Capers primed for return to AUS men’s basketball playoffs 

By Corey LeBlanc  

SYDNEY – Matt Skinn expects to have a "tough job" this season. 

The head coach of the Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS men's basketball team made that prediction while discussing his line-up for the upcoming 2024-25 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) campaign. "We are really excited about our roster," the former CBU student-athlete said. 

On the heels of a disappointing finish to last season – one that saw the Capers finish out of the conference playoffs, after topping the AUS standings at one point in the second half – Skinn and his coaching staff pinpointed depth as a key element that needed to be addressed. 

"Last season didn't turn out like we wanted," he explained, noting that his CAPERS "showed very well" in head-to-head action versus the "top teams" in the AUS, but often faltered against those lower in the standings. With an exciting mix of new and returning CAPERS, Skinn offered, they will be able "to capitalize on our depth." He added, "We want to play in a pretty specific way, and I think we have the people to do that this season." 

Reflecting on reasons for the program's roller coaster ride last season, Skinn pointed to an extended period without now junior guard Justus Peuser (Geisenheim, Germany), describing how it "threw us for a loop." When he was injured, the CAPERS were top spot in the conference. 

"We not only lost what Justus brings to our team, but it also affected our depth. It put pressure on the rest of our players, who felt like they had to do more," he explained. Skinn said it hindered their effectiveness, when it comes to "getting up and pressuring" their opponents. "We want to play fast," he added. 

With more options this season, Skinn noted, his players won't have to be concerned about emptying the tank. "Players will have more confidence that they can give everything that they have when they are on the court," he said. 

As for some of the names adorning that deeper line-up, Skinn touched on his "leadership group," which includes Peuser, along with veterans Mitchell Mersereau (Sydney, NS), Tyson Cato (Ajax, ON) and AUS second-team all-star Shakael Pryce (Pickering, ON), who is entering his second season in CAPER orange. "They all had great summers, and they are ready to go," Skinn said of the CBU foursome. 

Another returning tandem in that category – Aaron Cunningham (Orangeville, ON), a 2023-24 AUS all-rookie team member, and Stefan Anisko (Caledonia, ON) – are expected to build on their strong seasons as first-year players in the conference. "They will be big for us and key contributors," Skinn noted. 

CBU's 2024-25 recruiting class includes Cardy Jean (Montreal, QC), a 6'1" guard; Liai Tong (St. John's, NL), a 6'7" forward; Tafarian Black (Toronto, ON), a 6'7 forward; Josiah McKnight (Whitby, ON), 6'6" guard; and Sacade Kasamba (St. Catharines, ON), 6'1" guard. "They are ready to contribute right now," he offered 

Noting that the CAPERS will boast more than five players who could be starters, Skinn added, "It is a good problem, and we are excited about the challenge," of making sure each student-athlete receives the playing time that they deserve. 

Despite the optimisim, the CBU head coach balked when asked about expectations for the 2024-25 campaign, noting that putting high ones on last season's roster – one the CAPER coaching staff believed could do "special things" – may have had an adverse effect. 

"It sounds cliché, but we are focusing on getting better every day," Skinn said, describing a week-to-week process as the AUS season unfolds. He added, "And we want to prove what we can do every time that we step on the floor." Skinn pointed out that his CAPERS have the player leadership to ensure they fulfill their goal of "playing to a high standard." 

He noted that everyone involved with the CBU men's basketball program knows it will be a challenge; one that he believes they are ready to tackle. "It is tough league [the AUS], and we get the best from every team when we play them," Skinn said. 

The CAPERS will tip off the 2024-25 AUS regular season with a pair of games versus the UNB REDS on Friday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m., on their home court at Sullivan Fieldhouse on CBU's Sydney campus.  

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