THE GEE-GEES BASKETBALL TEAMS ARE GEARING UP TO CONQUER THE OUA
It’s about that time of year when ankles get crossed, dimes are served on silver platters, and threes get drained like the balls got real-estate in Bikini Bottom. Basketball is the U of O’s most beloved sport, with both the men and women teams coming off of OUA championships, and U SPORTS bronze—this season will be one for the ages. It would be an absolute shame to miss out on what the Gee-Gees basketball teams have to offer.
The women’s team showed great promise in preseason action, winning five out of their six games. On Oct. 24, the team kicked off their regular season on the road against Guelph, falling 64-57 in a hard-fought match-up. Looking to redeem themselves for their home opener against the Laurentian Voyageurs on Halloween night.
The spotlight is all on Allie McCarthy as she tightens her laces after a phenomenal breakout 2024-25 season. The OUA Third Team All-Star has been a great two-way player, scoring 256 points last season, and assuming a larger role this season as the team sadly says goodbye to the legendary Natsuki Szczokin. Bailey Russell will also pose a threat from beyond the arc this season, shooting nearly 40% from downtown on 86 attempts in the regular season.
Head Coach Rose-Anne Joly enters her fifth year in the role with excitement, sharing what is crucial to the team’s success: “I think consistency is the key and since I am still young in my career as a head coach, I have to make sure that we recruit talent that will be able to step up year after year. We have a smaller roster this year, but we have amazing basketball athletes with natural talent.”
Coach Joly has her head high and is hopeful after a successful preseason. “We are already ahead of where I thought we would be, finishing our pre-season with a record of 5-1. I’m looking forward to the start of the season and see[ing] how the OUA will develop this year!”
Additionally, Coach Joly credits staff for the team’s success “I believe that our event staff does such a good job with our home games. They bring in a lot of people to come and watch us play, the set up is great and the environment is fun. We are very fortunate to have the same fans coming back year after year, it is most definitely a big advantage for us!”
Take a gander at the schedule to make sure you attend all the home games, and watch as the Gees take on the OUA’s best at home court. Tickets here!
Much like the women’s team, the men’s team is coming off an OUA championship, and a U SPORTS bronze. Having fallen 87–83 to Guelph in their season opener on Oct. 24, the team still has plenty of room to build on last season’s success.
The Gee-Gees men’s basketball team is making moves this season, welcoming many talented recruits. Justin Tounkara is ready to enter the U SPORTS scene, with impressive stats playing for J. Addison Academy in the OBSA averaging 18.5 points per game.
The veteran and decorated forward, Brock Newton, returns for his final year, joined by the rising star Owen Kenney who is ready to explode after a legendary rookie season. The two stars will play alongside RSEQ All-Star Alec Phaneuf, thankfully taking his talents into the much more competitive OUA.
Check out the schedule to find out when your least favourite schools are going to get smoked by the almighty Gees. Be sure to show out for the home opener against the Laurentian Voyageurs on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets here!
Let’s all hope for a successful season for the Gee-Gees basketball teams, as they take on top talent, and show out for the strong U of O fanbase. #ROLLGEES.
