The 2024-25 U Sports men’s basketball season has reached its pinnacle. Following a grueling regular season and intense conference tournaments, the eight best teams in the country are set to battle for the national championship.
For the first time in tournament history, the men’s and women’s championships will be played alongside each other at War Memorial Gym and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre at the University of British Columbia.
The national rankings were dominated by Canada West teams, and the seeding committee rewarded them, with all three top Canada West programs earning spots in the top half of the bracket.
Following Carleton’s two-decade-long stranglehold on the title, parity has finally emerged across the country. For the second straight season, a new champion will be crowned.
Canada West saw an eventful playoff run, with the Calgary Dinos winning their ninth conference title after upsetting the top-ranked Victoria Vikes in the semifinals before cruising past UBC in the final.
2025 U SPORTS men’s basketball final 8 bracket
For the second consecutive year and only the third time in tournament history, two RSEQ teams have qualified. The Concordia Stingers earned the wild card bid, joining the league champion Bishop’s Gaiters. The only other instances occurred last year with Laval and UQAM and in 1975 with Loyola of Montreal and Sir George Williams.
With no clear-cut favorite and a deep, competitive field, this tournament promises high-level basketball. The Calgary Dinos are the only team in this year’s field to have won the championship in the 21st century, while the Victoria Vikes (eight titles) and UBC Thunderbirds (two) are the only programs with multiple banners.
The Canada West drought at nationals has lasted since Calgary’s dramatic 2018 title win over Ryerson (79-77). Prior to that, Canada West champions included Saskatchewan (2010) and Alberta (2002). The Dinos also reached the championship game in 2019, the last time the tournament was held in Vancouver, but fell short.
The stage is set for another unforgettable tournament.
No. 1 Ottawa Gee-Gees (27-5, 20-2 OUA) – OUA Champions
Season Overview
The Ottawa Gee-Gees enter the U Sports National Championship as the top seed after an impressive 27-5 overall record and 20-2 conference mark. Head coach James Derouin, in his 15th season, led the team to its second OUA Championship in three years. The Gee-Gees are riding a 15-game winning streak, having not lost since November 2024.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
Ottawa boasts one of the most balanced rosters in the country, with depth, size, and a relentless defensive identity. Dragan Stajic, an OUA First Team All-Star, has been a steady playmaker, averaging 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Jacques-Melaine Guemeta, the OUA Defensive Player of the Year and a Third Team All-Star, leads the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game while also contributing 6.3 rebounds.
Ankit Choudhary, an OUA Second Team All-Star, provides an outside shooting threat, knocking down 40.1% of his three-point attempts while averaging 15.5 points per game. Justin Ndjock-Tadjore has been another key offensive weapon, adding 14.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Brock Newton is a crucial two-way contributor, bringing versatility on both ends of the floor, while Owen Kenney, named to the OUA All-Rookie Team, has shown promise with 8.3 points per game.
Defensively, the Gee-Gees allowed just 65.9 PPG in conference play, while their offense averaged 83.0 PPG with strong three-point shooting (35.8%).
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Ottawa dominated in the postseason, defeating Toronto Metropolitan in the OUA semifinals (89-56) and Queen’s in the final (95-87). Their biggest statement came in sweeping archrival Carleton in the regular season, proving they can handle elite competition.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
Ottawa faces a tough first-round test against Concordia, a physical team with strong guard play. Their road to a title will likely include a semifinal matchup with a battle-tested Canada West opponent.
Championship Outlook
The Gee-Gees are seeking their first national title after multiple podium finishes. They have the depth, experience, and momentum to go all the way, but they must maintain their defensive intensity and outside shooting to capture their elusive first banner.
No. 2 Calgary Dinos (26-4, 19-3 CW) – Canada West Champions
Season Overview
The Calgary Dinos enter the tournament as Canada West champions after a dominant playoff run. Finishing 26-4 overall and 19-3 in conference play, the Dinos knocked off top-seeded Victoria in the semifinals before overpowering UBC in the final. Head coach Dan Vanhooren has guided Calgary to their ninth conference title, solidifying their status as one of the premier programs in the country.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
The Dinos feature a balanced attack led by Mike Moser Memorial Trophy winner, Canada West Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Canadian Nathan Petrone. A prolific scorer and elite playmaker, Petrone led the country in scoring, averaged 24.2 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting an efficient 55.0% from the field and 88.7% from the free-throw line.
