Our ‘Power Rankings’ List will consist of the teams we believe are the best in the conference. The List specifically relates to a teams performance against other teams in the OUA.
5. Ottawa Gee-Gee’s
This year the UOttawa Gee Gees have followed up last year’s successful regular season with yet another strong start. The Gee Gees are currently sitting at 7-2 record with their only losses coming to the Brock Badgers and Waterloo Warriors. The early success the Gee Gees are having this season isn’t very shocking as they place second in the number of threes they have taken this season and are also top five in three-point percentage. When you shoot the ball as well as they have been shooting this season, winning will always come as a by-product. Although losing 5th year guard Kevin Otoo, this year UOttawa has managed to bring back most of their key pieces from last year that continue to play a part in their success, while adding new pieces to take them to the next level. Ottawa brings back premier guards Ankit Choudhary and Jacques Guemeta, whilst also keeping
forwards Brock Newton and Justin Ndjock-Tadjore. This key core with the addition of highly recruited freshman Owen Kenney easily makes
Ottawa one of the deepest teams in the OUA in terms of scoring talent. When looking at the scoring leaders this is strikingly evident seeing that Ottawa has three players, Choudhary, Guemata, and Ndjock-Tadjore who are all top 15 in scoring. Additionally Choudhary and Guemeta are second and third respectively in three pointers taken whilst keeping a respectable average of 38% and 43% from the three. The Gee Gees this season look to avenge their loss in the quarterfinals of the playoffs and with one of the most talented cores in the OUA they definitely have the ability to make a deeper playoff run.
4. TMU Bold
With the return of former all-Canadian Jachobi Neath, it’s impressive how good TMU has been, and how much better they are going to get. The Bold have been firing on all cylinders, with an 8-1 record, they have won their last 6 games. They are nationally ranked at #4 in all of USPORTS (which is the highest among Ontario Schools) and are second in the central OUA division, behind Lakehead. The ringing question from last season’s campaign was whether TMU could contend with the top teams in the OUA – so far they have definitely answered that call. Last season, the Bold did not reach 8 wins until mid-way through January, which is not at all the case this time around. They rank number 1 in defensive efficiency, forcing the second most
turnovers a game, while also ranking 4th in offensive efficiency – that is an outright recipe for success at any level of basketball.
Aaron Rhooms, the seasoned 4th year guard, and CEBL player, has been one of the most consistent players throughout the conference. Rhooms ranks at 7th in scoring, while shooting an efficient 40% from Notably, Kevin Toth the freshman point guard, also ranks 6th in assists across the conference, he has been a key addition to the Bold’s success thus far. All that being said, TMU are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the nation, and we believe that they have the right pieces to compete with the best of the best!
3. Lakehead Thunderwolves
Lakehead has burst onto the scene this season as a true championship contender, showcasing a remarkable 8-1 record, with their only defeat coming against a formidable Queens team. Their success can be attributed to several key factors, one of which is their exceptional ball movement. Averaging an impressive 23.6 assists per game, they currently lead the OUA.
Key players have stepped up in a big way. Nathan Bilamu has emerged as the team’s leading scorer (for the second season in a row), filling up the scoresheet with an average of 19.1 points per game. This is a noticeable jump from last year where he averaged 15.6. Close on his heels is Harold Santacruz, contributing a solid 16.4 points per game. The duo’s reliable offensive production has been crucial. Additionally, Chris Sagl‘s playmaking has also played an integral part, dishing out a team leading 6 assists per game.
This season marks a significant leap forward for Lakehead compared to last year, when they ended with a 10-12 record and faced an early playoff exit. With most of the core players back on the roster, except for Tyler Sagl, the team has come out with a newfound determination, ensuring that their past season wouldn’t repeat itself. With the momentum they’ve built, Lakehead is setting high hopes for the remainder of the season. Although they faced their first setback recently with their first loss of the season, we’re confident in their ability to bounce back. This team possesses the drive and talent needed to make a deep playoff run.
2. Queens Gaels
The Gaels have been on a roll lately, winning their last six games to start the season with an 7-1 record. They currently lead the league in points per game (94.5 PPG) and sit third in offensive efficiency. Despite the loss of key players like Cole Syllas and Folarian Adegotun, the Gaels have managed to stay on track and continue the momentum they built last year. Ranked #9 in the nation by USPORTS and are second in the Eastern OUA division, they’re definitely poised for another strong playoff run.
Freshman point guard Ollie Engen has been a standout, ranking third in scoring and proving himself as one of the top playmakers in the conference. Fifth-year guard Luka Syllas has also been a steady presence, anchoring the backcourt. Overall, Queen’s has found a good balance between experienced leadership and emerging talent, with contributions coming from all over the roster. It’s been a true team effort so far, and the Gaels are looking well-positioned for the rest of the season.
1. Carleton Ravens
It is no surprise the number 1 spot goes to the only team left in the OUA with a perfect record. The Carleton Ravens are off to a perfect start this season posting multiple games won by 30 points and a dominant 9-0 record. The Ravens, on their journey to get back to the podium and secure their 13th OUA championship are led by their 6’8 forward Augustus Brazdeikis who boasts being in the top 10 in the OUA in both points and rebounds. Along with Brazdeikis 6’6 forward Emmanuel Milton, and 6’1 guard Xavier Spencer are both key contributors to the Ravens early season success. Milton’s ability to track down rebounds whilst being one of the most efficient scorers in the OUA places him top 5 in both rebounds and fg percentage and Spencer’s basketball iq and passing allow him to be 6th in the OUA in assists. With this core, the Raven’s look to build on their first round exit last season by making a much deeper playoff run. As they enter a tougher part of their schedule playing two top five teams in the OUA back to back we at true evolution believe the Ravens have the pieces to continue being a growing force in the OUA this season.
