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2024 CEBL+ Broadcast Teams Announced

May 9, 2024

Sixth season of CEBL action tips off May 21 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on TSN 

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday the local broadcast teams that will deliver all the excitement of Canada’s professional basketball league to viewers across the country on the league’s OTT streaming platform, CEBL+powered by BetVictor, TSN+ and the CEBL Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The lineup covering all livestream games consists of more than 35 media personalities across all 10 of the league’s markets. 

 

The 2024 CEBL season tips off Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. MT / 9 p.m. ET when the Calgary Surge host provincial rival the Edmonton Stingers at Scotiabank Saddledome. In addition to the CEBL on TSN broadcast team announced Wednesday, the following is the full CEBL+ broadcast lineup in 2024:

 

2024 CEBL+ BROADCAST TEAMS 

 

BRAMPTON / NIAGARA: 

Matt Bonomi 

Matt Bonomi returns for his second season as a play-by-play commentator in the CEBL. As a fan of the sport, Bonomi has called over 200 Canadian University basketball games as the voice of the Brock Badgers. In 2020, he earned the inaugural OUA Broadcaster of the Year Award. In addition, Bonomi was on the call for the 2023 CCAA Women’s Canadian College Basketball Championships and two windows of the 2023 FIBA Basketball Champions League of Americas, featuring the 2022 CEBL champion Honey Badgers. Bonomi is a 2019 graduate of Brock University (Sport Management), and a 2022 graduate from the Ontario College of Sports Media. 

 

Joe Raso 

Joe Raso, Sr. Director, Basketball Operations for the CEBL, returns for his sixth year on the league’s broadcast staff. Raso has been involved in all levels of basketball for more than 35 years. He is the all-time winningest head coach in McMaster University history, where he coached his teams to four OUA championships and four silver medals at the CIS (now U SPORTS) National Championships. Raso has also worked on the international level as the Head Scout for the Canadian Men’s National Team and was an assistant coach with the program for four years. Raso has experience as a TV analyst for the CEBL, FIBA, CBC, Sportsnet and TSN. 

 

Sean Woodley 

Sean Woodley is the longtime host of the daily Locked On Raptors podcast, and has worked as a studio 

personality and play-by-play voice for the CEBL since the league's inception. Woodley has also worked as a host at TSN 1150 Radio, was a credentialed member of the Raptors' media corps from 2015-2022, and coaches youth basketball in Hamilton. 

 

Andrew Damelin 

Andrew Damelin enters his fourth season covering the CEBL. The Raptors Republic reporter creates highlights for SportsCentre and updates for TSN 1050 Toronto, and has hosted “The Honey Drop” podcast covering the Brampton Honey Badgers franchise since 2021. He's 6-foot-5, loves his wife, kids, eggs benedict and nifty post moves. His playing days may be over, but his passion for the grassroots game has never been stronger. 

 

Dhanung Bulsara 

Dhanung Bulsara, commonly known as ‘D', enters his fourth season with the CEBL as a sideline reporter. For the past three seasons, Bulsara has patrolled the sidelines covering home games for the Guelph Nighthawks (2021, 2022), Brampton Honey Badgers and Niagara River Lions. Last season saw him draw his first of multiple assignments on TSN, covering nationally televised games for the league. This past summer also saw Bulsara make his debut as the in-game host for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has previous experience as the Raptors 905 in-game host, spending two seasons with the team. 

 

Esfandiar Baraheni 

Esfandiar Baraheni has been a basketball reporter, writer and producer for over five years, working with publications like TheScore, Bleacher Report, TSN, Spotify, and Raptors Republic — specializing in covering the Toronto Raptors and the rest of the NBA. 

 

Kyle Parkinson 

Kyle Parkinson is a communicator with a passion for interviewing, creating exciting content and having an enthusiastic eye for attention to detail and critical analysis. Parkinson is a self-starter who is goal-oriented, active on social media and able to report stories and create content. From being an on-screen talent with Sportsnet, he has covered numerous live major sporting events in pursuit of his passion for sports media and eagerness to grow in this industry. 

