Next month, the team travels to the Bahamas before hosting Oregon State at CARSA
Illustration by Sabina Mendoza.
The University of Victoria men’s basketball team is entering the 2026–2027 season with a positive focus on community and connection. Coming off an outstanding 22–4 season and a bronze-medal finish at the 2026 U SPORTS final, the UVic Vikes are building on their past success to knit a new roster together.
The journey begins in Nassau, Bahamas, from Aug. 1–9 at the Baha Mar Summer Hoops League, where the Vikes will take on Division I programs Texas A&M, Cincinnati, and South Carolina.
Division I teams compete at the top level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which regulates student athletics across hundreds of post-secondary institutions in the USA, and one Canadian institution, Simon Fraser University.
In a press release, the Vikes touted this as “a rare opportunity to see an NCAA Division I men’s program compete in Victoria.”
Entering his fifth year, Vikes forward, Shadynn Smid, expressed that the tournament offers an exceptional opportunity to build team chemistry on and off the court early in the preseason.
“A trip to the Bahamas will create that off-court chemistry,” said Smid. “Having the guys come close every practice, every game, just having fun … that creates a family-like feeling in the team.”
Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, Smid emphasized that gelling with the team is the ultimate victory. Regardless of whether they win or lose, he says that the time spent together is what matters most.
“With new players coming in, we’ll have to get on the right page, and get used to each other’s playing style … I feel like that will be the biggest win we can get out of these games,” said Smid.
Following their games in the Bahamas, the Vikes will return home to host NCAA Division I team Oregon State on Aug. 20 and 22 for two exhibition games at the CARSA gym.
These games hold a special meaning for Victoria local Cole Bekkering, who is returning home after playing at NCAA Division II Biola University in La Mirada, California.
“My grandparents, my brothers, my family will all be there,” Bekkering said, anticipating his UVic debut. “At least 10 people in the stands, cheering me on, and that’s something I haven’t had in a couple of years.”
While Bekkering is eager to see the Vikes succeed as a unit this coming season, his personal goals extend beyond the gym floor. He is also passionate about mentoring developing athletes.
“I want to be able to help contribute to the University of Victoria basketball-wise, but also off the court as a human being,” said Bekkering. He shared that his personals are “to be a great person in the community, and help [UVic] win a national title on the basketball court.”
Following the Guy Vetrie Memorial Tournament, which the Vikes will host from Sept. 24–26, the Vikes’ regular season will begin. While the national title remains on the horizon, this family-like team seems poised to come together and build the foundation for another successful season.
