Hungry TMU Bold Back and Better Than Ever

After an early playoff exit last season to the Carleton Ravens, the TMU Bold are back and looking to make a statement this season.

Locking Down

It was the first year back from a halt on sports, so predictably, teams weren't at their best, and TMU fell victim to that. Last season, the Bold finished 9th in points per game allowed, 12th in opponent field goal percentage, 13th in opponent three-point field goal percentage, and 11th in defensive rating. This kind of defence isn't going to help you win.

When I asked head coach David DeAveiro what's the difference between this season's defence and last season's defence he said, "We're a different team, we're able to do more things defensively than we could last year... we'll be able to change defences and give them different looks...". with new addition Simon Chamberlain coming from Carleton, the defence will definitely take a step up from last year.

From Rookie to Leader

Aaron Rhooms was TMU's best player last season. It was his rookie year, but that didn't stop him from being top ten in scoring (19.3ppg) in the OUA. However, of the top ten, Aaron ranked last in free throws attempted per game.

I asked him how he'll be more aggressive this season, and he said, "Try to get in the paint... don't be too complacent and get downhill." With Aaron having the keys to the offence, I wouldn't be surprised if he cracked the top five in OUA scoring.

Rhooms also had the opportunity of playing professional basketball in the CEBL on the Scarborough Shooting Stars. I asked him what his biggest takeaway from it was, and he told me that he learned to be more of a leader.

When I asked assistant coach Jeremie Kayeye how Aaron's leadership improved, he replied, "Yeah, he's out there leading... he learned professional habits, and now he's brought that back to our team. He's been leading by example, which has been Aaron's biggest attribute." Having your best player be the team's leader is always important, so others put in more work with the team.

Aaron Rhooms vs Laurentian

What to expect

This season has TMU Bold written all over it. Everyone's buying into the defence, slowing down the pace, and making the right decisions. With the improvement of the defence and the emergence of Aaron Rhooms, the sky is the limit for the team this season.