Veteran guard Noah Wharton, a Canada West Third Team All-Star, provides a steady backcourt presence with 14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while leading the team with 52 steals. His defensive intensity and leadership have been invaluable, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Sharpshooter Dylan Lutes stretches defenses with his exceptional 43.3% three-point shooting while adding 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as a crucial two-way contributor. In the frontcourt, forward Declan Peterson anchors the paint defensively, averaging 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Canada West with 55 blocks in 25 games, giving the Dinos a formidable interior presence.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Calgary’s signature victories include a regular-season win over Victoria, a decisive playoff victory over UBC, and their dramatic upset of the top-ranked Vikes in the Canada West semifinals. Their ability to defeat elite teams under pressure has established them as a dangerous contender with championship pedigree.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
The Dinos must maintain their offensive efficiency against the nation’s best defenses. Their quarterfinal matchup against Queen’s, one of the highest-scoring teams in the country, will test their defensive discipline and ability to control the tempo against an explosive opponent.
Championship Outlook
With a deep and talented roster led by one of the nation’s best players in Petrone, Calgary has all the tools to capture their first national title since 2018. Their high-powered offence and defensive versatility make them legitimate championship contenders, especially considering they’re the only team in this year’s field to have won a title in the 21st century.
No. 3 UBC Thunderbirds (31-6, 15-5 CW) – Canada West Runner-Up
Season Overview
The UBC Thunderbirds enter the tournament as the third seed after an outstanding season that saw them finish 31-6 overall and 15-5 in Canada West play. Head coach Kevin Hanson, in his 25th season, has built a perennial contender, and this year’s squad boasts a combination of experience, depth, and defensive intensity that carried them to the Canada West final before falling to Calgary.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
UBC is one of the most well-rounded teams in the field, excelling on both ends of the floor. Their balanced offensive attack produced 86.0 points per game overall and 87.0 points in conference play, while their stingy defense allowed just 70.6 points per game, making them one of the most complete teams in Canada West. Adam Olsen, a Canada West First Team All-Star, leads the offensive charge with 14.6 points per game while shooting a solid 34.0% from beyond the arc.
Nikola Guzina provides a strong inside presence, averaging 13.4 points on highly efficient 54.3% shooting and earning a Third Team All-Star selection. Versatile forward Fareed Shittu contributes 11.9 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game, giving the Thunderbirds multiple scoring options. Defensively, Victor Radocaj serves as an anchor with 28 blocks on the season, altering countless shots in the paint. Point guard Brendan Sullivan orchestrates the offense with a team-leading 116 assists while adding 50 steals, showcasing his two-way impact.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
UBC’s season featured several signature victories, including a dominant 85-68 win over Carleton early in the season that announced their national title aspirations. Their gritty 93-88 double-overtime victory against UFV demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Thunderbirds stormed through the early rounds of the Canada West playoffs before falling to Calgary in the conference championship game.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
UBC’s biggest challenge lies in offensive consistency. While they have multiple scoring threats, they can go cold at times, particularly from three-point range. Their 30.5% team three-point shooting is respectable but could be a liability if shots aren’t falling against elite defenses. Additionally, foul trouble could be an issue given their physical defensive style, potentially limiting their frontcourt depth in critical moments.
Championship Outlook
With a battle-tested roster and a coaching staff experienced in deep tournament runs, UBC is poised to make noise at nationals. Playing on their home court provides a significant advantage as they seek their third national championship in program history. If they can maintain their defensive pressure while generating consistent offense across their balanced lineup, the Thunderbirds have a legitimate shot at capturing the title in front of their home crowd.
No. 4 Victoria Vikes (29-2, 20-2 CW) – Host
Season Overview
Under first-year head coach Murphy Burnatowski, the Victoria Vikes were ranked as the top team in the country all season long, cruising to a 29-2 record. Despite going undefeated in Canada West play (20-0), they fell short of their fourth consecutive conference title after a semifinal loss to Calgary but rebounded with a bronze-medal win over Manitoba.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
Victoria boasts an elite offense, leading the conference with 90.4 PPG overall while allowing just 72.4 PPG. The loss of star guard Diego Maffia in mid-January was a setback, but the Vikes remained dominant. Renoldo Robinson, a Canada West First Team All-Star, has stepped up as the team’s primary scoring threat, averaging 15.6 PPG while leading the team with 74 steals. His two-way play has been instrumental in maintaining Victoria’s high-pressure defensive identity. Ethan Boag, a Canada West Second Team All-Star, provides interior presence with 12.7 PPG and 5.2 RPG, giving the Vikes a reliable post option.
