New system breeding optimism in revamped Lakehead roster (5 photos)

THUNDER BAY -- It’s anywhere but up for the Lakehead Thunderwolves. After posting a province-worst 2-22 OUA record, the Thunderwolves will line up an entirely different squad for the 2018-19 campaign.

Eleven new faces – seven of whom are freshman, with four recruited via transfer – will round out the roster, which completed its first week of training camp last Friday.

“A lot of hard work,” said one of Lakehead’s high-profile recruits Isaiah Traylor. “It’s about what I expected.”

Traylor is a 6-foot-4 guard from Tupelo, Miss., who played NCAA Division 1 basketball as recently as 2017. 

As one of the 11 new faces, Traylor is trying to get a feel for a roster and culture overhaul that’s being ushered in by coach Ryan Thomson.

“I love the offence, and defence. It’s very professional-like, and I like that about (Coach Thomson),” Traylor said. “I base my game around threes and spacing the floor, and defending.”

It’s no surprise that Thomson’s system is influenced by a professional style of play. In his few years of coaching experience, he’s worked with players in the  Boston Celtics organization and the National Basketball League’s Saint John Riptide.

“With a whole new system, you see we had to bring some guys in who fit how we wanted to play,” Thomson said.

Fast-paced, up-tempo, three-pointers, and shots at the rim: that’s the plan headed into the season.

Thomson also tried to construct a roster that can rely on length and athleticism to help them defensively.

“Bringing in length was a big factor. Last year we were a little small on the glass, so hopefully that’s a need we addressed,” Thomson said.

Ottawa native Kevin Ndahiro will offer a long, six-foot-nine frame that should help the Thunderwolves address some of the problems they faced last season.

“(Camp) has been great. I’m really expanding my game, working on my shot, ball handling, reading screens ... Just a lot more stuff to add to my game.”

Ndahiro, too, seems to have faith in his new head coach’s system.

“Thomson’s system is definitely going to work because we’re pushing the pace, we’re setting ball screens, and always moving. Defensively, we’re a lot longer than last year.”

Thomson’s 2-12 record in his first year doesn’t look too bad considering the 0-10 record he inherited when he replaced Manny Furtado.

Now with a fresh start, Thomson is optimistic he can provide winning results.

“I think right now, guys know what’s expected of them,” he said. “Once we start playing it will sort of click, and we’ll hopefully see how we can best help each other.”

Nick Burke will enter his fifth year as the longest-tenured player on the roster. He said he’s ready to lead a new group to more victories.
“I just have to work by being more vocal, leading by example, and doing the little stuff.”

Burke also thinks the Thunderwolves are poised to improve and even contend.

“I think defensively and with our outside shooting, we definitely got a lot better with our recuiting class.”