VICTORIA - The University of Victoria men's basketball team will head to Nassau, Bahamas, from Aug. 1-9 for the 2026 Baha Mar Summer Hoops League, where the Vikes will face a trio of NCAA Division I opponents in Texas A&M, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of South Carolina. The event is an international preseason showcase that brings together NCAA programs, Canadian universities, national teams and international clubs for a series of exhibition matchups.

For the Vikes, the trip represents an opportunity to test a retooled roster against some of the best competition they'll face before the Canada West season begins Oct. 29 at home against Fraser Valley.

UVic is coming off another national podium finish, earning bronze at the 2026 U SPORTS Final 8 tournament, but the team enters the offseason in transition after graduating Canada West Player of the Year Ethan Boag, Canada West Defensive Player of the Year Geoffrey James and 6'11" forward Sergio Pereira.

Those departures leave big shoes to fill, but head coach Murphy Burnatowski believes a blend of returning leaders and experienced newcomers can help the Vikes remain among the country's elite programs.

One of the biggest additions is Ryan Regault, a transfer from Acadia University. The six-foot guard started all 20 games for the Axemen last season, averaging 14.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Known for his speed, athleticism and ability to create offence, Regault arrives in Victoria already drawing professional interest.

The Vikes have also added local product Cole Beckering, who returns to his hometown after spending last season at Biola University in California. A former provincial champion at Semiahmoo Secondary and Edge School graduate, the six-foot-five forward brings size, versatility and NCAA experience to the roster.

The newcomers join a returning core led by senior guard Renoldo Robinson, Cam Slaymaker and Shadyn Smid, who has continued his development this summer while playing professionally with the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Vancouver Bandits under a U SPORTS developmental contract.

The headline matchup in Nassau comes Aug. 3 against Texas A&M. The Aggies reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament after upsetting seventh-seeded Saint Mary's before falling to eventual regional finalist Houston.
UVic will also face Cincinnati and South Carolina, two programs from major NCAA conferences. While neither qualified for March Madness last season, Cincinnati competes in the Big 12 and South Carolina in the SEC, giving the Vikes a rare opportunity to measure themselves against the size, speed and athleticism found at the Division I level.

For Burnatowski and the Vikes, that's exactly the point.

The Baha Mar Summer Hoops League offers one of the few opportunities for Canadian university teams to face high-major NCAA competition in a preseason setting. Beyond the results, the trip provides valuable experience for a group looking to build chemistry, integrate new pieces and prepare for the challenges of another national title pursuit.

Schedule:
Monday, Aug. 3, Victoria vs Texas A&A @ 12:00 p.m. EST
Tuesday, Aug. 4, Victoria vs Cincinnati @ 2:30 p.m. EST
Saturday, Aug. 8, Victoria vs South Carolina @ 4:00 p.m. EST
 
Baha Mar Hoops Summer League
The Baha Mar Hoops Summer League is an international preseason basketball showcase in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring NCAA Division I programs, Canadian university teams, national teams, and international clubs. Rather than a traditional league, the event consists of a series of exhibition games that allow teams to prepare for the upcoming season while competing against high-level opposition.