Shadynn Smid has emerged as one of the most efficient scorers in the country, shooting an impressive 69.1% from the field while contributing 11.6 PPG. Samuel Maillet, named Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, orchestrates the offense with a team-leading 110 assists while anchoring the defensive effort that has generated 285 steals throughout the season. The Vikes’ strength lies in their balanced attack and depth, with multiple players capable of taking over games when needed.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Victoria dominated its Canada West rivals, securing wins over UBC (93-80, 91-81) and Thompson Rivers. They also had an impressive international showing with key victories in Mexico. Despite falling to Calgary in the semifinals, they responded well in the third-place game.
Championship Outlook
The Vikes have been eliminated in the quarterfinals in two of their last three Final 8 appearances. However, with their deep rotation, strong three-point shooting (37.4%), and high-pressure defense (285 steals), they remain a legitimate title contender. Their quarterfinal matchup against Bishop’s will be a key test as they aim to capitalize on home-court advantage and chase their first national title since 1997.
No. 5 Bishop’s Gaiters (20-4, 14-2 RSEQ) – RSEQ Champions
Season Overview
The Bishop’s Gaiters enter the U Sports National Championship as the fifth seed after an impressive 20-4 overall record and 14-2 conference mark. Head coach Matt McLean, in his third season and named RSEQ Coach of the Year, guided the team to the RSEQ Championship with a convincing 75-61 victory over Concordia. The Gaiters have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the country this season.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
Bishop’s combines efficient offence with stingy defense, averaging 81.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 69.2 points. Charles Robert, the RSEQ Player of the Year and First Team All-Star, leads the balanced attack with 14.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Etienne Gagnon, the RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Star, has been a force in the paint, averaging 13.5 points and a team-leading 10.9 rebounds per game.
Yanis Malanda, an RSEQ Second Team All-Star, provides additional scoring punch with 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The Gaiters’ strength lies in their three-point shooting efficiency (32.7%) and dominant rebounding (39.3 RPG), giving them multiple ways to control games on both ends of the floor.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Bishop’s made a statement with a 106-80 victory over top-seeded Ottawa in early October, demonstrating their potential against elite competition. They also played powerhouse Carleton tough in a narrow 68-70 overtime loss in January. In the RSEQ playoffs, the Gaiters showed their championship mettle by defeating Laval 92-70 in the semifinals before securing the title against Concordia.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
The Gaiters face a tough quarterfinal matchup against Victoria, which will test their ability to maintain their balanced attack against unfamiliar Canada West competition. Their limited experience against teams outside the RSEQ could be a challenge as they navigate the national tournament.
Championship Outlook
With their blend of offensive firepower and defensive toughness, Bishop’s has the tools to make a deep run. If Robert and Gagnon continue their stellar play and the team’s three-point shooting remains consistent, the Gaiters could certainly reach the podium and potentially challenge for their first national title.
No. 6 UPEI Panthers (22-9, 12-8 AUS) – AUS Champions
Season Overview
The UPEI Panthers come into the U Sports National Championship as the sixth seed after posting a solid 22-9 overall record and 12-8 conference mark. Head coach Darrell Glenn, named AUS Coach of the Year, led the team to an AUS Championship with an impressive 84-79 victory over StFX, capping a strong playoff run that has the Panthers peaking at the right time.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
UPEI features a balanced offensive attack, averaging 78.6 points per game while holding opponents to 71.2 points. Kamari Scott, an AUS First Team All-Star and Tournament MVP, leads the team with 15.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while adding 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals. Kyree Thompson, a Tournament All-Star, nearly matches Scott’s scoring with 15.3 points per game and serves as the team’s best three-point shooter.
Daniel Gonzalez Longarela contributes 9.9 points and a team-leading 9.6 rebounds per game, along with 4.5 assists, showcasing his all-around game. The Panthers’ strength lies in their depth, with seven players averaging at least 4 points per game, including Sam Chisholm (9.4 PPG) and Owen Smith (7.5 PPG). Rookie Hugo Bermejo, named to the AUS All-Rookie Team, provides additional upside.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
UPEI collected significant non-conference wins over Guelph (91-84), Laval (72-57), and McGill (82-76), demonstrating their ability to compete with strong programs from other conferences. Their championship run in the AUS playoffs, culminating in the victory over StFX, has given them considerable momentum heading into the national tournament.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
The Panthers face a difficult quarterfinal matchup against UBC, which will test their ability to maintain their balanced attack against an unfamiliar Canada West opponent. Their somewhat inconsistent conference play (12-8) raises questions about whether they can sustain their championship-level performance against the country’s elite teams.