 

CALGARY: 

Mitch Peacock 

The voice of Calgary Surge games in their inaugural season, Mitch Peacock enters his second CEBL campaign fresh from regular duty calling the German Basketball Bundesliga’s World Feed. The versatile announcer also recently completed a season doing Swedish Hockey League and Champions Hockey League games for global audiences, and last fall worked international soccer matches for CONCACAF. Peacock has done network play-by-play for five Olympic Games, hosted FIFA World Cup coverage, and worked as a rinkside reporter on Hockey Night in Canada. His other credits include anchor on the FOX Soccer Report and host of Calgary Flames Radio. 

 

Jamaine Cummings 

As a student of the game, Jamaine Cummings is prepared to bring his unique analysis style to the Calgary Surge broadcast for a second season. Some of his past broadcast credits include the 2024 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Men’s Final 4 Championship,2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s National Championship, 2023 Western Canadian Baseball League Championship and the 2023 ACAC Men’s Provincial Championship. Cummings also played basketball at St. Marys' in Calgary and for Basketball Alberta. With a passion for both basketball and broadcasting, he is excited and honoured to once again, combine the two, to help showcase the CEBL's elite talent to the entire nation. 

 

Cami Kepke 

Cami Kepke returns to the sidelines for the Calgary Surge’s second season. Kepke brings eight years of award-winning television sports experience to the court, including coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 2023 and 2018 Heritage Classics, the Grey Cup and the Basketball Champions League Americas’ Calgary event. She has roved the sidelines for the Surge’s inaugural season, the 2023 Canada West Women’s Basketball Championship, the 2022 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship, and University of Calgary Dinos Football games. Kepke looks forward to bringing fans inside the game and sharing the stories of the coaches, athletes and staff who make every electric CEBL season possible. 

 

EDMONTON: 

Doug McLean 

With over 20 years of national and international broadcast experience, lifelong Edmontonian Doug McLean returns for his fifth season calling Edmonton Stingers games. Currently the colour commentator for University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas basketball, McLean also recently called the 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Final 8. Internationally, he has broadcast Team USA basketball at the FISU World University Games while also calling FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying events and FIBA 3x3. Additionally, McLean has called hockey at four FISU World University Games, does colour commentary of university football across the Canada West Conference, and did colour on two Edmonton Elks CFL broadcasts in 2023. 

 

Paul Sir 

Paul Sir has spent his life intensely immersed in the game of basketball. As a player, Sir is a member of the Iowa High School Basketball and Winona State University Halls of Fame while also played professionally in Europe. He has coached at all levels and recently retired after being the Executive Director of the Alberta Basketball Association for 16 years. Sir has been the driving force for developing 3x3 in Canada. He led the efforts to make Edmonton the home of the Canada Basketball Women's Olympic Team. Sir is the host of 'The Basketball Show' on Sports 1440 radio in Edmonton and has done the colour commentary for the Edmonton Stingers since the club's inception. 

 

Emma Foose 

Emma Foose joins the Edmonton Stingers in her first year as a sideline reporter in the CEBL. Foose comes from a diverse sports background both behind the scenes and in the action. Growing up playing competitive hockey, she has been involved with sports as long as she can remember. From aiding game-day operations with the Edmonton Elks to coaching a U15 AA hockey team, Foose is excited to branch out into the world of basketball. She is currently enrolled in the Radio and Television program at NAIT and has a passion for storytelling. 

 

Ethan Ready 

Ethan Ready is a graduate from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. Born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario, Ready moved to Northern BC in 2019, working as a broadcaster and most recently doing play-by-play for both hockey and football. His work experience includes time spent covering the CFL, CJFL, NHL, WHL, and U SPORTS basketball, soccer and volleyball. Ready is excited to be a part of the Stingers' broadcast team for the 2024 CEBL season. 

 

MONTREAL: 

Moe Khan 

Moe Khan is entering his third year as the play-by-play voice of the Montreal Alliance in the CEBL. Khan has called games in the CCAA, NCAA, and U SPORTS levels across multiple varsity sports. This year, with Montreal hosting Championship Weekend, he believes the city is ready to showcase to Canada why it is a basketball city and looks forward to working with his colleagues Dwight Walton and Gabriela Hebert to produce top quality broadcasts. 

 

Dwight Walton 

Dwight Walton is a former member of the Canadian National Team from 1986-1995. Walton played professionally in Israel and Switzerland from 1994-2004, including four years in Israel and six years in Switzerland. The basketball analyst and colour commentator was also an assistant coach for the men’s program at Concordia University in Montreal and served as General Manager for the Los Angeles Ignite of The Basketball League. 

