Toren Franklin – Victoria Vikes
Guard | 6’1 | Victoria, BC | Oak Bay Secondary / Vancouver Sports Club
Toren Franklin enters his first year at UVic as a poised guard with shooting ability and strong ties to the program. A product of Oak Bay Secondary, Franklin grew up around the game, influenced early by his father and uncle, both involved in basketball locally. He also credits former Vike Diego Maffia as a key influence on his playstyle.
Franklin played club ball with Vancouver Sports Club, teaming up with fellow UVic freshmen Tyler Felt and Justin Henson. That core group gained experience on the AAU circuit, including a standout trip to Las Vegas where they won a tournament against strong U.S. competition.
“UVic was my clear number one from the start,” Franklin said. “Staying home was important, and I trusted the roster and staff. I knew who I’d be playing with and learning from.”
His shooting is already translating, but he’s focused on growing physically and defensively to match the pace of U SPORTS. “Players are smarter, quicker, stronger. You can’t get away with what you could in high school,” he said.
Franklin wants to contribute by making the right reads, hitting open shots, and defending at a high level. “Whether it’s shot-making or facilitating, I want to make winning plays when it matters.”
Tyler Felt – Victoria Vikes Forward | 6’9 | Victoria, BC | Spectrum High School
Tyler Felt is a 6’9 Big Man from Victoria who brings size, control, and familiarity to a UVic roster he already knows well. He played alongside Toren Franklin at Bay Nation, forming a duo that grew up together and developed real chemistry over the years. “I’ve played with him my whole life. We’ve been on the same team since elementary school,” Felt said.
He chose UVic for reasons that went beyond comfort. “The winning culture here stood out. UVic’s always had a history of being a strong program,” he said. Felt also praised the coaching staff’s experience and preparation, noting the program’s attention to detail and development.
Felt describes himself as a connector on the floor—capable of scoring, but focused on keeping the team in rhythm. “I try to make the right reads, get guys involved, defend, rebound. I want to impact the game even when I’m not scoring,” he said.
His goals for year one are clear: contribute to winning, learn from older players, and hold his own on both ends. “I want to be someone the coaches can trust,” he said. “There are veterans on this team who’ve been to the Final 8. If I can match their energy and focus, I’ll be in a good spot.”
Felt says he’s most excited to play with teammates like Toren [Franklin], who have both played at a high level and bring strong leadership to the group. With that kind of foundation, he sees UVic competing for a national title. “That’s the standard here,” he said. “We want to get back and go further.”
A calm presence with the size to guard multiple positions, Tyler Felt is the kind of first-year player who fits seamlessly into a winning program.
Anthony Brady – UBC Okanagan Heat
Guard | 6’4″ | Calgary, AB | Western Canada High School
Anthony Brady comes to UBC Okanagan as one of Calgary’s top scorers, known for his ability to fill it up from deep and lead from the backcourt. A 6’4″ guard out of Western Canada High School, Brady’s game has been shaped by a mix of strong local competition and experience at the provincial level, including time with Alberta’s U17 team.
He played his club ball with CBA (Calgary Basketball Academy), where he got his first serious reps, and it was during a tournament in Kelowna that UBCO began recruiting him. “They were one of the first schools to reach out and really believe in me,” he said. “More programs showed interest later, but I wanted to stick with the staff that believed in me first.”
Brady said having the ball in his hands consistently during Grade 12 helped him build confidence and prepare for this next step. He doesn’t expect to run the point from day one, but he knows what he brings to the table: “Come off the bench, hit threes, defend, communicate, bring energy—be a dog on the floor,” he said. “We compete every night.”
He’s focused on improving off-ball defense and communication—two areas he’s already had to adjust to during the jump from high school to U SPORTS. “If I’m not talking constantly, I hear about it,” he said.
His goals for year one are clear: help the team win, earn a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie team, and contribute however he can. Long-term, he’d love to play pro—CEBL or overseas—and wants to leave behind a career that includes consistent playoff runs and meaningful impact by his third year and beyond.
Away from basketball, Brady’s a competitive golfer. “It’s the hardest sport I’ve ever played,” he said. “That makes it addictive.”
Dennis (Mrigendra) Dhaliwal – Calgary Dinos
Guard | 6’2″ | Calgary, AB | Edge Prep
Dennis Dhaliwal’s game has grown alongside the basketball scene in Calgary. A 6’2″ guard who played his senior years at Edge School and trained with No Limit Elite, Dhaliwal carved out a reputation as one of Alberta’s top scoring threats in the 2025 class. He’s now staying close to home, suiting up for the Calgary Dinos.
