This season, we have 9 names that we believe will have a great season in their rookie year. We look forward to covering all of these athletes throughout the year.
Jaden Campbell – Lakehead Thunderwolves (Hamilton, ON | Guard | 6’4″)
Jaden Campbell’s path to U SPORTS basketball didn’t follow the usual script. He picked up the game later than most, around grade 6 or 7, but his natural athleticism and commitment quickly caught up. A growth spurt during the COVID lockdowns pushed his game forward, and by the time high school resumed, he was making serious noise at Cathedral High School.
Campbell closed his high school career with major performances, including a 27-point outing in the Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference final, where he scored 16 in the third quarter to lead Cathedral to an OFSAA berth. On the club circuit with Hamilton Elite, he continued to rise. At the BigShots Carolina Open, he averaged 21 points per game, earning MVP and All-Star honors. A viral 44-point performance against Lincoln Prep helped open recruiting doors.
But it was after high school where Campbell really started carving out his identity. “My senior year, I started getting coached by Luca Fortino and Dwayne Harvey. They helped take my game to the next level,” he said. That year of growth gave him a clear sense of direction and helped build the foundation for a strong fifth year.
Despite entering his final season with little offers, Campbell’s recruitment ramped up quickly. Within a month, he had serious interest and narrowed his choices to Brock and Lakehead, ultimately committing to the Thunderwolves. “I looked for a place where I’d be valued and have the chance to grow,” he explained. “Lakehead recruited early, and I had time to build trust. It just felt like the right fit.”
Heading into his first university season, Campbell knows exactly where he can add value. “We have a lot of talent and maturity, so I’m coming in ready to contribute with energy, defense, and shooting,” he said. “My shooting is what separates me, and I want to be someone who helps us win games, even if I’m not in the starting five.”
His approach reflects a bigger picture mindset. “This year I need to take more pride in defense. It’s not high school anymore. There are older guys at my position, and I have to match their energy.”
The team outlook is just as focused. “The sky’s the limit. We’ve been going hard since late August. The older guys are teaching us, and we have heart. We compete.”
Now at Lakehead, Campbell is embracing a new chapter. He may have been a late bloomer, but his trajectory is clear. With a high IQ, a knockdown jumper, and a willingness to embrace his role, Jaden Campbell looks ready to make a real impact in his rookie season and beyond.
Noah Khaja – Queen’s Gaels (Toronto, ON | Guard | 6’0″)
Noah Khaja has been in the gym for as long as he can remember. He started playing around age five, got into rep ball by grade 3, and by the time high school rolled around, it was clear he had a feel for the game that made up for being one of the smaller guards on the floor. “I’ve always been pretty small—that’s still the case—but I’ve learned how to figure things out,” he says.
It wasn’t until his final year at Hodan Prep that everything started to click. He had more freedom with the ball, more responsibility, and he delivered—especially late in the season. “In summer ball I was the guy, but during the school year I didn’t always get that same role. At Hodan, especially in the second half, I got to do more. That last run really made me feel like I belonged at the next level.”
Khaja’s played in a lot of different systems, from structured to free-flowing. That’s helped him become a smart, adaptable guard. “One of my high school coaches called every play. At Hodan, it was more like figure it out on the floor. I think being able to do both will help at Queen’s.”
Recruitment didn’t unfold overnight, but he stayed patient and focused. After drawing some D1 interest and a few U SPORTS looks, Queen’s came in during the spring. “Coach Steph and the staff came in late, but once I visited, I knew it felt right. My parents liked it too. It all came together pretty quickly after that.”
Khaja joins a Queen’s squad with championship expectations, especially after falling just short in the OUA finals last season. And with several veterans moving on, he knows there’s a real opportunity to earn a role. “They told me I’d have the ball at times and be involved. I know what I can bring—spacing the floor, playing defense, hitting shots, making smart reads.”
He’s not caught up in stats or touches either. “I’m not chasing numbers. I want to show I can defend, knock down shots, and help the team win. That’s where my focus is.”