 

Gabriela Hébert 

After playing U SPORTS basketball with McGill University where she was part of five provincial championships and helped lay the foundations for the eventual Bronze Baby winning Martlets, Gabriela Hébert started getting involved in broadcasts. She participated as an analyst for different provincial and national women’s basketball championships in the last few years. Hébert is also the season analyst for the women’s basketball team at McGill University. You can also catch her new podcast, “The Corner Girl” launching this summer as she will discuss the world of women’s sports, including basketball, through stories and news to inspire the new generation of athletes. In 2024, Hébert will serve her third season as sideline reporter for Montreal Alliance home games. 

 

OTTAWA: 

AJ Jakubec 

AJ Jakubec is a 27-year sports broadcasting veteran who has been at TSN 1200 Ottawa for 18 years after stops throughout British Columbia and his native Edmonton. Jakubec’s first basketball call was as the voice of the Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas from 2001-03. In Ottawa, he has brought the action to viewers and listeners during numerous Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees games, including the annual Capital Hoops Classic and multiple U SPORTS Championships. Jakubec’s local play-by-play experience includes work with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Ottawa 67’s, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oil Kings, Atlético Ottawa, and Ottawa Fury FC, in addition to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

 

Elias El-Zein 

As a seasoned broadcaster, Elias El-Zein captivates audiences with a compelling blend of charisma, wit, and insightful commentary. With a knack for engaging storytelling, El-Zein has carved a niche in the broadcasting world, delivering news, analysis, and entertainment with professionalism and flair. His dynamic on-air presence and a deep understanding of the game of basketball ensures an enriching experience for listeners/viewers. Whether behind the mic or in front of the camera, El-Zein brings passion and expertise to every broadcast. 

 

Wumi Agunbiade 

Pro-player turned coach, Wumi Agunbiade, is a Canadian basketball figure known for bridging her experience of the game with her passion for the community. From Pickering, ON, Agunbiade fell in love with basketball before she could walk and has since been on a mission to uplift others through the sport. She is the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Queen’s University and the Founder of Hoopers Loop, an organization geared towards the development of female-identifying student-athletes. From playing in the NCAA and professionally in Europe, to coaching with the Raptors 905 and the Guelph Nighthawks (Calgary Surge), Agunbiade offers a unique perspective of the game. 

 

Fabienne Blizzard 

Fabienne Blizzard played basketball and graduated from the University of Ottawa. As a point guard, Blizzard was awarded Rookie of the Year, MVP, Best Defensive Player, OUA All-Star, Athlete of the Year and was inducted into the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Hall of Fame. She has had the pleasure of coaching at every level in basketball (Grassroots, Club, University, College, Regional, Provincial, National and Professional) and has also had the opportunity to assist and coach with the NBA Basketball Without Boarders, Senegal SEED Forum and NBA Academy guest coach. 

 

Jackie Perez 

Jackie Perez is excited to join the Ottawa BlackJacks broadcast team for her first season as a CEBL sideline reporter. Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Perez spent three seasons as the in-game host for the Toronto Argonauts Football Club. She began her television career as a video journalist for CTV News Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In 2018, she made the move to Regina as CTV Morning Live's on location reporter. This led to a role at CityNews Calgary as an anchor and video journalist. Perez is currently a television broadcaster with CTV News Ottawa contributing content to television, radio and digital platforms. 

 

SASKATCHEWAN: 

Simon Hiatt 

Simon Hiatt has been the play-by-play voice of the Saskatchewan Rattlers since their inaugural season and called the first-ever CEBL championship game in 2019. Hiatt has worked in local television in Saskatoon for 25 years and was also the play-by-play voice for the University of Saskatchewan women’s and men’s basketball teams for over a decade. He has also been a newspaper columnist and public address announcer and is an award-winning filmmaker. Hiatt lives in Saskatoon with his wife Joy, a cantankerous old cat named Wrigley and an unruly puppy named Lucy. 

 

Amy Prokop 

Amy Prokop enters her second season as a colour analyst in the CEBL with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Prokop had an accomplished career as a point guard with the University of Saskatchewan women’s basketball program (2004-09) and helped them earn their first Canada West championship banner in 2005. She sits third all-time in Huskie assists and fifth in steals. Leaning into her multi-sport background, Prokop is now in her 10th year as an assistant coach with Huskie Women’s Soccer and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in sport in her community. 

