First look at reigning AUS MVP 6’4” G DJ Jackson, who exploded for 40 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in just 30 minutes against Cape Breton at the Coach K Classic.
Jackson picked up right where he left off last season. He’s the clear favourite for U SPORTS Player of the Year.
Andrew Dangelas 1st game for the University of Toronto last night in a win at Humber:
23pts
7assists
4rebs
1stl
1blk
7/10 from downtown!
32mins as the starting PG.
Of the best shooters and PG’s in 🇨🇦
“It kind of haunts me. I’m just trying to get over that hump, and I know we’re trying to get over that hump as a squad.”
For Tiny, the key is continued improvement:
“The best teams are the ones that get better throughout the year. That’s our goal this year.”
6’3” G Milan “Tiny” John had a breakout 2025-26 season, establishing himself as arguably one of the best point guards in the country.
Now in Year 4, I talked to Tiny about being a captain for Western and using last year’s playoff exit as fuel:
@MilanJohn22@Mustangs_Bball
On Western’s recent postseason exits, Tiny said last year’s loss as the 3 seed is something they’re carrying with them:
“We gotta use that as our fuel for this season.”
He also hasn’t forgotten coming one game away from Nationals in his second year:
With Western bringing a lot of its core back, Tiny likes what this group has a chance to do:
“It’s pretty exciting to see what we can do and know that we have a chance to do something special.”
The focus for now is taking it day by day and building throughout the season.
As captain of the squad, Tiny has as clear idea of what leadership looks like:
“I’m just happy to get back and embrace the role again and be a vocal leader, lead by example… I try to get better every day and make sure my teammates are getting better every day. .”
6’7” F Evgeny Baukin started his 2025-26 campaign on fire, going for 30 three times in a span of five games before suffering a broken arm.
I had the chance to catch up with Evgeny about building off last year and the upcoming season:
Baukin also has big expectations for UNBC this year:
“We aren’t a young group no more. We have really solid pieces of the puzzle and when you put it together, it’s scary.”
He says the group knows what it’s capable of and believes there’s another level to reach.
On building off that start, Baukin isn’t looking to change the approach:
“It’s still me, same legs, same hands, same mindset … I worked on getting my strong sides better and trying to eliminate my weaknesses as much as possible”
Heading into Year 3, becoming more vocal has been a focus for Fandio:
“I’m trying to become more vocal about what I see on the court so I can get my teammates on the same page.”
“First… being a leader to me is to lead by example. You have to do what you ask of others.”
Brice Fandio to me is one guard who’s been extremely good but has flown under the radar in U SPORTS.
The 6’1” Laurentian guard is heading into his 3rd year, and I caught up with him about his development, the new-look Voyageurs and his growing role as a leader.
@LUVoyageurs
Fandio is also encouraged by what he’s seen from Laurentian’s new group so far:
“We have a good group of guys that are willing to work towards the same goals, so it’s very exciting. Definitely a new team with different weapons.”
On what he did this offseason to take another step:
“I’ve just been consistent with what I’ve been doing since I got to Laurentian. I believe discipline goes a long way, so just believe in the work you put in and doing the boring stuff everyday.”
Another thing Mian emphasized was his growth during the redshirt year:
“Working on my shot and getting stronger was my biggest focus…”
He believes the year helped him adjust to the U SPORTS level and put him in a better position to contribute immediately for Saskatchewan.
6’6” wing Mekael Mian is a name to keep on your radar this season.
A top prospect in the 25/26 class, Mian redshirted last year after coming out of Lake Forest Academy (IL).
I had the opportunity to talk to Mekael about his thoughts going into the season.
@MekaelMian said his focus is on helping the Saskatchewan Huskies win, shooting the ball efficiently and doing the little things.
He’s also confident in Saskatchewan’s young group:
“…we already have great chemistry… definitely some big things on the way!”