Dhaliwal’s parents both played basketball, and his dad still trains him regularly. “He’s been with me in the gym every day since high school,” Dhaliwal said. That work ethic was sharpened through club ball and prep circuits, including runs at Indohoops Canada, CYBL Nationals, and tournaments in Seattle. He also repped Team Alberta and played at the Junior Nationals representing Punjab, continuing a connection to his cultural community through the game.
Before moving to Edge, Dhaliwal attended Lester B. Pearson High School, where he had a 62-point game in Grade 11 that helped launch his profile nationally. He describes himself as a scorer who can bring a spark right away. “Scoring. Shooting. Being a spark plug when we need momentum,” he said. “That’s how I want to impact games.”
With the Dinos retooling their roster, chemistry is still coming together. But Dhaliwal is confident they can find their rhythm early. “We’re not a huge team, so we’ll play fast and rely on shooting,” he said.
He also knows expectations are high. He’s known Calgary head coach Dan Vanhooren since Grade 7, when he played with Dan’s son Wyatt. That long-standing connection helped make Calgary the clear fit. “Playing for my city, with family and friends close, mattered,” Dhaliwal said.
Early practices have already shown him the jump in intensity. “Everything is detail-driven. You can’t skip the little things — they’re expected every possession,” he said.
Still, he’s not backing down. “My game speaks for itself. I’m here to compete.” His goals for the year include making the All-Rookie Team and helping Calgary chase a Canada West title. Long term, he’s aiming for a pro career and wants to make a name for himself on the national stage.
“Coach Dan told me to grow faster than my age. Learn from the vets, pick things up quickly, and be ready to contribute,” Dhaliwal said.
And that’s exactly what he plans to do.
Josiah Roberts – Saskatchewan Huskies
Guard | 6’4 | Brampton, ON | Hodan Prep / Red Rush
A 6’4″ guard from Brampton, Josiah Roberts is coming off an OSBA finals run with Hodan Prep and a spot in the BioSteel All-Canadian game. He brings athleticism and defensive toughness to a Saskatchewan team that’s looking to retool and compete right away.
Roberts started playing basketball in grade 5 or 6 after trying a bit of everything — skateboarding, biking, soccer, even gymnastics. His first team was the Mississauga Monarchs, but what separated him early was how much he enjoyed the work. “After practice I always stayed to get extra shots while others left,” he said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to play in college.”
At Hodan, he found structure through film and scout work. “Coach Gus and Coach O were two of the best I’ve had,” Roberts said. “We did very detailed film and multiple scouts. That got me comfortable with film study, which is huge at U of S too.”
His prep career had major moments. Making the BioSteel game in grade 11 while at XO Hoops was a key milestone. Last season’s OSBA finals appearance also stood out. “We came second, but playing in that environment taught me how to handle packed gyms and big moments.”
The recruitment process included U SPORTS programs, a Division II option, some JUCOs and OCAA schools. He narrowed it down with the help of his Hodan coaches, looked closely at the education, scholarships, and coaching environments. Saskatchewan stood out for how consistent the staff was. “Coach Jamie and Coach Lex built a real relationship beyond basketball. They kept in touch, met my family and were honest,” he said.
His role as a first-year is focused on defending the other team’s top player, getting out in transition, finishing above the rim, and making things tough on both ends. “Defensively, that’s my favorite part. I want to take the opponent’s best player and make his day hard.”
He’s set personal goals. “Rookie of the Year — Canada West and ideally U SPORTS. I want to have a strong season and put myself on the CEBL radar,” he said.
Roberts pointed to his athleticism, motor, and love of work as what separates him from other rookies. “I’m relentless. I pressure the ball, force turnovers, make guys pick up their dribble, and I live in the gym. The 24-hour access and coach availability here fits me perfectly.”
The team identity is still forming, but Roberts likes what he sees. “We’re young, athletic, and hungry. We’re rebranding and rebuilding. We’re coming at everyone, day by day.”
Daniel Chijoke – Calgary Dinos
Guard | 6’4 | Fort McMurray, AB | RISE Prep
A 6’4 guard from Fort McMurray, Daniel Chijoke is bringing national experience and provincial success into his first season at the University of Calgary. He played for Team Alberta twice, competed on the EYBL Champions League circuit, and finished high school with back-to-back provincial championships.
Chijoke started playing seriously around grade 5 with Informed/RISE. Later came Genesis, and eventually high-level events in the U.S. that opened his eyes to the level he needed to reach. “Facing the best showed me how much better I needed to get,” he said. “It pushed me to another level.”
Kevin Durant was his favorite player growing up. “I loved how he scores at his size,” he said. “I tried to model parts of my game after him.” Off the court, Coach Grass in Fort McMurray played a major role in his development.
