Veterans Omar, Watson to lead push for AUS crown

By Corey LeBlanc

(Sydney, NS) - There was an unmistakable joy in the voice of head coach Matt Skinn, when asked about his Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's basketball program heading into the 2022-23 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season. "The first thing about this group is that they have an abundance of energy," he says, describing an atmosphere of "youthful exuberance" around the program. He adds, "I am really excited to coach them. I find myself rushing to the gym – it has been really fun." When asked what fans should expect to see on the court, when the Capers are playing well, Skinn starts with the one word – fast. "We are going to be very quick at all positions," he says.

Long-time friends and teammates – Osman 'Ozzy' Omar (Mississauga, ON) and Paul Watson (Mississauga, ON) – will serve as the "rudders of the ship," according to their head coach. "Ozzy is – not surprisingly – going to draw a lot of attention," Skinn says of the 2022 AUS most valuable player and first-team All-Canadian. He adds that how Omar – and the team – respond to being the focus of every opponent will be a "big key to our season." Watson, a former conference defensive player of the year, is back in the lineup after missing last season with a knee injury. "He is our vocal leader," Skinn says of the Caper team captain. He adds, "Paul brings so much to the table – on and off the court." As he continues getting back to full speed, Watson will be a "vital piece" for any CBU championship aspirations.

Along with that dynamic duo, the coaching staff expects "big things" from a quartet of Caper sophomores: Chris Ruta (Calgary, AB), Mitchell Mersereau (Sydney, NS), Tyson Cato (Ajax, ON), and Malik Cadore (Toronto, ON). "We are really happy with their development," Skinn says, noting their "tremendous commitment" to coming into camp in shape and "ready to go." Describing the foursome as – in a lot of ways – the "heart and soul" of the team, he adds that they will be "hugely important" to any success this season.

While declining to single out any player, Skinn expects the Caper freshmen to contribute – more and more – "as they learn and develop" at the AUS level. The CBU newcomers include guard Jahnian Simmonds (North Preston, NS), Justus Peuser (Geisenheim, GER), Ceejay Hanson (Manchester, ENG), and Live Kivuvu (Harrow, ENG). "We are going to be tough," he offers, when asked about expectations for this AUS season, including capturing the program's first conference championship banner since 2013.

Skinn cautions that the Capers are "really focussing on our progress as a team," rather than shooting for an AUS crown. If they continue to make strides, he agrees, they should be in the mix come playoff time. "The key for us is everyone giving their best effort every day and every play," the former CBU student-athlete offers. Skinn suggests that – with a more veteran-laden program over the past couple of seasons – there may have been an atmosphere that they would be – no matter what – in the championship hunt. "I think that we may have assumed that we were going to be there," he says. Getting away from that mindset makes focussing on "improving on a day-to-day basis" – taking a narrower approach, of sorts – even more crucial. "We are on the right track, so I am excited about the possibilities," Skinn adds. "We are looking forward to being part of another highly competitive season in the AUS."

The Capers first home game will be the November 4th "Orange Out" as they take on the St.Francis Xavier X-Men at 8 pm.

-30-