Thomas Cory is the second head coach in the young history of the Nipissing Lakers men’s basketball program.
He joins the Lakers after serving as the first-ever full-time head coach of the Algoma Thunderbirds men’s basketball team. He recently completed his 12th season with the Thunderbirds, being named the head coach of the squad since 2006.
From Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Cory first began playing basketball in Grade 6. After playing high school ball at Bawating High School, Cory played in the OCAA as point guard for the Durham College Lords, Sault College Cougars and in the OUA for one year with the Ryerson University Rams. He played professional ball overseas in Portugal for three years.
With the Durham Lords, Cory’s team were CCAA National Champions in 1996-97.
After graduating from Sault College in Hotel Restaurant Management, Cory became the bench boss for the Sault College Cougars men’s basketball team. In four seasons with the Cougars, Cory revamped their struggling program and transformed it into one of the top OCAA programs.
Cory had four winning seasons and three OCAA playoff appearances with the Cougars.
After resigning from the position, Cory took over as head coach of the men’s Algoma Thunderbirds basketball program, turning the team into one of the top in the nation. In his first six seasons with the Thunderbirds, Cory led his squad to five play-off appearances. He was named OCAA Coach of the Year in 2004-05. In the 2007-08 season, his team were OCAA Silver Medalists.
In 2013-14, he led his team through the large transition from college ball to university ball. His squad won five games in their first season, including defeating reigning CIS silver medalists, the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
Cory is a Level 3 NCCP Certified Coach and a FIBA Coach of Canada.
