McGill men poised for another shot at nationals
As the Quebec university men’s basketball season tipped off Saturday with host Bishop’s defeating Université du Québec à Montréal 83-77, we take a look at the 2017-18 Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) teams, ranked in order of predicted league finish (with last season’s record in parentheses):
MCGILL (13-3)
Four RSEQ titles in five years have made the Redmen the unequivocal cream of the crop in Quebec. Head coach Dave DeAveiro and his staff have changed the landscape in the conference while becoming a legitimate national contender. They have toughness, experience and championship pedigree with Dele Ogundokun, Jenning Leung, François Bourque, Noah Daoust, Sebastian Beckett and Avery Cadogan leading the charge. McGill might have the most talented team in the program’s history and expectations will be high.
CONCORDIA (11-5)
The days of the Stingers dominating the RSEQ have disappeared, but the process continues under third-year head coach Rastko Popovic. There is considerable depth and talent on a roster led by Ken Beaulieu, Ricardo Monge, Nicholas Noble, Schneider Suffrard, Malcolm Henderson and Simon Lavoie. Adrian Armstrong had a great pre-season in terms of his shooting and transfer Jonathan Koud provides the Stingers with increased explosiveness from the guard position. If they can leverage frontcourt depth into a tangible advantage, the Stingers can challenge McGill for the title.
LAVAL (9-7)
The Rouge et Or have one of the best facilities and fan bases in the country. Coach Jacques Paiement Jr. hopes this is the season he can bring an RSEQ championship to Quebec City, where there’s a good mix of talent, experience and versatility on the roster. Alexandre Leclerc is an all-star who is ready to take the next step in his development. The Rouge et Or need Marc-André Fortin to continue his production at centre and for Joel Muamba to emerge as a dominating frontcourt player. This could be the year the Rouge et Or silence the doubters.
UQAM (5-11)
There’s new leadership with the hiring of Mario Joseph. He takes over from Nate Philippe, who guided the Citadins to consecutive conference final appearances. Greishe Clerjuste is their top scorer and fearless leader; however, he said it is “50-50” he will be academically eligible to participate this semester. In Clerjuste’s absence, Ibrahima Sylla has confidently taken over the offensive responsibilities and has been outstanding in non-conference action. Charles Miller provides a deadly threepoint threat. They should not be taken lightly.
BISHOP’S (2-14)
Tough times have hit Rod Gilpin and the Gaiters program after their well-deserved title only a few seasons ago. There is always excitement when you have elite scorers Abdul Kamane and Joany CastorThadal leading the charge. David Belanger is a fierce veteran, but Yassin Naji, Duncan Lambert and Jonah Fogg must elevate their play. They have kept the ship afloat, but they need help and quickly. In a perfect world, they could challenge UQAM for the last playoff spot.