The University of Saskatchewan Huskies return to the Physical Athletic Complex (PAC) tonight for their home opener against the University of Regina Cougars (GetMyPhoto.CA)

By Katie Brickman-Young

Akintunde leads team in final year

Huskies men’s basketball host provincial rivals

Nov 5, 2021 | 7:04 AM

Competing in the Canada West conference is no easy task, but Barry Rawlyk expects his team to be fighting for contention this season.

“We are pretty optimistic,” said Rawlyk, head coach for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball team. “Canada West men’s basketball is extremely competitive, and we know there are a lot of strong teams out there this season, but we expect to be in the conversation.”

The Huskies kicked off their season last weekend in Brandon, taking the sweep of the Bisons on the road.

“We can score the basketball – we have a multitude of guys that can score, and I think our depth that is pretty evident that we may not have had in the past,” said Rawlyk on last weekend’s performance. “We also realized that we have a lot of work to do defensively. We aren’t one of the bigger teams in the conference, so defensively, we need to be a lot more disciplined.”

The team will look to continue their winning ways this weekend when the host provincial rivals, the University of Regina Cougars. Tip off is tonight (Friday, 6 p.m.) for their home opener at the Physical Athletic Complex (PAC) on campus.

Season wrap up

HuskieFAN partners hosts USask women's hockey team

Mar 31, 2026

St. Mary's pulls out OT win over USask

Huskies eliminated at University Cup

Mar 20, 2026

University Cup preparations continue

Roulette named U SPORTS men's hockey rookie of the year

Mar 18, 2026

“Regina has a very good basketball team. They always pay us tough, and it is always a battle. We just have to a consistent effort in terms of our level of play,” said Rawlyk. “If we can keep care of the basketball and make sure we are getting quality shots every time we come down the floor, that will be important to our success.”

The Huskies finished with a 12-8 regular season record in 2019-20 and have looked to recalibrate their roster for this season. They brought in three key veteran additions – fourth year guard Nervens Demosthene from Terrebonne, QC; third year guard Tyrese Potoma from Regina, Sask.; and third year guard Marquavian Stephens from Flint, Michigan.

“It means a lot (to bring those guys in). With more veteran presence, we have guys that can help the younger guys through the game,” said Emmanuel Akintunde, fifth year guard. “Also, for the betterment of our team and our program, it is nice to have veterans who know a lot about the game and who are willing to help one another.”

Akintunde, a Saskatoon native, has played his full five years with the Huskies and he is looking forward to finishing his USports career at home.

“To play at the university in my hometown, it’s been an honour,” Akintunde said. “To finish off here at the University of Saskatchewan is an accomplishment on my list and I am super happy and excited what this team has in store for this season.”

Despite beating the Bisons by 15 and 16 points respectively in their opening weekend, the focus will be to play to their strengths and play hard on the defensive end of the ball.

“One of the biggest things we have is our ability to control the tempo of the game. In the game of basketball, that is really important,” said Rawlyk. “If you are controlling the tempo of the game, I think that is a significant advantage to have, rather than playing at the other team’s speed.”

It’s a long season and the Huskies know that remaining competitive throughout the year will be key to being in a playoff spot.

“Our goal is a week-to-week goal to get better. That is what are focus is and we don’t have a long-range plan,” said Rawlyk. “We hope to be there at the end, but in order to do that, we understand we have to get better every week.”

Huskies Women’s Basketball

The defending Canada West and USports National championship team will also return to the PAC for the first time in 2020. They will celebrate their championship with a banner raising and ring ceremony on November 6.