The NAIT Men's Basketball team is gearing up after the 2022-2023 season, intent on proving their mettle. With a solid 16-8 record, they emerged as frontrunners in the ACAC North Division. However, their aspirations were challenged in their first championship game as they lost to the eventual ACAC Champions, the SAIT Trojans, leaving the Ooks to finish in sixth place. 

Head Coach Jordan Baker has strategically introduced seven new players to reinvigorate the team's pursuit of the ACAC Championships this season. Acknowledging the team's youthfulness, Coach Baker anticipates a learning curve. He mentioned, "We are going to be a very young team so that learning curve will be high. I think it will take some time to find our flow, but it's a good group of guys who want to get better."

Many of this season's recruits have local ties, affording them familiarity with the team's dynamics. Coach Baker commented, "All of them are comfortable playing in the NAIT gymnasium, especially the local guys. Most of them have played in the all-star showcase we have hosted here over the last few years, and three of them have been campers at our elite basketball summer camp. They have also been with us all summer training both in the weight room and the gym, so we're expecting some good contributions."

Now let's take a closer look at this year's recruiting class.

Gabriel Humilde- Edmonton Alberta

The first player the Ooks are adding to their roster is 5'9 Gabriel Humilde. The guard played for Harry Ainlay High School, averaging 16 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He was also named a 2023 Canadian Basketball Network third-team all-star. Humilde is lethal from the three-point arch, and his court awareness allows him to put his teammates in a great position to score.

Austin Walter- Edmonton Alberta

Austin Walter is the second hometown recruit joining this year's roster. The 6'1 Guard played for Paul Kane Senior Men's Basketball and averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game his senior season. He was named a Metro All-Star and was the MVP of the High School Basketball All-Star Showcase. Walter's scoring abilities will help him make an impact in his first year in the ACAC.

Kohl Wedman- Leduc Alberta

The Ooks add depth at the Guard position with 6'3 Kohl Wedman. Wedman played for Leduc Composite Senior Men's Basketball, averaging 21.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Kohl played on Team Alberta's 17U team in 2022 and was named a 2023 Canadian Basketball Network first-team all-stars. Wedman says the welcoming team spirit was a big factor in him becoming an Ook.

Tayshon Potoma- Regina Saskatchewan

Coming to the Ooks from the province on our right is Tayshon Potoma. The 6'0 Guard played with Rise Basketball and was a 2nd CJBL All-Star. Potoma brings national-level experience to the team, and his in-game decision-making skills will make him a great addition to this year's team.

Mikkel Manio- Calgary Alberta

Coming north up the QE2 to join the team is Mikkel Manio. The 6'4 guard comes after a standout year playing for Bishop O'Bryne High School and Supreme Hoops Canada. He was also selected to play for Team Alberta in the 2022 CYBL National Series. The business students' grit and determination in both offense and defense will be a great addition to this year's team.

Jaylon Alfonso- Toronto Ontario

Jaylon Alfonso is another player making the cross-country journey to play with the Ooks. The 6'0 Guard played for North Hardin High School, averaging 16.6 points per game while shooting 32.3% from the field. He also played club basketball with Oakville Prep. Alfonso's ability to drive to the hoop from anywhere on the court will help him have a strong ACAC rookie season.

Amari Lessa Linklater- Saskatoon Saskatchewan

The Ooks bring in another strong recruit in Amari Lessa Linklater. The 5'9 Guard played for Bridge City in the Canadian Junior Basketball League, where he was a first-team all-star. He also played for Saskatchewan's U19 team at the North American Indigenous games. Lessa Linklater has all the skills needed to be a great "floor general" for the Ooks.

Stay updated on team developments and catch any extra recruit updates by following the NAIT Ooks Men's Basketball social media accounts

Mark your calendars for an exciting start to the season as the Ooks hit the road on October 20th at 8 P.M., facing off against the Concordia Thunder. The anticipation continues as they gear up for their home-opener on Saturday, October 21st, once again taking on the Concordia Thunder.