STU Tommies Men’s Basketball Sign Regina’s Noble Orji for 2026-27 Season

FREDERICTON, NB -  St. Thomas University and the STU Tommies Men's Basketball are excited to announce the commitment of Noble Orji of Regina, Saskatchewan, for the 2026-27 ACAA season.

Orji played his high school basketball with the Miller Marauders and competed at the club level with Rise Above Basketball, where he developed his aggressive defensive style and high-energy approach to the game.

Known for his defensive intensity, Orji is expected to bring a strong competitive edge to the Tommies roster.

“What I’ll bring to the table is energy on the defensive end, being a pest all around the court, whether that’s on-ball or off-ball,” said Orji. “I also want to stretch the floor and bring energy off the court as well.”

For Orji, choosing St. Thomas came down to the genuine connection he felt with the program.

“I chose St. Thomas because they chose me,” he said. “They reached out to me, and I saw it as a family welcoming me in and taking a chance on me. I respect coaches who take risks on players. Coach Hickey was very real with me during our meeting, and outside of basketball, Fredericton felt like home. It’s similar to Regina, but also a chance for me to start a new life and build a family with the school and community.”

Off the court, Orji plans to pursue studies in Gerontology, an area that aligns with his academic interests.

In addition to basketball, he has also been active in track and field and soccer, showcasing his athletic versatility.

Orji says the Tommies style of play was another major factor in his decision.

“St. Thomas has a similar style of play to what I’m used to in Saskatchewan—aggressive full-court man-to-man, transition offense, forcing long passes, and getting the ball to guys in their spots,” he said. “It’s a fast-paced style that runs teams into the floor, and that’s the kind of basketball I love.”

The Tommies continue to build toward the upcoming season with the addition of another promising talent who fits the program’s identity of intensity, pace, and relentless defence.