Championship Outlook
UPEI enters the tournament with momentum and confidence after their AUS Championship run. If Scott and Thompson continue their stellar play and the team’s depth proves advantageous in the tournament format, the Panthers could surprise higher-seeded teams and potentially make a run to the podium.
No. 7 Queen’s Gaels (24-9, 16-6 OUA) – OUA Runner-Up
Season Overview
The Queen’s Gaels enter the U Sports National Championship as the seventh seed with an impressive 24-9 overall record and 16-6 conference mark. After a strong regular season, Queen’s made a deep playoff run in the challenging OUA conference, ultimately falling to Ottawa in the championship game 95-87, but securing their spot in the national tournament.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
Queen’s boasts one of the most explosive offenses in U Sports basketball, averaging 90.1 points per game while allowing 80.3 points. Rookie of the Year sensation Oliver Engen, the OUA Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Star, leads the high-powered attack with 18.8 points per game while contributing 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Luka Syllas, an OUA Second Team All-Star, provides 17.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while leading the team with 77 steals.
Isaac Krueger adds 10.1 points per game, while Andrade Junior Cummings contributes 9.4 points, giving the Gaels multiple scoring threats. The team’s rebounding strength (37.8 RPG) creates numerous second-chance opportunities, fueling their offensive firepower. Aaron Tennant, recognized with the OUA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award, contributes 4.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Queen’s demonstrated their ability to compete with the nation’s elite by defeating perennial powerhouse Carleton twice this season, including a pivotal 86-83 victory in the OUA quarterfinals. They also collected significant regular-season wins over Toronto Metropolitan (68-64) and Waterloo (99-60). Their narrow 64-62 semifinal victory over Ontario Tech showcased their ability to win close games.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
The Gaels’ quarterfinal matchup against Calgary will test whether their offensive firepower can overcome their defensive inconsistency. Allowing an average of 80.3 points per game raises questions about their ability to make stops against the nation’s top teams in high-pressure situations.
Championship Outlook
Queen’s enters the tournament with confidence after their strong OUA playoff run. If Engen and Syllas continue their stellar play and the team’s offensive rhythm remains intact, the Gaels could outscore any opponent in the tournament. However, their championship hopes may ultimately depend on finding defensive solutions against the country’s elite offenses.
No. 8 Concordia Stingers (22-9) – Wild Card Season
Season Overview
The Concordia Stingers enter the U Sports National Championship as the eighth seed with a solid 22-9 overall record and impressive 14-2 conference mark. Despite falling to Bishop’s in the RSEQ Championship game (61-75), their strong regular season earned them the wild card berth in the national tournament.
Team Strengths & Key Performers
Concordia’s identity is built around defensive excellence, allowing just 67.8 points per game while scoring 75.5 points themselves. In conference play, they were even more potent, averaging 80.4 points while holding opponents to 66.9 points. Alec Phaneuf leads the balanced attack with 13.6 points per game while shooting 36.9% from three-point range. Jaheem Joseph, an RSEQ First Team All-Star, contributes 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Junior Mercy, an RSEQ Second Team All-Star, adds 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Karam Sahly provides interior presence with 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Yohan Leger (5.8 PPG) offers efficient scoring off the bench with a 49.5% field goal percentage. The team’s depth is further enhanced by Miguel Doyon-Jeremy, who earned a spot on the RSEQ All-Rookie Team alongside Leger.
Key Wins & Playoff Momentum
Concordia collected impressive victories throughout the season, including non-conference wins over Air Force Academy (71-55) and Toronto (75-67). They demonstrated their offensive firepower with a 109-80 win over UQAM in February and showed their resilience with a thrilling overtime victory against Laval (73-66). Most notably, they defeated top-seeded Ottawa 80-70 in a non-conference game in January, proving they can compete with the tournament’s elite teams.
Potential Challenges at Nationals
The Stingers face a daunting quarterfinal matchup against Ottawa, a team they’ve already defeated this season. However, their championship game loss to Bishop’s raised questions about their ability to perform consistently against top competition when the stakes are highest.
Championship Outlook
Concordia enters the tournament with a defensive identity that could frustrate high-scoring opponents. If Phaneuf and Joseph continue their stellar play and the team’s defense remains stingy, the Stingers could certainly upset higher-seeded teams. Their previous victory over Ottawa gives them confidence heading into their quarterfinal matchup, potentially setting up a surprising run through the bracket.
