The Bobcats' phenomenal season comes to an end with a heartbreaking loss to the Victoria Vikes, ranked #1 in Canada. The Bobcats lost 98-85 in the quarter-finals on their way to the Nationals. Still, it was an excellent season for the men's basketball team led by Head Coach Gil. With 12 wins and 8 losses, the Bobcats are one of the best teams in Canada West, ranking 8th. Having been very competitive throughout the season, the men's basketball team worked hard and fought to the end. The team's game is simple and highly structured. The players work well together and move the ball quickly, which makes for some spectacular plays, much to the delight of fans. The team is very good behind the three-point line, but is also aggressive, and many players attack the rim well. It's a fairly complete team that also plays very well defensively, offering an excellent defensive rotation. I think the team can be proud of their performance this season! We had the chance to interview head coach Gil Cheung to talk about the season.

Now, let's delve into the world of Coach Gil and his team to find out what they're most proud of, their strengths and weaknesses, to look back on their best game and discuss next year's objectives!

To begin with, what are you most proud of this season?

After losing Anthony who was Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All Conference, and Jahmaal who was the 3rd leading scorer in the conference and 3rd Team All Conference, we ended up with a strong record, made the playoffs, and advanced in the playoffs as well. We gave UVIC, the #1 team in Canada, a great run in the playoffs as well.

What was your best game of the season? And why?

I think our best game was our first game after a month off against UW. University of Winnipeg just finished second in Canada West and we beat them by 26pts here at the Healthy Living Center. We executed almost a perfect game plan on both ends of the court, and did that for 40 minutes. I thought our second game of the year, beating U of M by 25 when they were #5 in Canada was a great game for us as well.

Which statistics are you most proud of? And why?

We were ranked #11 in Canada this season, and we finished as the 3rd most efficient offensive team on Synergy Sports in the country. It was our goal to be at the top or near the top of this category and we were able to play a fast, uptempo, exciting style of basketball all year.

What did you find different about the team this year compared to last?

Not a ton really. Results wise we were identical. I felt this year’s team was a bit better defensively in the half court, but losing some huge pieces from last season, we weren’t as strong on our defensive glass.

What would you say are your team's strong points?

We were one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, and our pace of play was a strength. We were always able to create shots, and play with speed. We loved pushing tempo, and everyone on our team can shoot, so our spacing, shot selection, and draw/kick game was definitely our strength.

What should your team be working on?

We are looking to rest these next 2 weeks, and will need to be working in the weight room, to become stronger and more dynamic.

What will you remember about this season?

Just the interactions with this group. The season is long, strenuous, and can really drag on. We bused home from Edmonton and then we played back-to-back weekends in BC - it can be exhausting. I will remember this season mostly for the great student athletes I got to work with each day, the best coaching staff, who do not get paid anything, but show up each day and give up every weekend for this University. I will remember the big crowds, and the kids - the kids who look up to our guys, and hope to be a Bobcat one day. We have this amazing platform to give back to this region, and we never take that responsibility lightly. We are truly lucky.

To conclude, do you have any goals for next season?

Build with the core group that we have, bring in a strong recruiting class, return to the playoffs, advance, and be one of the Top 10 teams in the country.

Thank you very much Coach Gil Cheung for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you an excellent off-season and hope for the best next season!

You can see the Bobcats in action next season at the Healthy Living Center - it’s completely free for BU students, so come and cheer them on. Go Bobcats!