GUELPH, ON - The University of Guelph men's basketball team will officially tip off their 2016-17 OUA regular season schedule this Saturday (November 5) at Western. Here's a quick look at this year's team ahead of the season opener.


PREVIEW: Last season the Gryphons showed that they have the ability to compete with the best programs in the country, highlighted by a 96-92 victory over the No. 1-ranked team in the CIS and eventual OUA champion Ryerson Rams. This season, the Gryphons return all but one of their players from a season ago, with a total of eight players now entering their fourth year of eligibility. Among those seniors are guards Jonathan Wallace, Daniel Dooley and Taylor Boers who provide the Gryphons with stability in the backcourt. Wallace is the Gryphons returning leading scorer after averaging 14.2 PPG last season. Drew Walford and Andrew Grant are two of the team's most athletic and dynamic players and will be leaned upon to lead the way defensively, while Ahmed Haroon returns for his final year and is the Gryphons main scoring threat from the post. Incoming rookies Jordan Sobot and Craig Valeriote bolster an already strong backcourt, while 6-foot-5 rookie Aaron Nugent arrives at U of G after having attended prep school in Quebec (Stanstead College) and gives the Gryphons a multi-dimensional threat at both ends of the court.


COACH'S QUOTE:  "We have a nice mix of veterans and youth and will be looking to build on what was a strong second half of the season for us a year ago. We'll be looking to utilize our depth throughout the course of the season and are excited about taking a step forward with this program and returning to the playoffs." ~ Chris O'Rourke (18th season as Head Coach)


Key Returners: Daniel Dooley, Jonathan Wallace, Ahmed Haroon, Drew Walford
 
Departures: Jack Beatty
 
Recruits: Jordan Sobot, Banky Alade, Shawn Carey, Craig Valeriote, Aaron Nugent
 
Best Outside Threat: Taylor Boers, Craig Valeriote
 
Scoring: Jonathan Wallace
 
Rebounder: Kingslee D'Silva
 
Defender: Andrew Grant
 
Ballhandler: Daniel Dooley, Jordan Sobot
 
Distributor: Daniel Dooley/Jordan Sobot