VIU Mariners point guard Ryan Bastian is looking forward to playing in front of a hometown crowd on the national stage this month.
The CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship tournament is bringing Canada’s top collegiate talent to Nanaimo this month.
It’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for Ryan Bastian.
The veteran Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners point guard is preparing to hit the court in front of a hometown crowd when the 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Basketball Nationals come to Nanaimo this month.
Taking place from March 18 to 21 at VIU, the tournament will bring Canada’s top collegiate talent to Nanaimo and promises to be an exciting event for both athletes and spectators. The national tournament comes hot off the team’s provincial championship title from last weekend.
For Bastian, a Ladysmith local, playing at nationals is both a dream come true and a career milestone.
“This is my home,” he said. “To represent VIU on the national stage means a lot.”
Hosting a national championship brings excitement, but also pressure. Bastian says the team has stayed grounded by focusing on continuous improvement throughout the season.
“We try to get better every day,” he said. “That approach helps us be ready when it’s time to compete against the best teams.”
Bastian’s journey to the Mariners’ starting lineup wasn’t immediate. After high school, he wasn’t picked up by any teams and spent a year training on his own.
“I attribute that year on my own to my development,” said Bastian, a Kinesiology student. “It reinforced my work ethic. When I earned a spot with VIU, I had the chance to play with one of the best coaching staffs and great teammates who push each other every day. That support made a huge difference in my growth as a player.”
Now in his fourth season with the team, Bastian ranks second in the conference in both steals and assists.
“I’m not the biggest or most athletic guy,” he said. “I try to hang my hat on being the hardest worker on the floor. Offensively, having so many skilled teammates makes it easy to move the ball and find cutters or shooters. We’re at our best when the ball is moving quickly and I enjoy starting that.”
Basketball has always been part of Bastian’s life. His mom played at VIU (then Malaspina) and won conference silver.
“I can attribute almost all of my athletic success to my family,” said Bastian. “Growing up in a household that valued hard work and dedication instilled in me the drive to get better every day.”
When it comes to competing for a national title, Bastian said the hometown crowd will be a key factor in the tournament.
“It’s almost like having an extra player on the floor. Momentum can swing when the fans get behind you. We need people there and we need them loud.”
Head coach Matt Kuzminski said fans can expect fast-paced, high-level competition.
“The basketball will be exciting,” he said. “We’ve never hosted a national championship before, so we need all the support we can get to make the gym loud and proud for the Mariners.”
VIU Athletics & Recreation Director Danielle Hyde said it’s an “honour” to host the nationals.
“Our experienced team and enthusiastic community are excited to create a memorable championship experience for all participants and spectators," she said.
More information, including ticket prices and game times, can be found on the CCAA website.
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Media contact:
Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca | W: news.viu.ca
The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
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