It has been an exciting pre-season for the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball and now it's time to start the real season.
The Lakers had a great experience and an impressive record in exhibition action this year which they're hoping translates to success during the regular season.
First, the Lakers had an early training camp in Spain, where the team also went 3-0 to kickoff the year.
The trip proved to be a strong team-bonding experience, as well as got them some time on the court, where they got a head start on some of the competition.
Overall, the team went 6-3 in exhibition play, 3-0 in Spain, 1-2 in Saskatoon at the Graham Shootout hosted by the University of Saskatchewan and 1-1 in their two other matchups.
The team is made up of a solid returning core led by fifth year players
Marcus Lewis,
Jordan Roberts,
Ismael Kaba,
Marvin Ngonadi and
Jerron Rhodes.
They have also added a trio of true freshmen, as well as three transfers who come with USports experience.
Russell Baker,
Girece Kazumba and
Ammar Hassan come to the Lakers by way of transfer, while Nicholas Fambegbe,
Aleks Novicic and
Jason Little are the rookies on this year's roster.
Nipissing has a solid group of players who know their role and fit into the system very well – no matter what they're asking to do.
It's that team-first mentality that will go a long way in having a successful campaign.
Last season, the team came up short of the post-season, finishing with an 8-15 record.
They will look at getting back into the playoffs, where they were in 2016, when they hosted a first round game and came away with a thrilling victory.
The goal is simple – playoffs and then put together a success run. Easier said than done, but the pieces are there, now it's just a matter of making it happen on the court.
The Lakers begin the regular season on the road Halloween Night at Laurentian University in Sudbury.
They will host their home opener later this week, hosting the Lakehead Thunderwolves Friday night with tip-off set for 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.
Lakers Home Games
Date Away Home Time
Friday, November 02, 2018 LAKEHEAD NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, November 09, 2018 MCMASTER NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 10, 2018 BROCK NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, November 30, 2018 WESTERN NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 01, 2018 WINDSOR NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, January 04, 2019 YORK NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 05, 2019 QUEEN'S NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, January 11, 2019 OTTAWA NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 12, 2019 CARLETON NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, February 01, 2019 LAURENTIAN NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Friday, February 08, 2019 RYERSON NIPISSING 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 09, 2019 TORONTO NIPISSING 8:00 PM