The overall record for the Mohawk Mountaineers men's basketball team this past season is not a full representation of their year. Despite going 3-6, the Mountaineers stayed close in almost every game.

"I was satisfied with the way we battled all year," said head coach Brian Jonker. "The results were not what any of us wanted, but the guys continued to work hard, they remained positive, and they continued to buy in and play the way we wanted."

Five of the Mountaineers six losses were a difference of 11-points or less but each of those games were within single digits in the final couple minutes. 

"I feel terrible because I think the guys deserved greater rewards," Jonker said. "There definitely are lessons to build on."

Mohawk found themselves in a playoff position by the end of the season and played the Humber Hawks in the OCAA Qualifying Round. The Mountaineers kept the game within four points at half but the Hawks found their scoring touch in the third to win 105-88.

Jonker said the team will need more size heading into next season.

"That isn't easy to find in our league but that is our biggest area of concern," he said. "We just didn't have enough depth in size."

As a team the Mountaineers averaged 88.6 points per game, which was fourth best in the OCAA. Also, despite the lack of size, Mohawk was fourth in rebounds per game with 46.1. They also did a good job moving the ball around, averaging 20.3 assists per game for second best in the conference.

Defensively the Mountaineers ranked third from the bottom, giving up 91.9 points per game.

"We don't believe we were far from contending this year," said Jonker. "The guys are excited about putting in some work this summer. Hopefully we have a complete season next year and can continue to build and improve."

Mohawk will only lose about three or four student-athletes from this past season, but will see both guards Daniel Graham (Hamilton, ON) and Rommel Calura (Hamilton, ON) return.

Graham played his second season with the Mountaineers and earned himself OCAA West Division Second-Team All-Star honours after being named to the All-Rookie team a season prior.

In eight games, Graham averaged 15.3 points per game on a career-best 41.7 per cent shooting. He also made 24 threes', which ranked fifth in the OCAA and did it on 40 per cent shooting from deep. Graham also ranked second with 5.4 assists per game, first in total assists with 43 and ranked third with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.6. He also averaged 1.5 steals per game.

"I think Daniel took another step forward this year," Jonker said. "He is capable of being a first team all-star as he continues to improve.

Calura averaged 13.8 points per game, also on a career-best 41.3 per cent shooting. He also averaged 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and two steals.

"I was impressed with Rommel Calura and how much he continues to mature," Jonker said. "He is very different than he was three years ago. He has started to develop into a leader."

Emanuel Otong (Cambridge, ON) was also a huge contributor for Mohawk. He led the team both in scoring and rebounding with 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Deandre Goulbourne (Toronto, ON) contributed 13.1 points per game off the bench.