Bisons Men's Basketball Beginning a New Chapter in 2026-27

The Manitoba Bisons men's basketball team will have a very different look in 2026-27.

Six players graduated from last season's team, while three others have moved on to other pursuits. In their place are 10 new faces, creating one of the biggest roster transitions the Bisons have experienced in recent years.
For head coach Kirby Schepp, the challenge is straightforward: bring all of those pieces together.

"We have to learn new systems, get to know each other and figure out how we can best use this new influx of talent," Schepp said.

It will take time, but Schepp believes the foundation for the next chapter is already there.

A New Group Takes Shape

The Bisons have made steady progress through the opening weeks of the season, with encouraging signs beginning to emerge.

Young players can often face an adjustment period in U SPORTS basketball, but Schepp has been encouraged by the direction of several of Manitoba's newcomers.

As the team continues to learn its systems and establish roles, those early flashes provide optimism for what the group can become.

The transition is also creating opportunities for returning players.

Veterans Ready to Lead

Brandt Lenz will be counted on to take over the lead point guard role and provide stability for a young roster.

Schepp sees Lenz's experience, toughness and ability to contribute at both ends of the court as particularly important as the Bisons develop their new-look lineup.
There are also expectations for two third-year players to take another step.

Taven Vigilance and Ramogi Nyagudi both had strong off-seasons and enter the year ready for larger roles and increased offensive opportunities.

"They are poised to take advantage of the increased touches and larger role in the offence," Schepp said.

Their development could be an important part of helping Manitoba bridge the gap between last season's experienced group and the next generation of Bisons.

Replacing a Decorated Group

The biggest challenge, Schepp says, is simply replacing the experience and production of a veteran group that accomplished a great deal during its time at Manitoba.

The departing players won more Canada West games over their careers than any other group in Bisons history.

That is a significant legacy to replace.

But Schepp also believes those players helped establish a blueprint for the group now following them.

"They have also helped show the way forward for the next group of leaders," he said.

That next group includes an influx of newcomers with a variety of backgrounds and skill sets.

Guard Sam Derochers arrives as a national champion and All-Canadian from Collège Brébeuf, while 6-foot-9 Finnish forward Paavo Makkonen gives Manitoba another option in the paint.

First-year guard Dante Dyck, a Winkler, Manitoba product, enters the season after a redshirt year and a summer of development, while transfer Tshawn Bois brings NCAA experience and additional depth on the wing.

The Bisons have also added Montreal guard Junior Uzubahimana, a former RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year, and Winnipeg product Segun Akinbulumo, a transfer forward from Windsor who is expected to provide a physical presence around the basket and on the boards.

A Deep and Versatile Roster

There are plenty of other players looking to make their mark.

Sharp-shooting Titus Heron has used the off-season to prepare his body for a larger playing role, while veteran returning guard Miguel Nitro and forward Jonam Kazadi are ready for increased opportunities after previously contributing in backup roles.

Schepp also sees considerable potential in the younger players entering the program.

Local products Bruno Van Bewer and Owen Unruh, along with Edmonton forward Clarence Suter, represent a group of young players with what Schepp believes is a very bright future in the Bisons program.
The challenge now is determining how all of those pieces fit together.

With 10 new faces, there will be experimentation, adjustments and plenty of learning along the way.

But the variety of players gives Manitoba options as it works to establish its identity.

Building the Next Contender

The Bisons aren't hiding from the fact that this season is about development.

The immediate goal is to bring the group together, help the younger players grow and continue competing at the Canada West level.

Schepp believes the ingredients for another championship-calibre team are already within the program.

"The pieces to a future champion are here," he said. "The goal is now to bring them along that road."

That road will require patience, commitment and a willingness to embrace new roles.

The Bisons are moving on from one of the most successful veteran groups in program history.

Now a new group gets the opportunity to establish its own identity — and begin building what could be the next chapter of Bisons basketball.