22 sports November 16, 2011 - Over the Edge 2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW: MEN'S B-BALL Major additions maintain the Timberwolves as contenders in the competitive PACWEST PUNEET HAYER SPORTS EDITOR Tip off of the annual inter-squad (men’s) game at the NSC, he UNBC men’s basketball team has been anxious to scratch the itch from last sea- son’s disappointing finish at Nation- als and Provincials. The wait is over and the team looks ready to reclaim their stake as CCAA national cham- pions before moving to the CIS next year. Last season was the debut for Coach Todd Jordan with the Timber- wolves as they tried to reclaim nation- al championship. However, the team lost a heartbreaking provincial final to rival Vancouver Island University de- spite strong performances from many veterans. Then, the team quickly fell out of medal contention at the CCAA National Basketball Tournament in Ontario after losing an opening con- test to the inferior Lethbridge Uni- versity. Consequently, changes were needed to get back to elite status and optimism has been achieved due to some major recruiting acquisitions by head coach Todd Jordan and his staff. The team only has 5 returning play- ers from a season ago, highlighted by star guard Francis Rowe and forward Dennis Stark. However, many of the ten players not returning to the team were major leaders and contributors, such as Inderbir Gill and Matt Mills. Plus, the team lost many players that they were relying on for the future that played on last year’s squad. This includes last year’s team Defensive Player of the Year, Robert Rodriguez, and young center Joshua Jebose. Subsequently, the team was forced to have a very intensive recruiting campaign as a result of the team los- ing many players, whether because of eligibility or by choice. Coach Todd Jordan and his staff did not disappoint as they have as- sembled one of the best rosters in the PACWEST. There will be ten new players on this year’s men’s team that include a mix of experience and youth. The return of center Kevan Madsen and guard Jose Araujo, from the aforementioned national cham- pionship team two years ago, are both returning to the Timberwolves. Joining Madsen in the Timberwolves frontcourt will be forward Gabe Aubertin, an import player from Kel- ler, Washington. Aubertin brings size and athleticism to the team, as well as another rebounding presence that the team lacked last year. The team also recruited many talented first year players that will play key roles this season and into the future in the CIS. Most notably, first year point guard Billy Cheng joins the T-Wolves as the projected point guard of the future. Assuming this team can stay healthy, there is no reason to think that they cannot compete for another national title. The big question will be whether or not the veteran play- ers will emerge as leaders with Gill and Mills departing. Only time will tell who will be the leaders of this year’s team and if the rest of the team is receptive to that infusion of leadership. Early indications have been positive, as many of the young players have taken to the leadership andme \ SUITES | PRINCE GE PHOTO CRED. PUNEET HAYER of the veterans. Additionally, Coach Jordan’s structured system and char- isma has this team playing together and peaking going into the season. Therefore, there is a lot of justified optimism about the men’s basketball team this season. It would be fitting for the men’s team to win another na- tional title, as Coach Jordan walked into a tough situation last year with expectations of defending a national title. In the course of an off-season, Coach Jordan and his staff have as- sembled one of the best programs in the PACWEST. Therefore, a national title would be well deserved for this program and especially their head coach.