The York Lions men's basketball team looks a great deal different than it did a season ago, and, with that, comes the start of a new chapter for the program.
Head coach Jermain Holness, who had his interim tag removed in the offseason, has brought in a whopping eight transfers from collegiate ranks all over North America, including, of course, U SPORTS, as well as the NCAA, the NAIA and the CCAA.
Despite many new faces, the Lions do have a nucleus of returning veterans who will be relied upon heavily to take a leadership role on and off the court. That includes the most senior member of the Lions, Tyler Pryce.
"Tyler is a great leader; he's a great guy," said first-year Lion Evan Shadkami, a transfer from the Toronto Varsity Blues. "He's really positive, his emotion doesn't change, so I'm looking to him to keep our team level-headed and positive."
Pryce, meanwhile, mentioned a fellow veteran, fourth-year forward Alexis Kayonga, as someone the Lions will lean on to provide a vocal presence on what is a new-look Lions squad.
"Being an older guy, the coaches are looking to him with communicating more, talking more, being a leader and being the best version of himself to set an example for the younger generation."
Liam Rietschin also returns to the fold after missing the 2022-23 season, and has made incredible strides in his return to the floor.
"Liam's been through a lot," Pryce said. "How far he's come now, it's impressive, and I think the coaches see that and expect him to lead the way in terms of positivity and work ethic."
The Lions only have a couple true first-years in the fold this season in the name of Nickele Harris and Reilly Klutchert. Rietschin believes both are going to make a big impact for the red and white in their rookie campaigns.
"Nickele is a physical specimen," Rietschin said. "We're looking for him to be a good defender, rebound the ball and hustle."
Klutchert, who will miss the season opener with injury, is someone Rietschin says can be a really positive influence on the club.
"We're looking for him to encourage our teammates and help with our culture," he said. "We're going to try to instill some of our values into him for the future of York basketball.
As mentioned, the Lions have a slew of new faces with collegiate experience, including Shadkami, who says his first year as a Lion has been everything and more even before the season tips off.
"It's been great here," he said. "Everything about it – school, basketball, weight-lifting. I love being here, it's fun every day, and everybody's really welcoming. Everybody has a great personality, we have a lot of similarities, so it's great."
Rietschin is looking at some other transfers, including Jahlijah Grant and Josh Noton, new-comers from the U.S. collegiate ranks, as players who will fit right in as Lions.
"These are guys that are not selfish at all, don't have egos, and guys that are willing to work with us and drive our culture forward and drive our program forward," he said.
That word – culture – has been a big one throughout camp, not only in the present, but for the future.
"We're trying to instill a culture for the future," Rietschin said. "We're not just thinking about us in the present moment, but trying to build a culture around us. We're trying to work with the community around us, work with York and just try to build a better basketball team."
The Lions will look to begin rooting that culture tonight when they open the season against the Waterloo Warriors. Tip-off is set fro 8:00 pm from the Tait McKenzie Centre.
