UBCO Heat men's basketball adds local trio to bolster Okanagan-heavy roster

The UBCO Heat men's basketball team will feature a distinctly local flavour this coming season, following the signing of three Okanagan hoopers. The squad announced the additions of Tarun Saroya, Cole Koop, and Wil Zylyk on Thursday. "I'm thrilled to have Tarun, Cole, and Wil join our te...

UBCO Heat men's basketball adds local trio to bolster Okanagan-heavy roster Local trio joins UBCO Heat The UBCO Heat men’s basketball team will feature a distinctly local flavour this coming season, following the signing of three Okanagan hoopers. The squad announced the additions of Tarun Saroya, Cole Koop, and Wil Zylyk on Thursday.

"I'm thrilled to have Tarun, Cole, and Wil join our team for the upcoming season," said Heat head coach and general manager Clay Pottinger. "These athletes had multiple options but chose to join UBCO. That's a major win for us."

Saroya, a six-foot-six guard, graduated from Kelowna Secondary School two seasons ago. He spent last year south of the border playing for Erie Prep Academy in Pennsylvania, where he led his team in scoring and was ranked among the top 35 players in the state. His standout performance earned him the Ohio Prep Conference MVP title after leading the academy to its first-ever regular-season championship.

Both Koop and Zylyk are returning to Kelowna as experienced transfers. Koop, who previously suited up for the Heat from 2023 to 2025, spent last season with Briercrest College in the ACAC. The guard put up strong numbers there, averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Forward Zylyk joins the Heat after two seasons in the OUA with the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Appearing in 37 games between 2023 and 2025, Zylyk helped Ottawa secure an OUA championship in the 2024–25 season, alongside back-to-back bronze medals at the U Sports National Championships. The incoming trio joins Vernon products Dom Zaino, Tylen Lewis, and Mason Clerke as new signings for the season.

Additionally, Julen Malfair and Isaak Moore, Kelowna locals, are returning for another season with the Heat. According to Pottinger, keeping local talent in the valley remains a top strategic priority for the program. "Kelowna has exceptional basketball talent and we've always endeavoured to keep the greatest local talent home," said Pottinger.

"Whether we get them as rookies, or we get them as transfers, we are committed to building a team that features players who grew up playing in the Okanagan. There's always something extra special about playing for your hometown team. We want to tap into that energy and bring the Kelowna basketball community closer to UBCO."

The Heat begin their 2026-27 campaign on Oct. 30 against the UNBC Timberwolves. More Sports News - Local trio joins UBCO HeatSports - 12:40 pm - Concessions mean little Canada/U.S. - 12:40 pm - $2B armoured vehicle deal Ontario - 12:36 pm - Soccer clubs accept penaltySports - 12:34 pm - Rally over fire chief lossesSouth Okanagan - 12:15 pm UBCO Athletics HOCKEY - Kelowna Rockets - West Kelowna Warriors - Penticton Vees - Vernon Vipers - Kelowna Chiefs - Kelowna Minor Hockey - West Kelowna Minor Hockey - Penticton Minor Hockey - Vernon Minor Hockey - Winfield Minor Hockey - Pacific Adult Hockey League - Kelowna Ball Hockey League - Field Hockey Okanagan - Okanagan Rockets - Kelowna Heat Spring Hockey - Okanagan Jr Warriors - Canadian Hockey Enterprises - Okanagan Hockey Group - The Rink - Canadian Sport School Hockey League - BCHL | KIJHL | WHL

| NHL BASKETBALL SOCCER - Kelowna Women's Soccer - Kelowna Men's Soccer - Kelowna United FC - Central Okanagan Youth - Kelowna Youth Soccer - Westside Youth Soccer - Rutland Youth Soccer - Lake Country Youth Soccer - Penticton Soccer Club - Pinnacles Soccer - Thompson Okanagan Football Club - Pacific Adult Soccer League - CSA | FIFA | MLS RACING [+] BASEBALL [+] FOOTBALL [+] RUGBY [+] GOLF [+] SKI/SKATE

[+] LACROSSE [+] CURLING [+] SWIMMING - Kelowna AquaJets - Liquid Lightning Swim Club - Ogopogo Summer Swim Club - Okanagan Masters Swim Club - KISU Swim Club - Kelowna Dolphins Synchronized Swimming Club - N.O. Tempest Tigers Summer Swim Club - Kelowna Water Polo Club RACQUET - Kelowna Badminton Club - The Penticton Yacht & Tennis - OK Mission Tennis - Lake Country Tennis - Lakeview Heights Tennis - Vernon Tennis Association - Squash BC Okanagan League - ESPN Tennis - Kelowna Junior Racquetball - Pickleball Kelowna - Kamloops Cricket Club MISC.

[+]