 

Heather Morrison 

Heather Morrison, a member of the CEBL’s Saskatchewan Rattlers broadcast team, is a broadcaster and public speaking coach from Saskatoon. This is Morrison’s fourth season with the CEBL. She is the founder and president of Deliver Your Best public speaking coaching. Morrison has also handled sideline coverage for Canada West Football and spent three years as an associate producer with CBC Saskatchewan, where she also hosted radio programs and was a television weather reporter. Last season Morrison had the honour of covering the CEBL's Western Conference Finals and Championship Weekend. 

 

Ryan Flaherty 

After more than a decade in TV news primarily as a sports anchor and reporter, Ryan Flaherty became a freelance broadcaster in 2021. This is his third season as a member of the Rattlers broadcast team and when he’s not calling games he serves as the team’s PA announcer. Flaherty’s play-by-play work includes two seasons as the voice of the National Lacrosse League’s Saskatchewan Rush, six years of Saskatchewan Huskies basketball, hockey and soccer, Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League games, and he’s currently in his sixth season as the voice of Saskatchewan SWAT Jr. Lacrosse. He also works as a sideline reporter covering Canada West football. 

 

SCARBOROUGH: 

Rod Black 

As a Canadian sports broadcaster for over 40 years, Rod Black has been a part of some of sports most iconic events, including multiple Olympic Games and PGA tournaments. He was on the mic for the Toronto Raptors inaugural season television broadcasts. Following a lengthy career with TSN and CTV that included calling Toronto Blue Jays games and leading the pregame coverage of their 1992 and 1993 World Series championships, Black currently broadcasts numerous sports on both a national and regional level around the world. He currently handles play-by-play duties for the CEBL’s Scarborough Shooting Stars. 

 

Warren Ward 

Warren Ward, a seasoned broadcaster and former professional athlete, spent six years on the court before transitioning to broadcasting. Currently working with the Toronto Raptors, Raptors 905, and Scarborough Shooting Stars, Ward seamlessly merged his athletic prowess with his passion for communication. Now in his third season with Scarborough, he continues to captivate audiences with his insightful commentary and dedication to the game. Ward’s dynamic career trajectory showcases a commitment to excellence both on and off the court. 

 

Danielle Bain 

Danielle Bain is a sports broadcaster from Mississauga who began her career as a video journalist in Thunder Bay. Transitioning to Ottawa, Bain covered local sports and breaking news on television and radio, honing her skills as a reporter. Finally, she made her return to Toronto, where she currently works as the rinkside reporter for the Toronto Marlies, content host for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Digital Storyteller for Women's Para Hockey of Canada. Now in her second season with the CEBL, Bain can’t wait to bring her skills and enthusiasm to the basketball court this summer before heading overseas to cover the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

 

VANCOUVER: 

Cheryl Jean-Paul 

Joining Trinity Western University as the head coach of their women’s program in 2010, Cheryl Jean-Paul has built the Spartans into a perennial playoff contender. Internationally, she led Canada’s Cadette Women to a top four finish at the U17 Championships in 2022. Jean-Paul, a Winnipeg native who played for the Bisons and has officiated at the university level, is a Chartered Professional Coach, obtained her Advanced Coaching Diploma and has a master’s in leadership. CJP’s 22 years of coaching has included the CanWest Coach of the Year award, and is currently Basketball BC’s High Performance head coach, most recently joining Howard Tsumura as analyst for the BC High School Championships. 

 

James Cybulski 

An award-winning broadcaster who has worked nationally for Sportsnet, TSN, and TheScore, James Cybulski has covered several major sporting events around the world, ranging from the Olympics, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, World Series, and several others. A versatile talent, Cybulski has worked as a reporter and host in television, and also a talk show host on radio in both Toronto and Vancouver. He is currently the play-by-play voice for the iconic NHL video game franchise from EA Sports. When James isn’t behind a microphone, he is busy spending time with his family, helping coach his daughters in soccer, ringette, and softball. 

