The arrival of Fall brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season for the Humber Hawks.
As the 2023-2024 season unfolds, the Hawks are on a mission to return to the pinnacle of Canadian college basketball. Guard Brett Pearce, entering his third season with the team, is determined to erase the memories of last season.
“Expect a lot of heart coming from this team, we have something to prove after last season. We have to prove that we are better than that and this program is better than that…that year is in the past now so expect a lot of heart and hustle.”
The 2022-2023 season was a bitter disappointment. Following the winning season many players graduated and were recruited to play basketball at the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This included one of the team’s leaders in rebounds and points power forward Frank Mitchell.
During the coveted national title winning season, the team went undefeated with a spectacular regular season record of 9-0.
Some of the more impressive victories came over schools like St.Clair College beating them by 23. Other impressive victories came over Redeemer, beating them by 38 points.
Before winning the title during the pandemic season, the Hawks last won the title back in 2015.
Losing in the quarterfinals was a disappointment for a team that just had an undefeated season. But as the 2023-2024 season begins, the question on the mind of fans is whether the Hawks can once again soar to the top and claim the coveted national title like they did in 2021.
When speaking to point guard Romeo Osas Joshua entering his third season on what were some of factors that contributed to a disappointing season last year, and why this year should be a stronger season he says,
“Last year we had a lot of first years so we had to get used to a whole new system…we also had a lot of injuries last year that killed us. Now, those first year guys have more experience and we are a much deeper team.”
A statement victory over Canadore college this past weekend by a score of 120-79. When asking coach Miles who is entering his fourth season as the Hawks coach what the victory meant for the team he says,
“It is a stepping stone for what we want to achieve this season.”
From the first game of the season, the Hawks have made a statement with their intensive gameplay dominating in all aspects of the game.
According to the Humber Hawks website, the 2022-2023 team contained seven first year players, compared to this year’s team containing only five first year players. The team’s recruitment for this season ensured to bring in veterans like Jalen Menzies who provides leadership in the locker room.
One of the reasons for the team’s underlying success has to belong to Head coach Omar miles. The coach “O” era thus far has included many honors like OCAA coach of the year in his first official season. He is now entering his third official season as head coach.
Several players on the Hawks have displayed significant improvement under Coach Miles within his time as the head coach. Notable examples being players like Romeo, who under coach Miles has shown significant improvement in every statistical category. When asked how Coach Miles has the ability to connect with his players, while also creating a winning culture Romeo says,
“He is always preaching leadership and communication with the team…he also preaches the importance of being a good student and being a good man.”
Daimar-Dyall Richards who is new to the team says it has been an easy transition for him with the group of players and coaching staff who are part of the team.
“All these guys are welcoming…at my past school I lost the love for the game and coming here has really brought it back.”
The Hawks have already shown major growth in key areas that has shown their fans that they are ready to once again compete at the highest level.
As the Hawks embark on their season, fans can expect lot’s of passion, determination, and adaptability. The goal for the team is crystal clear, and that is to once again fly and fight their way back to the top of Canadian Collegiate Basketball.
