Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: JASON YOUNG, FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Although the men's basketball has had a rough start to their season with five losses, the team is not giving up hope in landing a playoff spot.

The Fanshawe Falcons’ men`s basketball team have had a tough start to the season, coupled with a strong division as well as an unprecedented number of injuries under head coach Tony Marcotullio.

“Out of our 18 regular players, nine have injuries, with several of them playing through those injuries,” Marcotullio said. “These guys are really tough.” While the Falcons have been playing well in exhibition with a 10-1 record in those games, they have had more difficulty in the regular season, with a record of 0-5. Of those games, one of those losses ended up being a heartbreaking one-point loss late in the game.

“Don’t even talk about that Humber game,” Marcotullio jokingly said.

When it comes to 2016, Marcotullio is relying on his veteran players. With several new recruits joining the team, the presence of experienced players can do wonders for the development and adjustment of the younger cohort.

“We have a good schedule coming up and with those two [veteran] guys, I think they can be the ones to set the example,” Marcotullio said.

He believes his newly recruited players can learn a lot from the veterans and hopes that it rubs off on them.

“Am I optimistic about the second half of the season? Of course I am. I see our guys making a big push at the end, maybe unexpectedly.”

The team certainly has its share of adversity ahead of them, especially if they are eyeing a playoff spot, as Marcotullio alluded to. As it is still early in the season and the team is disciplined and willing to learn, the experienced players may be able to make a late season push towards playoff territory.

“I certainly wouldn’t rule out a playoff appearance at this point, our guys want it too bad.”