Q&A: Aaron Rhooms reflects on a record-setting career at TMU

Few players have left a bigger mark on Toronto Metropolitan University's men's basketball program than Aaron Rhooms.

The fifth-year guard from Toronto capped an outstanding 2025-26 season by earning a nomination for the Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award after leading the TMU Bold to an OUA championship, the conference's top seed and a berth at the U SPORTS Final 8. Rhooms averaged 22.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while ranking among the OUA leaders in scoring, three-point shooting and rebounding. He was named both the 2025-26 OUA and U SPORTS Men's Basketball Player of the Year.

Rhooms leaves TMU as one of the most accomplished players in program history. The 6-foot-6 player is the Bold's all-time leader in field goals and three-pointers made, ranks second in career points and fourth in rebounds, and has collected an impressive list of accolades that includes two OUA player-of-the-year awards, two U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian selections and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours in 2021-22.

Beyond university basketball, Rhooms has competed in the Canadian Elite Basketball League for both the Scarborough Shooting Stars and Edmonton Stingers, and represented Canada on the national 3x3 stage, continuing to build a résumé that extends well beyond the U SPORTS ranks.

As he reflects on his career with the Bold and looks ahead to the next chapter of his basketball journey, Rhooms spoke with U SPORTS about his development as a player, the culture at TMU and the memories he will take with him from five seasons in university basketball.

U SPORTS: How did you get started in basketball?

Aaron Rhooms: I started playing competitively when I was around nine years old, but before that, I was always at community centres in Mississauga playing drop-in basketball. My dad was really the one who put the ball in my hands. We had a hoop in the driveway, and I was always out there playing. That's really where it all started.

U SPORTS: What made you fall in love with the game?

Rhooms: Basketball has always been my safe space. It's where I go to clear my head. It also helped strengthen the bond with my family. My dad, my mom and my sister have all been a huge part of my journey. We all fell in love with the game together, and they've supported me from the beginning.

U SPORTS: Why did you choose TMU?

Rhooms: Initially, I wanted to go to the United States, but COVID changed a lot of those plans. Fortunately, I found a great home at TMU. I already had relationships with Head Coach Dave DeAveiro and Lead Assistant Coach Jeremie Kayeye, and it just felt right. Once I made the decision to stay in Canada, TMU felt like the perfect fit.

U SPORTS: What stands out most about your experience with the Bold?

Rhooms: Being able to play at home. My mom and sister have been at virtually every game over my five years. To be able to play in front of them and have them support me throughout my career has been the biggest blessing. Beyond that, it's the relationships with my teammates and coaches. TMU has really been a second home.

U SPORTS: How would you describe the culture within the program?

Rhooms: Family. We take care of each other on and off the court. We're always spending time together, whether that's at practice, around campus or around the city. Everybody wants to see each other succeed. That's what made it easy to stay there for five years.

U SPORTS: What made this season different?

Rhooms: The biggest thing was our shared goal. I'd been there for five years and we had never won a banner. Every day we reminded each other what we were working toward. We focused on taking things one game at a time because we knew what we wanted to accomplish. Everybody bought in and that ultimately helped us win the OUA championship.

U SPORTS: What do you remember most about winning the championship?

Rhooms: Running to my mom afterward. She and my sister have sacrificed so much for me. There are videos of me sprinting over and embracing her after the game. There were tears and a lot of emotions. It was a proud moment for our family and one I'll remember forever.

U SPORTS: What did it mean to be named U SPORTS Men's Basketball Player of the Year?

Rhooms: It meant a lot. I view that award as a reflection of everyone who helped me get there. My family, my teammates, my coaches and everyone who supported me along the way all share in that recognition. I'm extremely grateful for it.

U SPORTS: What does this athlete of the year nomination mean to you?

Rhooms: It means the world. TMU played a huge role in shaping me as a player and as a person. To represent the university and be recognized for an award like this is something I'm very grateful for.

U SPORTS: Who would you like to thank?

Rhooms: The list is long. My mother, my sister and my late father are my backbone. They're my reason why. Coach Dave has been incredible. We essentially came into the program at the same time and helped build it together. Coach Jeremy has also been unbelievable in everything he does for the team. And of course my teammates. We had a lot of young players this year and they stepped up in a big way. The future of the program is in good hands.

U SPORTS: When you think back to your younger self, what comes to mind?

Rhooms: I'm thankful he kept going. There are always moments when you question whether you're on the right path, but I kept believing in myself and trusted the process. Looking back now, I'm grateful that I stayed the course.

U SPORTS: Was there anything you changed this season that helped elevate your game?

Rhooms: Taking care of my body. I've always worked hard and spent extra time in the gym, but this year I paid more attention to recovery and making sure I was available for my team every day. My physio team deserves a lot of credit for helping me stay healthy throughout the season.

U SPORTS: What was it like to compete at the U SPORTS Final 8?

Rhooms: It was an amazing experience. I'd been to nationals the year before to receive my All-Canadian award, and I remember telling Coach Dave that we needed to come back as a team. A year later we were there. It was exciting to compete against teams we don't normally see and experience that environment.

U SPORTS: What have you learned about university basketball in Canada?

Rhooms: U SPORTS is a great league. Everyone has their own path, whether that's staying in Canada or going to the NCAA, but I think U SPORTS is still underrated. There are a lot of great players, great coaches and great programs across the country. The league continues to grow every year, and I'm proud to be part of it.

U SPORTS: What advice would you give the next generation of student-athletes?

Rhooms: Believe in yourself. Everyone's journey is different, so don't spend your time comparing yourself to others. Trust your path and embrace it. Work hard, take care of yourself and keep the faith. No matter what you're pursuing, those things matter.

U SPORTS: What's next for you?

Rhooms: Right now, I'm in Edmonton for the CEBL season. After that, the goal is to continue pursuing basketball professionally, hopefully overseas, and see where the game takes me.