Jaiden Kandasamy – Ontario Tech Ridgebacks (Vaughan, ON | Guard | 6’0”)
Jaiden Kandasamy picked up basketball at age seven and stuck with it ever since. “No one pushed me into it—I just liked it and kept going,” he said.
One of his earliest influences came with the Vaughan Panthers, where he played under the late Coach Lionel Howell. Jaiden credits him for teaching discipline and setting the foundation for how he approaches the game.
After COVID, he landed with Brampton City Prep, a move that changed the course of his development. He made an instant impression at an ID session and earned the trust of Coach Elvis Dennis, who helped him grow into a scoring threat. “Before BCP I was more of a playmaker. They used me more off the ball. Coming off screens, working the mid-range, spotting up. That really helped my shooting take a leap.”
In the 2023–24 Trillium Prep regular season, Jaiden averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 45.1 percent from three. He also posted an elite 94.4 percent from the free throw line. Across all competitions, he averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Playing against top-level prep programs, he often had to deal with heavy defensive attention. “Teams scouted me as our scorer. They ran me off the line, denied touches. I had to adjust each game. My coaches and teammates helped me find ways to stay involved.”
That experience helped prepare him for the next step. Jaiden committed to Ontario Tech, a program he sees on the rise. “It reminded me of BCP. They’re building something. They had a strong season and nearly made nationals. I want to help take it further.”
His connection with Coach Deluxshan played a big role in his decision. “He kept it real. If I produce, I play. If not, I don’t. I respected that right away.”
Now in his first year, Jaiden is focused on earning minutes and finding his place in a veteran-heavy lineup. “Shooting is what I’m most proud of. That’s what they needed, and that’s what I bring. I’ll space the floor, defend, and do what’s needed to help us win.”
He’s not worried about stats. “I’m not chasing numbers. I just want to show I can defend, hit shots, and be a player who makes a difference.”
Ontario Tech is coming off a tough OUA semifinal exit, and the team returns hungry for more. “Our chemistry is strong. Once we click, we’ll be a problem. Watch out.”
Confident, efficient, and ready to contribute, Jaiden Kandasamy is walking into the U SPORTS level prepared to compete from day one.
Nishaan Singh – Lakehead Thunderwolves (Oakville, ON | Guard | 6’4”)
Nishaan Singh got into basketball early on, and it slowly became the thing he stuck with. By the time he reached prep, he had already seen different levels of competition. But it was at Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA), where he spent three seasons, that his game started to take shape.
“In grade 11 I thought I was better than I was,” he said. “I got to Fort Erie and realized I wasn’t there physically yet. Being around older guys helped me toughen up. Every day in practice was a challenge.”
Over time, Singh earned more minutes and responsibility. By his fifth year, he was producing efficiently against strong competition. At NPA Session 4 in January, he had multiple 26-point performances and showed a mix of shot-making and composure. In that session, he averaged close to 27 points per game, contributing across the board and drawing attention from scouts.
Known for his shooting and feel for the game, Singh focused heavily on decision-making and shooting off movement during the offseason. “I worked on coming off screens, using pace, and making quicker reads. You don’t get much time in college to figure things out,” he said.
His commitment to Lakehead was about both the opportunity and the connection. “Coach Thompson called often. I felt wanted. He’s from Oakville too, so there was familiarity,” Singh said. He also appreciated the system. “I love the freedom. You push into an action, then play out of it. It’s not robotic. That style suits me.”
He also enters a program with a clear culture and veteran leadership. “Chris Sagl is our captain and sets the tone. He’s someone I can learn a lot from. The older guys know what it takes to win.”
Lakehead is looking to build on a strong year after falling in the OUA semifinals, and Singh wants to help however he can. “We’ve got a lot of new guys, and I’m not sure what my role will be yet. But whether I’m coming off the bench or on the floor, I want to contribute to winning.”
As for personal goals, Singh is focused on impact, not accolades. “Rookie of the Year would be great, but I’m not chasing that. I just want to play the right way and help the team move past where we’ve been the last few years.”
