal round, the Ooks would find themselves matched up with the #1 seed and host SAIT Trojans. In a nail-biter, the Ooks would fall just short in Overtime 80-79. SAIT would go on to win the ACAC Championship.  

When asked about last season coach Connolly had this to say. "It was a good season. We were playing our best basketball at the end of the year in the Conference Championship. An unfortunate injury to 5th-year captain Brady McKay limited his production and efficiency in the semi-final. The ball bounces one way we win the game."

In the 2018-2019 season look for the Ooks to be an ACAC Championship contender once again. The team is bigger than last year and will once again hang their hats on being a defensively sound bunch who is very tough to play against. Coach Connolly is returning a solid core of players, along with adding a good crop of fresh young talent and some quality transfers. Solon Ellis and Darryl Broderick have both transferred from Red Deer College and will add some size, skill and experience to the back court. 6'8" Papa Diop joins NAIT after playing for Cape Breton University (USPORTS) last season, and will join forces with 5^th year veteran 6'7" team captain Samson Cleare, to make for a sizeable look at the post position. Cleare sits 6^th in rebounds in NAIT's history with 354. The school record is currently held by Sebastian Cava with 512. Cleare will be trying to eclipse Cava in this his 5^th and final season, while he chases another Championship.

"I really like the make-up of this team. We have lots of size and we have a group of unselfish, team first players. Our guys are dedicated to succeeding at NAIT and look forward to representing the institution both on and off the court," said coach Connolly. "I really look forward to watching Samson Cleare finish his 5^th year and career at NAIT. He has worked hard for this opportunity and we expect big things from him both on the court and as a captain."

The NAIT Ooks will open up the 2018-2019 season this Friday as they play host to their Highway 16 rival Lakeland Rustlers in the NAIT Gymnasium at 8:00pm.