With several high-impact players moving on from the Dinos following their successful 2025 campaign, the questions heading into the new season are looming: Who will step up to fill those gaps and keep the team competitive to ensure they deserve the host-team bye into the U SPORTS Men's Final 8?
Last season saw the Dinos finish third in conference play with a 16-4 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs, eventually going on to bring the Canada West banner home and qualifying for the U SPORTS national basketball championships tournament. It felt like the Dinos were unstoppable at the end of the season, but a tough grind at the end of the season and untimely injuries from top performers, Noah Wharton and Declan Peterson, would prove to be the nail in the coffin in the U SPORTS championship final that saw them come up short against the University of Victoria Vikes.
As a fan, you can't help but wonder what could've been if Wharton and Peterson had remained healthy all the way until the end, but that was last year, and we won't get to find out as the graduations of Wharton, Nate Petrone, and Dylan Lutes leave the Dinos with big shoes to fill on the offensive end. Additionally, the transfer of Declan Peterson to the NCAA begs the question of whether the Dinos can find another big man to man the nets.
Wharton and Petrone were reliable scoring threats who consistently drew attention from the opposing team's defense, opening space for each other and their teammates. The duo combined for over 1200 minutes played in all 20 conference games, 163 assists, and 767 points — over a third of the Dinos' point production last year.
Lutes provided depth, leadership, and secondary scoring, ensuring the Dinos could remain consistent through the season. He was also given heavy minutes by Dinos' head coach Dan Vanhooren, playing 594 minutes in 20 games, contributing 243 points, and leading the team in outside shooting at 46.0 per cent and rebounds with 128.
And lastly, Peterson made the Dinos' nets nearly impenetrable with his presence in the paint. Peterson averaged 17.7 minutes per game but led the team in blocks and ranked second amongst the team in rebounds with 117 — stats that earned him a transfer to Western Michigan University.
Without them, the team will need new faces to not only shoulder the scoring load and defend the paint but also have individuals step in with playmaking in key moments and remain a steadying force in the locker room and on the bench this season. Whether it's a fourth or fifth-year player stepping into a bigger role or an up-and-coming player ready to make their mark, the Dinos seem to have the personnel to address these gaps.
Here come the rookies
Outside of Wharton, Petrone, Lutes, and Peterson, several other Dinos have moved on from the team, with just six returning players from last year's squad. And out of these six, only two, Aidan Smith and Martynas Sabaliauskas, saw regular minutes, meaning that much of the 2026 campaign will hinge on how quickly the incoming class can adapt to U SPORTS competition and each other.
One of the biggest questions on the board is playmaking. Wharton’s court vision and passing ability were the foundation of the Dinos’ offensive sets, and without him, the team will need to identify a new leader at the point. Will it be a returning guard who elevates their game, or will a rookie rise to the challenge? According to the Dinos' preseason tournament in Nassau, Bahamas, it looks like third-year guard, Daniels Baumanis, got the nod to be the shot caller.
The frontcourt will also demand answers. Peterson’s departure leaves a noticeable gap under the basket, both as a rim protector and rebounder. Replacing his physical presence won’t be easy, but veteran Sabaliauskas, who recently represented and won bronze for team Lithuania at the 2025 FISU Summer Games, is more than capable of ensuring Peterson won't be missed too much.
Equally important is leadership. Wharton, Petrone, and Lutes were not only reliable on the scoresheet but also cultural anchors in the locker room. With a roster so heavily tilted toward rookies, returning players may need to embrace larger roles both on and off the court.
Culture is King
A common theme in the Dinos of recent years has been an emphasis on culture. We can look back and speculate on the results of this year as much as they want, but from top to bottom, their focus, starting from coach Vanhooren, has been on building a locker room where they are seen beyond the statistics.
Fans may have noticed the Dinos sporting shirts that read "Culture is King" on their backs during last year's U SPORTS Championship Final 8 in Vancouver. For this team, whether old or new faces, will be built on the idea that a strong and cohesive team culture is what wins championships. And that starts from practices to cooldowns to studying film - every part of their game is key, and every player holds a vital key to success for the team as a whole.
The Bigger Picture
For the Dinos, the 2026 season isn’t just about finding replacements — it’s about building a new identity. They’ve lost their proven scorers, their rim protector, and their playmaker, but the opportunity now lies with the next wave of players. If the veterans can anchor the squad and the rookies can grow into their roles quickly, Calgary may not just hold their ground as hosts of the Final 8, but prove they belong on the national stage.