 

Virgil Hill 

Virgil Hill is a former Vancouver Bandits assistant coach from the inaugural season, and former U SPORTS and NCAA head coach at Laurentian University and Simon Fraser University, respectively. A two-sport university athlete in football and basketball, Hill was a team captain at SFU and was coached by former national team coach and present Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jay Triano. His resume also includes serving as an assistant coach of the national student team that captured a bronze medal in the 2003 World University Games, and Head Coach of the BC U-19 provincial team that won gold in 1998. 

 

Chris Wiggins 

Chris Wiggins transitions to a sideline reporter with the Vancouver Bandits in 2024 after two seasons as the team’s in-game host. Wiggins carries over 10 years of morning radio and television experience, along with a variety of emcee and PA announcing roles with the OHL, AHL and NBLC. He is also a two-time Ontario basketball provincial champion and a graduate of the Broadcasting Program at Niagara College where he played a season with the Knights. 

 

WINNIPEG: 

Christian Aumell 

After a mediocre high school basketball career, Aumell turned his attention to the microphone where he called games for well over a decade. He served as the play-by-play voice of the Western Mustangs  before moving to Winnipeg where he has called games for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen since 2016 and has been the voice of the Sea Bears since their inaugural game. In his day job, Aumell hosts the CJOB Sports Show, covering the Winnipeg sports scene on a nightly basis. 

 

Dave Crook  

Dave Crook returns for his second season working for the CEBL in Winnipeg. Crook has a long connection in Canada having worked for over 40 years in the U SPORTS system including 27 years as a head coach. He also enjoyed a decade-long career coaching with the Canadian National team program. His time with Canada included the highlights of being named Head Coach of the Canadian junior team in 2002. In 2004, Crook led the Men’s Young team to be the first Canadian age group team to ever qualify for a World Championship. The following year, the team knocked off the US in the quarter finals (Canada’s first win over the US at a FIBA event) and then went on to defeat the reigning World Champions Australia to capture the bronze medal. Crook recently retired from his position as Athletic Director at the University of Winnipeg. 

 

Joey Slattery 

Joey Slattery enters his second season as the CEBL sideline reporter in Winnipeg where he also co-hosts the Target Score Weekly podcast focusing on the Sea Bears and CEBL. Slattery is a veteran journalist having served as a reporter and anchor in both news and sports, as well as hosting TV morning shows in Northern Ontario, Regina, Edmonton and Winnipeg for more than a decade. Now narrowing his focus on basketball, he is excited to be back patrolling the CEBL sidelines and bringing you closer to the action in 2024. 

 

Kurt Black 

Kurt Black enters his first season as a CEBL sideline reporter in Winnipeg in 2024. Black is currently a Video Journalist at CityNews Winnipeg after two and a half years as a reporter and anchor at Thunder Bay News (TBN). He recently studied radio and television broadcasting at the College of Sports Media and Niagara College. 

 

Season tickets and flex packs are now available league wide with priority seating access and preferred pricing. Ticket information for all CEBL games, including single-game tickets, can be found by visiting cebl.ca/tickets. More than 50 CEBL games will be broadcast live nationally on TSN and Game+ this season. Fans can also livestream all regular season, playoff and Championship Weekend games on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+ and the CEBL Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. 

 

- CEBL - 

 

