The Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks men’s basketball team fell short on Senior Day, losing 78-70 at home against the University of Guelph Gryphons on Feb. 8.
Guelph led throughout, extending their advantage to 11 points in the fourth quarter. Turnovers plagued both teams, totaling 43, but resulted in just 37 points — only a quarter of the game’s total scoring.
Defensive intensity remained high, with 25 steals combined. Laurier’s star guard Taye Donald, a fourth-year arts major, led with four steals. Shooting woes plagued the Golden Hawks, who managed just 37.5 per cent from the field and 25 per cent from beyond the arc.
One bright spot was first-year political science student and guard Nathan Vergin, who shot an efficient 5-for-8 and converted all four of his free throws. Despite the loss, Laurier’s seniors reflected on their journey. Donald shared his path to Laurier.
“It’s been crazy. I started in Junior College in Kansas, but it wasn’t what I expected. I reached out to Windsor, but it didn’t feel right. Then, Justin Serresse messaged me. When I visited Laurier, I joked, ‘So, Windsor told you I’m coming back to Canada?’ He said, ‘Nah, man. I was just checking up on you.’ Since then, Laurier has taken me in as their own.”
A familiar face was in the crowd for Senior Day — former head coach Justin Serresse, who led Laurier from 2016 until 2024 before joining Raptors 905 as an assistant coach. Watching his former players brought back memories and reinforced his coaching philosophy.
“I am big on mentorship and transformational leadership. For me, it’s all about seeing those guys evolve,” he said. “The fact that I was able to get an opportunity for my own career to grow resonated well with them. And by coming out here and watching them, that’s all I’m doing.”
Laurier ended the season 9-13, tied with two teams for the final two playoff spots but fell short of a postseason berth.
One problem Laurier faced this season was the lack of big-guard cohesion. The team boasts two talented veterans: 2023-24 U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian Taye Donald and January 2024 Laurier Athlete of the Week Ethan Passley. However, both guards are ball-dominant scorers, which is hindered by pick-and-roll bigs that lack stretchability.
Another challenge was rebuilding team culture after the departures of key Laurier players and Serresse. Under interim coach Cavell Johnson, newcomers are still adjusting to a veteran-led program.
Despite this, flashes of potential emerged. Nathan Vergin made a name for himself after dropping 30 points against Windsor in January and being named Laurier Athlete of the Week that same month.
Another standout was first-year guard Aiden Whalen, who averaged 10 points and five rebounds while shooting 38 per cent from three and 80 per cent from the free-throw line.
His best performance was on Valentines Day against Windsor, recording 23 points and 11 rebounds on highly efficient shooting splits of 54/60/100.
Looking ahead, Donald had a message for the young group.
“Just be true to yourself, and the basketball gods will pay you.”
Birnavan Varnacumaaran/Sports Editor
