Drafts, transfers add depth to Lancers men's basketball
By Michal Tellos
Sports Editor
May 14, 2008
 Athleticism and offensive depth has been kept in mind thus far, as freshman pick-ups and veteran transfers in the off-season have added to the quick and agile Windsor Lancers men’s basketball team.
Coach Chris Oliver has kept busy since the end of the season, making several additions to the team. Players brought to the Lancers have been drawn from near and far, and Oliver has created niches for each of them to fill.
Oliver stated that “adding a point guard was a priority,” later adding that this has been accomplished with Ellis Ffrench, a Nova Scotia native. With veteran point guard Ryan Steer graduating this year, Ffrench is expected to compete for a position on the starting line up.
“He did nothing but win in high school and we definitely want people who have that competitive mentality in the program,” said Oliver.
French led his high school to an undefeated streak dating back to December 2006.
Another requirement for the men’s team was for a tall, athletic guard, a role that has been filled by first-year St. Catharine’s Ontario native Steve Priolo. Oliver explained that the six-foot-five Priolo is expected to compete against taller perimeter match-ups, adding depth to the team with his height.
“He is one of the top five most talented high school players in the province this year staying in the CIS,” said Oliver of Priolo, who was extremely sought after within Ontario..
Within the Ontario Basketball Association, he played for the Niagara Thunder, being named MVP before leading the team to a championship title.
He was also an all-star in the Niagara region, being nicknamed Niagara’s Mr. Basketball. His high school also decorated him with awards and recognitions of achievement in multiple years.
Further additions thus far include Division I transfers Andre Smyth and Matt Day. Oliver looks to make use of their experience in college-level basketball, especially in light of the numerous veteran departures.
“Smyth is one of the top transfers in the country and will add experience and competitive toughness. Day adds some height and skill to our line-up. Both Smyth and Day bring experience and are multi-skilled inside-outside players who will have an impact right away,” Oliver explained.
Oliver expects the recruits to play well with the existing Lancers, picking up where the graduates left off. He stresses the speed and quickness of the new team, as well as the shooting ability of each player on the court.
“Our style will change a little as we transition to a more athletic multi-dimensional line-up. Our posts can play inside and outside and our guards can all shoot and attack off the dribble. These four players fit our philosophy perfectly as we will play faster,” he said.
Much of the team has already commenced training activity, indicates Oliver. “A majority of our players have stuck around Windsor this summer to work on their strength and conditioning as well as their individual skill development.”
Oliver is looking for continued success with the 2009 Lancers men’s basketball program, despite missing key scorers and leaders.
“The biggest thing will be getting players to believe in themselves and our style as we have been so dominant the past few years by our outstanding graduating class,” he said.
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