About the CEBL 

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube

December 18, 2024
The holiday season is about spending time and celebrating with friends and loved ones while also supporting important causes and initiatives in the community. The Honey Badgers front office staff visited the Regeneration Marketplace and the Regeneration Marketplace on Tuesday afternoon to sort food donations, portion meals, stock shelves and assist guests with food selection. “As leaders in our Brampton community, it is extremely important for us to collaborate with local organizations that continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others on a daily basis,” said Josie Pingitore, vice president of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “Our organization is committed to continue to make strides in our community growth, not only during the holiday season but throughout the calendar year.” Regeneration Marketplace is a local food bank in the heart of downtown Brampton, operating to provide quality, helpful food and household items for those in need in the community. Open 365 days a year, they proudly serve 39,000+ meals annually with more than 1,100 households receiving the necessary food and goods on a weekly basis. “Right now we are just inundated with donations, and the work the Honey Badgers did to help us sort saved us so much time,” said Katie Cleland, director of development at Regeneration Outreach Community. “This will help us get the food on the shelves much quicker so that we can serve more people this week.” The Honey Badgers staff were also joined by Amisha Moorjani, owner of The Food Quotient, and Rod Power, City of Brampton Councillor of Wards 7 and 8. This is one of many initiatives that the Honey Badgers and Councillor Power have collaborated on this holiday season, including turkey drives and Christmas dinners for underprivileged youth. To learn more about how you can contribute to the Regeneration Office & Meal Program or Regeneration Marketplace, please contact [email protected] or visit www.regenbrampton.com .
December 4, 2024
Chaque équipe visitera chaque ville en 2025 alors que la ligue dévoile le calendrier de sa septième saison
December 4, 2024
Every team visits every city in 2025 as league unveils CEBL 2025 schedule for seventh season
November 28, 2024
LANGLEY, BC - The Vancouver Bandits professional basketball team is proud to announce the launch of the Bandits Community Foundation - the team’s dedicated charitable and philanthropic arm. This foundation is committed to empowering youth and driving positive change across British Columbia through innovative basketball and education programs. The Bandits Community Foundation will prioritize creating pathways for youth and adults to excel both on and off the court. Its initiatives include supporting local nonprofits, increasing access to basketball in underserved communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage in the sport—all while fostering community connections and personal growth. “We believe in the power of community and the ability of sports to inspire, unite, and create lasting change,” said Dylan Kular, Executive Director of the Bandits Community Foundation. “The launch of the Bandits Community Foundation is a commitment to giving back and empowering the next generation. Together, we are building a brighter future, one bucket at a time.” To guide this effort, the Bandits Community Foundation will be guided by an esteemed Board of Directors: Shawn Dheensaw, Basketball BC Executive Director Teresa Gabriele, Canada Basketball national team alumni Charles Hethey, O’Neil Law LLP Lawyer and Partner Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits Basketball Team President Peter Natrall, ISPARC Regional Coordinator Kim Smith-Gaucher, 3x3 Canada Basketball Women’s Head Coach Lucky Toor, TGL Group CPA’s LLP Co-Founder and Partner Full biographies of the Foundation’s board members can be found here . In addition to basketball-centred programs, the Foundation will support local charities, schools, and community organizations through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and event collaborations. Its overarching vision is to ensure sport and education are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic circumstances. The Vancouver Bandits have long championed community engagement through initiatives such as: Court Projects: Building and refurbishing outdoor basketball courts across BC Bandits School Tour: Delivering cost-free basketball workshops and practice instruction to high school teams Community Champion Initiative: Providing youth and families in need with the special experience of a Vancouver Bandits game Indigenous Basketball Collective: A partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council to foster opportunities for Indigenous players and coaches The Bandits Community Foundation invites individuals and businesses to join its mission, amplifying its impact through donations and partnerships. Every contribution helps provide vital tools, experiences, and support for youth to thrive. For more information about the Bandits Community Foundation, its programs, or ways to get involved, visit www.banditsfoundation.ca . Follow the Foundation’s journey on social media: Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter @BanditsFoundation.
November 21, 2024
The Canadian Elite Basketball League mourns the loss of one of our most beloved players, Chad Posthumus. Chad was a founding player in our league, helping lead Saskatchewan to the inaugural CEBL championship in 2019. He was a fan favourite in ensuing years playing with Ottawa and Winnipeg and representing Edmonton and Brampton in international tournaments. Chad had a love for people and for the game of basketball that lit up even the largest arenas. His spirit and passion touched the hearts of fans and inspired teammates and all of us blessed to have shared Chad’s all-too-brief life with him. Chad represented the best in aspiring Canadian basketball players during his professional career in Japan, Argentina, and here at home. Off the court he was an Academic All-American in college and was a dedicated advocate for those living with Diabetes. The impact Chad made on our world is as undeniable as the force that he was on the court. Our deepest sympathies go out to Chad’s family, his legion of friends, fans, and teammates, and to the Winnipeg Sea Bears organization. - CEBL -
