Pathmanathan honoured with Coaching Excellence Award

OSHAWA, Ont. – The Campus Recreation played host to the Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesday, and Ridgebacks men's basketball head coach Deluxshan Pathmanathan opened the night by being honoured with an Ontario Basketball Coaching Excellence Award.

The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards celebrate the dedication and commitment of outstanding coaches across the province. These awards recognize individuals who inspire excellence, foster innovation, and share their knowledge to elevate sport in Ontario. Honouring leadership, performance, and the power of human insight, the program highlights the vital role coaches play in shaping athletes and communities.

Pathmanathan took over as head coach of the Ridgebacks in 2023 after serving as the interim head coach during the 2022-23 season. In the seasons since, he's led a turnaround that has seen the Ridgebacks go from one win to a top ten-ranked team in the country, including going 16-6 and winning their first playoff game in school history in the 2023-24 season.

This past year, The Ridgebacks were ranked as high as fourth in the nation and first in Ontario. The team peaked going into the playoffs and rode their momentum to the OUA semifinals, where they finished just one shot away from making the OUA Finals and booking a trip to the U SPORTS Men's Basketball Championship.

"Receiving the 2025 OBA Coaching Excellence Award is a deeply meaningful moment for me," said Pathmanathan. "It's a reminder that coaching is about more than just strategy — it's about building relationships, inspiring growth, and working together as a team. This award reflects not only my efforts but the incredible commitment of every player, coach, and administrator who has supported me along the way. I'm truly honored and grateful to share this recognition with all of them."