Mekael Mian – Western Mustangs (Edmonton, AB | Forward | 6’7”)
Mekael Mian didn’t start playing basketball until eighth grade, but once he committed to it, the trajectory changed fast. He played high school basketball in Edmonton at Osborne High School, then reclassed and moved to Illinois to attend Lake Forest Academy, where he spent two years and served as team captain in his senior season.
“Playing in the States showed me how much better I needed to get,” Mian said. “We traveled a lot and played some high-level talent. It opened my eyes to the work required to compete.”
He made steady strides at Lake Forest, especially on the physical side. He got stronger, learned how to play with contact, and prioritized consistency. “Shooting is what I worked on most. Being able to knock down shots from deep, even with a hand up, is something I take pride in.”
He also played AAU for Full Package, where he saw how serious the game gets at the next level. “I was around some pro-level guys during practices. What stood out was their professionalism. They went hard, communicated, did the little things. I picked up a lot just from watching how they approached the game.”
When it came time to decide on a university, Western stood out early. “Coach [Brad] Campbell was direct about what they were looking for and how I’d fit. On my visit, I met the players, saw the campus, and it felt right,” Mian said. “It’s a big school, and the program has older guys who want to win.”
The system also appealed to him. “I like the freedom. Coach Campbell runs a structure where you flow into actions but then have space to read and react. That’s how I like to play.”
Since arriving on campus, Mian has been adjusting to the speed and physicality of the U SPORTS level. Training camp pushed him early, but he’s embraced the challenge. “Everyone is faster and stronger. Guarding guys like Mateo every day forces me to level up. It’s made me better already.”
He’s focused on defending, rebounding, and making shots when he’s open. “That’s what Coach Campbell wants from me. My job is to earn that role and help us win however I can.”
He’s especially proud of his shooting ability but wants to expand his handle and on-ball skills this year. “I’m working on pace and control. Being a bigger wing, I want to add more to my game without losing what I do well.”
Western enters this season as a younger team, but the internal expectations haven’t changed. “People might overlook us, but we’re building something. I like being the underdog. The work will speak for itself,” Mian said.
With players like Noah Otshudi and Mikyle Malabuyoc moving on to the NCAA, the Mustangs have retooled with depth and balance. “Other guys have stepped up. Imran, Tiny, Mateo—they’ve all taken on more. We’ve got rebounding, defense, and role guys stepping in. We’re filling the gaps together.”
Mian wants to help this group make a run while also building for the future. “Playing pro is my goal. Whether that’s in Europe or somewhere else, I want to get the most out of this.”
Off the court, he finds balance in a few quieter hobbies. “I’ve always played table tennis, and now I’m getting into guitar. It’s a good break from everything. Helps me decompress after school or practice.”
Joe Baggaley – Western Mustangs (Mississauga, ON | Forward | 6’6”)
Joe Baggaley came into basketball later than most. Growing up, he played football and soccer, leaning into his speed and athleticism. But after a head injury in grade six forced him away from contact sports, basketball took over. “I was always dunking on mini hoops in the front yard,” he said. “In grade 10 I got my first real dunk, and that’s when I really fell in love with the game.”
After a solid high school run, Baggaley reclassified and joined London Basketball Academy (LBA) for his final year. It wasn’t an easy transition. “My efficiency was literally negative when I first got there,” he said. But he stuck with it, added size and strength, and delivered in key NPA sessions that caught coaches’ attention.
When it came time to choose a university, Western stood out. “I was looking for development—being around players better than me at my position, with good coaching and structure,” Baggaley said. “Western offered all of that.”
LBA played a big role in getting him ready. “Practices were long and intense. That helped me get in shape and learn how to push through tough sessions,” he said. “We didn’t have a true big last year, so I had to play inside. At Western, I’m a 3/4, which fits me better.”
He credits Coach Angelo Provenzano for helping him build the mindset needed to grow. “He’s old school and brutally honest. He once told me I wouldn’t play unless I lived in the gym. That stuck with me.”
Now at Western, Baggaley’s role is clear. “Coach Brad wants me to shoot when I’m open, run the floor, rebound, and defend using my length,” he said. “I can space the floor and finish in transition. That’s where I want to make an impact.”
