2025/26 Men's Basketball Roster Preview
Blazers men celebrate their 2025 MCAC Championship win
After a big win on home court last march in the MCAC Championship Final, Blazers Men's Basketball is looking to run it back this year with no graduates leaving the program. That said, there will still be a few roster changes with some student-athletes ending their time with the Blazers, and a few roster spots up for grabs for some incoming recruits. As usual, Blazers head coach Scott Martin has kept things quiet on the signing front, instead electing to watch some of his potential additions throughout summer training before offering spots to the top recruits.
Blazers Athletics continues its 2025/26 team previews with the Blazers Men's Basketball team, noting new additions, key returnees, and losses to the lineup heading into the season:
Outgoing Players
As mentioned, none of last season's championship-winning roster graduated or ran out of eligibility; however there are a couple of players not intending to return and a question-mark or two, leaving a few spots open as CMU looks to go on another MCAC Championships run and avenge their NIAC Finals loss last season.
Winger and shooting guard Derek Neufeld is first among those not intending to return, instead electing to focus on his studies for his final year at CMU. The Langham, Saskatchewan product has been an athletic addition to the team over the last three seasons, and is the ultimate team player that will be missed. Leaving CMU for other playing opportunities is Eli Caron, a transfer in this last season. The point guard never really found his spot in the lineup, and is searching for greener pastures at the OUA's Algoma College. Finally, still deciding on his basketball future is forward Ethan Thacker, who will also be continuing his studies at CMU this fall. The undersized but athletic forward can also be a threat on the outside if he decides to run it back.
Incoming Recruits
Head coach Scott Martin is still waiting to ink any student-athletes to his incoming 2025/26 class, and as mentioned, prefers to get a good look at his options throughout the summer before committing any roster spots.
Returning to the Roster
The Blazers Men's Basketball program has built a deep and talented roster over its last few seasons, which now has plenty of championship pedigree. Three of the team's players were recognized by the MCAC or NIAC as All-Conference selections, including MCAC Player of the Year Daniel Cameron, who will look to lead the charge for CMU once again. Cameron is a double-double machine, and tends to be the motor that drives the team both offensively and defensively. "The General" Braeden Fernandez is also back to run the offence from the point, and after some injuries last season will hopefully be at full health and capacity come the fall. Andrew Bruin, another big presence in the key was recognized his sophomore season as a NIAC All-Conference addition, so look for him to continue to demand big minutes up front for CMU. Finally, rookie guard Mekhi Lisan was a very steady performer for the Blazers all season and saw his game peak for the playoffs, taking home MCAC Championships MVP for his play in the finals. Able to penetrate to the paint or score from deep, he was a dynamic threat that will be called on again in the biggest moments.
The cast of returning players is substantial for the men's basketball program, most notably a solid core group of sophomores last season that are now entering their junior year with the team. The 2024/25 most improved player Isaiah Araya is certainly one to watch this year, as the lengthy guard has a well-rounded and technically sound game. Also returning are Derian Castaneda and Lance Catipon, two 6'2" players that can work the boards or the perimeter. Both have the potential to go on hot streaks and take over games when called upon. Marco Guaring and George Fedorchuk are both entering their senior years and will look to help lead the team to another championship title. Guaring is a talented guard who normally rotates through the lineup opposite the aforementioned Lisan and Fernandez may have a bit more playing time coming his way with Caron taking off for Ontario. Likewise, Fedorchuk will be battling for playing time on the wing, as he seeks to end his time at CMU with one of his signature three-pointer "bangs."
Last year's new additions Caden Tugade, Caden Osmack, Milan Tomberli, and red shirt Micah Willms will all be back and looking for more playing time in an already deep and talented roster. Tugade is a shifty guard that uses his small size to his advantage to zip around the back court and distribute. British Columbia import Caden Osmack is a shooting guard who may see some of the outgoing Derek Neufeld's minutes come his way. The fan-favourite is still rounding out his game, but will hope to be on the Blazers travelling roster as the team heads to their pre-season tournament in his hometown Vancouver. Tomberli was an energetic addition to the Blazers' forward core, himself a red shirt the previous season, and will look to take some of the pressure off of the other Blazers' big men Andrew Bruin and Daniel Cameron. Finally, Micah Willms has the potential to steadily rise up the ranks with a season of practicing in coach Scott's system already under his belt, he will have the upper hand on any new additions in being college-ready come season's start.
The Blazers are certainly returning a deep and talented roster, with the potential to solidy themselves as a dynasty, having already captured the 2024 & 2025 MCAC titles. This year's edition will attempt to take home the NIAC title for the first time in program history, before the team is set to host the american championships in 2027.
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