The revamped women’s roster, and the retooled men’s squad are looking for deep playoff runs for 2026-27.
With the U SPORTS basketball season on the horizon, both the U of O men’s and women’s teams are preparing for competitive campaigns in the OUA East. Both teams fell early on in the playoffs this past February, but are ready to hit the ground running this season with fresh faces after an offseason of training.
Women’s basketball: New beginnings
The Gee-Gees’ women’s basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with plenty of new faces, an opportunity to define their identity for the future. Last season, the team finished with an 11-11 record before falling short to Western in the first round of the playoffs. Star guard Allie McCarthy wrapped up her time with the Gee-Gees last season. A transfer from North-Dakota’s D1 program, McCarthy dominated the OUA, posting an elite 22 points per game, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
With only Kendra Nuguid and Cameron De La Salle returning from last year’s squad, veteran head coach Rose-Anne Joly hit the recruiting trail hard.
A key addition from the offseason was veteran Brooke Gruhn from Algoma. The fifth-year guard will bring much needed leadership to a young roster. Gruhn brings important spacing abilities to the squad, nailing an elite 38% of her three-point shots throughout the preseason.
Additionally, Ottawa turned to international play for new talent. Two first-year players, guard Klara Friberg and small-forward Alina Sjorgen, arrive from Sweden, joined by another Claricha Mouberi. The French shooting guard was impactful in preseason, with efficient scoring, strong rebounding and defensive impact.
Joining Joly on the sidelines, the Gee-Gees welcomed Shannon Hatch as lead assistant coach. After eight seasons of professional basketball in Europe, Hatch returned to U SPORTS where she played for a national championship with the Calgary Dinos in the 2017-18 season.
With 12 first years on the squad, the importance of veteran infrastructure, be that with the coaching staff or on the roster will be put to the test.
On Oct. 23, the Gee-Gees will host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks to start their season. Best of luck Gee-Gees!
Men’s Basketball: Championship bound
The Gee-Gee men’s squad is looking to build on a solid showing last season. After finishing second in the OUA East with a record of 16-6, the Gee-Gees were bounced in the quarterfinals by Brock.
Ottawa experienced significant roster turnover this offseason, losing 10 members of last year’s squad. Notable losses were the graduation of key contributor Alec Phaneuf and former OUA All-Star Brock Newton.
Head coach James Derouin and his staff went to work over the summer to build a competitive roster. Fifth-year guard Yohann Sam will be an important piece for this team, having stuffed the stat sheet over preseason. The 6-foot-5 volume scorer from Windsor will also play a veteran role, being the only fifth-year on this Gee-Gees squad.
From the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, fourth-year Killian Yopa looks primed for a great scoring season. The 6-foot-7 forward brought hyperefficient scoring and elite rebounding to the Trojans squad, and will look to do the same for Ottawa.
The Gee-Gees did retain some familiar faces, including important depth pieces in guard Tesloch Luk and forward Louis Daoust. The two fourth years will likely step into larger roles this season, both on the court and as veterans in the locker room.
Second-year centre from Nipissing Chris-Evrard Malonga joins the squad following an electric first year in the OUA. The Montreal native posted numbers of 12 points to go along with 7.5 rebounds, while flashing 3 point shooting ability throughout the season.
The Gee-Gees will host Ontario Tech on Oct. 23rd to start their season, good luck Gee-Gees!