By Josh Kozelj November 18, 2024
How Jon Giesbrecht brought mindfulness to Vancouver — paving the way for the best season in franchise history
November 14, 2024
Award-winning Canadian entrepreneur becomes co-owner of the league, with the goal of growing the business of basketball in Canada
November 14, 2024
L’entrepreneur canadien primé devient copropriétaire de la ligue, avec pour objectif de développer la commercialisation du basketball au Canada
By Myles Dichter November 14, 2024
Drew Green’s basketball roots run deep. Green, the CEO of Indochino, played high-school hoops against the likes of Rowan Barrett, starred on the York University squad and went on to ply his trade professionally in Australia and Singapore. Now, his two sons are forging their own careers in the sport — and Green is right there with them. On Thursday, the CEBL announced that the accomplished executive was coming aboard as its first-ever Chair of the Board of Governors and co-owner. “We are a basketball family, right? We've been in the gym, my sons and I, thousands and thousands of hours. We have an NBA half court literally in our front yard that we built during COVID. And so this is going to be a lot of fun,” he said. It’s a partnership that fits as snugly as a well-tailored suit. The Scarborough, Ont., native said that watching his sons find their love for basketball in recent years reignited his own affinity for the sport. “The two areas of passion in my life are basketball and business. And they interplay really well with this role,” Green said. Throughout the many business ventures, Green said his first job was as a father to Liam and Aidan and as a husband to his wife, Andrea Dayco. While his sons are triple-citizens of Canada, the U.S. and the Philippines, Green has made it a point to raise them with Canadian values — and to push them toward the national basketball culture. “I've seen the evolution of basketball in this country firsthand. When I played in high school, I think we had one, maybe two people that ever played in the NBA. The ability to play in the U.S. and go to and play (NCAA) Division One basketball didn't really exist. “Rowan was one of that first cohorts that played, and that was amazing, but it was so rare.” Now, there are nearly 200 Canadians playing in college basketball’s top division. Among those players is Liam, who recently accepted a five-year scholarship at Florida Atlantic University. Aidan plays for the renowned prep school Montverde Academy, which produced the likes of current Raptors RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. Liam heads to FAU with some CEBL background, having practised with Vancouver Bandits head coach Kyle Julius. Green said the CEBL has quickly become a foundational piece of the Canadian basketball landscape through its partnership with U Sports, its reach to all corners of the country and its affordability. “I think there's just an amazing group of people involved in the league that are really passionate about growing the sport, growing the business (and) providing a really, really incredible experience to customers. “You've got some of the best athletes in Canada and the world playing in the games. … The product continues to get better and better every year,” he said. Besides his impressive basketball resumé, Green has enjoyed a long, successful career in business. He took over as CEO of Indochino, the men’s formal-wear company, 10 years ago and proceeded to launch its retail business, raise over $100 million in strategic capital commitments and guide the brand through the pandemic. Prior to Indochino, Green founded Canada’s first multi-merchant marketplace (now owned by Emerge Commerce) and was an executive at DoubleClick (acquired by Google) and Shop.com. At the CEBL, Green will help introduce the league to potential partners and investors while assisting the league and team owners on business matters. CEBL commissioner Mike Morreale called the partnership with Green “an incredible win.” “Drew’s business success speaks for itself and his passion for the game mimics all involved in making the CEBL a homegrown and global success. His personal financial investment into the league demonstrates his strong belief of our bright future and recognizes the foundation that has been built during our formative years,” Morreale said. “Personally, I look forward to getting right to work with Drew on the next stage of the CEBL and the growth of our game.” Green said the CEBL is on a “great trajectory,” but projected plenty of growth potential too. “Whether that's sponsors or investors or other types of strategic partners that really align with growing the game of basketball and growing the business of basketball in Canada, I think there's lots and lots of opportunities,” he said. “When you try to do something on your own in life, it often takes you a lot longer than it should at the core of it. And so that's why partnerships have always been a core ethos of mine to build businesses.” Green also remained connected to sports through business as Indochino established partnerships throughout the four major North American sports leagues. There was one NBA draft, Green said, in which half of the first round wore Indochino — though the company cannot take credit for Gradey Dick’s infamously bedazzled red suit. “We had a deal to provide him with suits and actually suited him up,” Green recalled, “and then I saw the suit and I was like, what the, how did that happen? That was not an Indochino. So he went off the reservation and did his own thing, but good on him. It got a lot of hits.” Like Dick, CEBL players have quickly become known for their personal branding and tunnel fits. Now, with a former hooper in Green on board, the CEBL brand itself is ready to truly take off. “I just think the CEBL will play a really critical, critical role in the evolution of the game over these next couple decades,” Green said, “and inspire a whole new generation of young athletes to go after their dreams.”
November 5, 2024
Twenty-four players with CEBL experience currently attending G League training camps
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