Progress has been made, improvement is continuing, but not it's time to take the next step.

The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team kicks off their 2016-17 OUA season Friday night at home and is looking forward to a big season.

Lakers head coach Chris Cheng said each year has been a journey and a positive experience, but this season has his excitement peaked.

"This is the most excited I've been since I first got the job. Not taking anything away from my first two seasons and the team I had, but to see our players grow, our culture develop, and the strides we have made is exciting," Cheng said.

While Cheng is focused on each specific season, his plan that is a five year vision, is currently progressing and he's excited about this year, as well as the next couple.

"I have a five year vision to where I would like this program to be and I am just excited the progress we have been making. Yes wins and losses are a major factor, but it's more than that, especially leading an inaugural program," Cheng said. "Culture building is the main focus. You can't win without a strong culture, but you can certainly lose with a bad one."

Looking ahead to '16-17, the Lakers have a solid lineup, combined with veterans and fresh faces, all which are pulling in the same direction.

Cheng will rely on the veterans in his lineup, who have learned a great deal over the past few seasons, going through adversity, but also earning successes in that same time.

Players like Marcus Lewis and Kalil Langston, who have not only performed well day in and day out, but have also been honoured by the OUA, will join the likes of Marvin Ngonadi, Ismael Kaba, Jordon Campbell, Christian Casimier and Jerron Rhodes, to make up the core of this team.

"The fact that our core players are older, experienced and better is our strength. Adding a good freshmen group and key transfers help our depth and talent. Our culture is stronger because of the people we have aiding to it daily," Cheng said.
And joining that core are players like Justin Hill, Justin Shaver, Addy Ogunye and Jaaden Lewis, who will all be relied on during the season.

The strength of the team will be to play as a team, however, as a still relatively new program, they will need to slow down some of the top shooting and scoring teams if they are to hang around in the OUA.

With the top 12 seeds, based on RPI, making the playoffs, the goal will be to fit into one of those spots, regardless of how they get there.

"Our depth and team defense are going to win us games. Of course our key players need to perform each game. That has to be consistent if we want to compete and accomplish our season goals. The fact we are deeper definitely helps," Cheng said of his bench and the ability to use different players in different situations. "I am confident in our bench that on any given night, someone will step up. We have made a clear emphasis on how we defend and rebound. Our guys are stronger and more experienced so defending our basket and how we defend it are key to winning games."

The goal is simple.

The coaching staff has noted it, the players are aware of it, now it's time to execute.

"Our goal is to be a playoff team. Whatever number of wins it takes to make the playoffs, we have to achieve, but the season goal is to make playoffs," Cheng stated.

The Lakers will begin the season with two home games; hosting the Windsor Lancers Friday and the Western Mustangs Saturday.

Both games begin at 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.