SFU Men's Basketball enters the 2025-26 season with a fresh look and renewed energy under new head coach Barnaby Craddock.

Coach Craddock brings two decades of university head-coaching experience to the program as the only person in U SPORTS history to have coached three different schools to the Final 8 Men's Basketball National Championship Tournament. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for SFU Basketball, as the team looks to blend returning talent with a dynamic group of newcomers and rise in the GNAC rankings from ninth place in the preseason poll.

"The GNAC is one of the toughest conferences for men's basketball in NCAA DII, and we are looking forward to the challenge of playing high caliber opponents," shared Coach Craddock. "We know it will be a difficult journey as we try to mesh returners with incoming recruits and a brand-new coaching staff. There are many young talented student-athletes in the program ready to represent SFU and we look forward to seeing the student body and local basketball community out at the games supporting Canada's NCAA team."

Returning this year are strong contributors including:

• Tate Christiansen – A junior wing from North Vancouver and Handsworth Secondary. A vocal leader and steady presence who spaces the floor with his shooting and energy.
• Zach Stone – A senior seven-footer who combines size and skill. A true stretch big who provides floor spacing and interior presence.
• Matthys Van Bylandt – A powerful junior forward from North Vancouver and Handsworth Secondary. Known for his physical downhill play and relentless motor.
• Tobe Ezeokafor – A sophomore guard with a strong frame and scoring touch. A versatile back-court piece who can create his own shot and stretch the floor from deep.
• Terique Brown – A senior guard with a smooth left-handed stroke and confident scoring ability. A consistent perimeter threat who adds poise and experience to the lineup.

The eight new players joining the roster this year include:

• Mikyle Malabuyoc – A junior point guard from Vancouver, transferring from Western University. A seasoned floor general with strong leadership and play-making ability.
• Daniel Smith – A junior combo guard from Winnipeg, transferring from Carleton University. A dynamic scorer who brings versatility and competitiveness to the back-court.
• Ajani Jamison – A junior forward from Tulsa, Oklahoma, transferring from Blue Mountain Community College. A proven sharpshooter who stretches the floor and plays with great energy.
• Roko Maric – A redshirt freshman big man from Vancouver, transferring from South Carolina State University. A skilled and athletic post player with the ability to impact both ends of the floor.
• Sartaj Bhangu – A freshman wing from Surrey, joining the team from Royal Crown Prep. A well-rounded player with size, skill, and defensive versatility.
• Josiah Sutton – A freshman point guard from Caledon, Ontario, also from Royal Crown Prep. A tenacious defender and competitor who brings toughness and pace to the guard rotation.

It's clear that this year's roster features a strong core of returning veterans, top Canadian recruits and battle-tested transfers ready to make an immediate impact. With new faces stepping into larger roles, this year's team will showcase a fresh look in personnel and in style of play. Fans can except a faster, more versatile group ready to make their own mark.

Key dates this season include the CCA DII Canadian Tip-Off Classic October 31-November 2 [buy tickets] at the Langley Events Centre, the return of the Buchanan Cup against UBC November 15 [buy tickets], and the team's conference home opener December 4^th in the West Gym [buy tickets].

You won't want to miss this exciting season. Lock in your tickets now, come pack the stands and help us #ReptheLeaf.