He’s also learning from veterans in the program. “Guys like Mateo and Tiny have set a high standard. They hold everyone accountable and help us younger players figure things out fast.”
Baggaley isn’t focused on stats. “All-Rookie would be great, but more than anything, I want to help the team win—whatever that looks like.”
He hopes to play professionally overseas after university, and he’s putting in the work now to get there.
Shalom Anyikwa – Algoma Thunderbirds
Forward | 6’5 | Kitchener, ON | Cameron Heights Collegiate / Tri-City Prep
Shalom Anyinkwa is a 6’5 forward from Kitchener who played for Cameron Heights Collegiate and Tri-City Prep. He started basketball in grade 10 after encouragement from friends and family. At Cameron Heights, he helped the team reach WCSSAA playoffs and OFSAA.
At Tri-City, Anyinkwa developed quickly under a structured program. “I was athletic but still learning the game. My coach helped me find my role and build confidence,” he said. “Starting late made me hungry to improve.”
He chose Algoma University because it offered early opportunities to play and develop. “It was a good fit,” he said. “I knew I could earn minutes and make an impact right away.”
The coaching staff has emphasized his defense and rebounding while continuing to build his perimeter game. “We’re not a big team, so I’ll be guarding bigger players and helping on the glass. On offense, I’ll space the floor, hit open shots, and attack when the defense closes out.”
Anyinkwa’s approach discussed his focus on winning games and steady growth, “I want to fill the box score and help in every area that leads to winning,” he said.
With his athleticism and improving skill set, Shalom Anyinkwa is a promising piece for an Algoma team looking to take a step forward this season.
Greg Dorsey – TMU Bold | Forward | 6’6 | Halifax, NS | Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS)
Greg Dorsey is a physical forward out of Halifax who made a name for himself at RNS prep competing across Ontario and the prep circuit. Greg picked up the ball early, and looks to make a name for himself at the USports level
“Basketball wasn’t huge where I’m from, but I liked it early,” Dorsey said. “I started around age 10 and just stuck with it. I was tall and always around sports, so it felt natural.”
His time at RNS helped shape him. The program gave him regular chances to play top-level competition, which raised the bar. “We’d come down and play the best teams in the country,” he said. “That was my chance to measure myself and really develop.”
Recruitment picked up after nationals in his senior year, and TMU stood out from the pack. “They recruited me the right way. Came to my games, connected with my family, stayed consistent,” he said. “Coach Dave and the staff have a ton of experience, and they’ve worked with pros and national team guys. That really meant something.”
He’s been told to expect a physical role early—crash the glass, defend, and bring energy off the bench. “It’s similar to what I did at RNS. Set screens, rebound, protect the rim, be vocal. The focus is doing whatever it takes to help us win,” he said.
Dorsey sees toughness as one of his biggest strengths. “I don’t fold. Whether it’s playing through something or stepping up in tight games, I bring that edge,” he said.
This season, he’s working toward growing into a stretch four. “I’ve mostly played inside, but at TMU they want to develop that perimeter piece—shooting, spacing, making reads. That’s where I want to evolve.”
His mindset going into year one is all about impact and growth. “I want to dominate the areas I know I can, but also learn as much as I can from the coaches and older guys. That’s a win for me,” he said.
Long term, Dorsey has goals of helping TMU get back to Nationals and leaving a real mark on the program. “If I can be Rookie of the Year, that’s great. But I also want to be someone who left the program better than when I came in.”
Vito Albanese – Guelph Gryphons | Wing | 6’7 | Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON | Balboa School (CA)
Vito Albanese comes into Guelph as a 6’7 wing with size, feel, and a confident shooting stroke. Hailing from Balboa School, he was a consistent scoring option, hitting an efficient 62 threes during the 2024–25 season, ranking 17th in Florida for total makes.
The Gryphons have a young roster, and Albanese is in a good spot to step in early. That showed in Guelph’s preseason win over NCAA program Hilbert College, where he put up 17 points, 9 rebounds, and went 3-of-6 from three. His size and shooting give Guelph another versatile piece as they retool with a new group.