There were setbacks too. “I made Team Alberta in grade 9 but didn’t make it the next year. That hurt. It made me doubt myself, but also motivated me,” Chijoke said. “In grade 10 we lost provincials by 60. After that, I grinded. We won provincials the next two years.”
Chijoke committed to the Dinos in 2024 after being recruited by Head Coach Dan Vanhooren, who saw him early and offered right away. “I wanted to be somewhere I fit, could play early, and felt believed in,” he said. “Staying home and playing for my city just felt right.”
He’s been challenged to contribute immediately. “Coach needs guys to step up, especially on defense,” Chijoke said. “He wants me to bring intensity, talk on the floor, and be efficient. If we’re locked in, he’s given us the green light to attack.”
To keep growing, he’s focused on strength and tightening up the small details. “I need to be stronger and more efficient,” he said. “Fewer extra dribbles, quicker decisions, making the right reads.”
His personal goals are clear. “U SPORTS All-Rookie, Canada West Rookie of the Year, and most of all, win a national championship,” he said. “We’re hosting this year. The opportunity’s there.”
His message for the rest of the league? “Don’t count us out. We’re young, we’ll bring intensity, and we’ll punch first.”
Chijoke is studying Kinesiology and already thinking long-term. He wants to win a national title, earn Academic All-Canadian and U SPORTS All-Canadian honors, and eventually become Player of the Year. After university, he plans to pursue a pro career overseas.
Felipe Díaz – Manitoba Bisons
Wing | 6’8 | Madrid, Spain / Lennoxville Prep (QC)
One of the most intriguing first-years in the country, Felipe Díaz brings international experience and serious versatility to a young Bisons group. The 6’8 lefty arrives in Manitoba following a strong run at Lennoxville Prep, where he earned Power5 AAA First Team honours and helped lead his squad to an LBPQ title.
Originally from Madrid, Díaz represented Spain at both the U16 and U18 Eurobasket championships and played for powerhouse club Movistar Estudiantes from 2018 to 2024. He also suited up for his state team, Madrid, winning national titles in 2018 and 2022.
In Eurobasket play, he ranked first in points per possession for Team Spain at the U18 level and third overall in field goal percentage—elite numbers considering the global competition. His 2024–25 prep season included multiple 30+ point performances, including 36 against U.S. powerhouse Putnam Science Academy.
We look forward to seeing Díaz play a key role for the Bisons right away.
Chris Piotrowski – Thompson Rivers WolfPack
Guard | 6’0 | Winnipeg, MB / Vincent Massey Collegiate / Central Canada Prep
TRU adds a proven winner in Winnipeg guard Chris Piotrowski, one of the top-ranked players in Manitoba’s 2024 class. The Vincent Massey standout led his team to the AAAA provincial title last season and was named MVP of the tournament—capping off a high school career defined by poise and production in big moments.
After high school, Piotrowski joined Central Canada Prep and competed in the NPH League, where he sharpened his skills against national-level talent. He’s also been a longtime member of the Ignite club program, developing his game within one of Manitoba’s strongest grassroots pipelines.
Known for his mix of playmaking, shooting, and on-ball defense, Piotrowski brings toughness and a high IQ to a WolfPack team building toward long-term success. With his background, winning habits, and versatility at the guard spot, he’ll have a chance to contribute in Kamloops early.
Moe Osman – Saskatchewan Huskies
Guard | 6’2 | Saskatoon, SK / Holy Cross High School
After leading Holy Cross to a thrilling 5A provincial championship, Moe Osman joins the University of Saskatchewan as one of the top in-province recruits in the 2026 class. The 6’2 guard put up 32 points in the title game—an electric performance that helped his team avenge a previous loss to Walter Murray and secure the gold on a buzzer beater.
Osman is a long, athletic guard known for his ability to finish smoothly around the rim and knock down shots from deep. His physical tools make him disruptive on the defensive end, and he’s shown the ability to elevate in traffic and score above the rim. At Holy Cross, he regularly took over in late-game situations, showing a calm, clutch scoring presence.
With his combination of length, scoring instincts, and two-way potential, Osman is one to keep an eye on as the Huskies continue building out their young core.
Cole Steele – Lethbridge Pronghorns
Forward | 6’9 | Kelowna, BC | Edge Prep National
After spending the past two seasons with Edge Prep’s national program, 6’9 forward Cole Steele is set to make an impact for Lethbridge in their frontcourt this season. A mobile big who can shoot it from deep and defend multiple positions, Steele gives the Pronghorns a versatile option who fits the modern U SPORTS game. With size, skill, and experience against top prep competition, he could carve out a role early in Canada West play.
