VARSITY BLUES TO HOST NCAA'S CHATTANOOGA MOCS IN MEN'S BASKETBALL
\"This is a great pre-season match-up for us,\" said Blues head coach Mike Katz. \"Chattanooga is a top division I opponent who has just made their 10th NCAA tournament appearance. It's early but it'll be a great test to see where we are at and where we need to go heading into the season.\"
The Mocs were 18-17 overall in 2008-09 and are the defending Southern Conference champions. They appeared in the 2009 NCAA March Madness tournament, where they fell to eventual semi-finalist University of Connecticut in the first round.
Despite the loss of all five starters, UTC is optimistic about the upcoming season. Coming off their seventh Southern Conference division championship, head coach John Shulman has some veteran talent and a couple of key transfer-students that should help to bolster the 2009-10 edition of the men's basketball team.
\"It is a great opportunity for our basketball team,\" said the Mocs head coach. \"We have 10 days of practices to get ready for a four-game Canada trip - there are five open positions on the court and every player has the chance to make a good first impression.\"
On the flip side, the Varsity Blues did not lose anyone to graduation and retain the majority of their 2008-09 roster that finished in third place in the OUA East division with a 15-7 record.
The Blues were led by OUA second team all-stars Rob Paris (St. Catharines, Ont.) and Nick Magalas (Toronto). Paris finished the season averaging 15.8 points per game, and recorded his 800th career point when Toronto defeated Ryerson 100-59 in their last regular season game.
Magalas finished the season averaging 15 points per game and ranked second in the OUA with an 87.2 shooting percentage from the free-throw line. He also recorded his 800th career point on Feb. 13th.
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Source: Toronto Varsity Blues