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2024 CEBL Draft Class Announced

April 11, 2024

Thirty Canadian student-athletes from U SPORTS, CCAA selected over three rounds

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the results of the 2024 CEBL Draft Thursday that saw 30 Canadian student-athletes selected over three rounds from 20 Canadian post-secondary institutions.

In March, the CEBL announced a
newly rebranded and expanded draft format beginning in 2024 that includes all eligible Canadian U SPORTS and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) student-athletes. The CEBL Draft presents a coveted opportunity for top players in U SPORTS and the CCAA to get a chance to experience professional basketball by practicing and playing alongside veteran pros from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international leagues.

Each CEBL club made three selections total (one in each round) in 2024 of either returning or graduating Canadian post-secondary players. The priority of selection in round one was the reverse order of how each team finished the 2023 regular season, and the following rounds reverted to a ‘snake format’ in reverse order of the previous round.

Some highlights from the 2024 CEBL Draft include the following:

  • The Montréal Alliance drafted three local players including Ismaël Diouf (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu) with the first overall pick, Bahaïde Haïdara (Montréal) and Renoldo Robinson (Montréal). Diouf led Laval University to the 2024 U SPORTS Men’s Basketball National Championship and was named MVP of the tournament. Haïdara was named a 2024 RSEQ First Team All-Star at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

  • The Brampton Honey Badgers selected three returning CEBL development players, including Callum Baker, Cole Syllas and David Walker. Baker was the 2024 OUA MVP and a First Team All Canadian at the University of Toronto. Walker was a finalist for the CEBL’s 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year Award last season with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

  • Elias Ralph, a 2024 Canada West Second Team All-Star and three-time Canada West Champion (2022, 2023, 2024) was selected by the Saskatchewan Rattlers with the third overall pick. The Rattlers used their next two picks on returning local players Alexander Dewar (Saskatoon) and Isaac Simon (Regina).

  • The Vancouver Bandits selected three local players, including Adam Olsen (Surrey), Jerric Palma (Richmond) and Connor Platz (Langley).

  • The Ottawa BlackJacks selected two players from the University of Ottawa, including Dragan Stajic and Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré.

  • Malcolm Christie, the 2024 AUS MVP and a First Team All-Canadian at Dalhousie University, and Koat Thomas, the 2024 AUS Rookie of the Year and U SPORTS All-Rookie Team member from St. Francis Xavier University, were selected by Scarborough with the sixth overall and 15th overall picks, respectively.

  • Taye Donald, a 2024 Second Team All Canadian and First Team OUA All-Star at Wilfrid Laurier University, and Nate Petrone, a 2024 First Team All-Canadian and Canada West First Team All-Star from the University of Calgary, were selected by the Edmonton Stingers with the 16th and 25th overall picks, respectively.

  • The Winnipeg Sea Bears brought back 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Player of the Year and back-to-back (2023, 2024) Canada West First Team All-Star Simon Hildebrandt from the University of Manitoba with the eighth overall pick.

  • The Calgary Surge selected Dondre Reddick out of St. Francis Xavier University with the ninth overall pick. Reddick was a 2024 Second Team All-Canadian and First Team AUS All-Star.

  • The Niagara River Lions drafted 2024 U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All Canadian Luka Syllas from Queen’s University with the 11th overall pick. The team also made CEBL history by drafting Jerry Jr. Mercury out of Mohawk College with the 30th overall selection, making him the league’s first-ever CCAA draft pick.

The full 2024 CEBL Draft results are as follows:

ROUND 1

PCK OVR TEAM PLAYER SCHOOL
1 1 Montréal Alliance Ismaël Diouf Laval University (U SPORTS)
2 2 Brampton Honey Badgers Callum Baker University of Toronto (U SPORTS)
3 3 Saskatchewan Rattlers Elias Ralph University of Victoria (U SPORTS)
4 4 Vancouver Bandits Adam Olsen University of British Columbia (U SPORTS)
5 5 Edmonton Stingers Aaron Rhooms Toronto Metropolitan University (U SPORTS)
6 6 Scarborough Shooting Stars Malcolm Christie Dalhousie University (U SPORTS)
7 7 Ottawa BlackJacks Dragan Stajic University of Ottawa (U SPORTS)
8 8 Winnipeg Sea Bears Simon Hildebrandt University of Manitoba (U SPORTS)
9 9 Calgary Surge Dondre Reddick St. Francis Xavier University (U SPORTS)
10 10 Niagara River Lions Jordan Tchuente Brock University (U SPORTS)

ROUND 2

PCK OVR TEAM PLAYER SCHOOL
1 11 Niagara River Lions Luka Syllas Queen’s University (U SPORTS)
2 12 Calgary Surge Mike Demagus McMaster University (U SPORTS)
3 13 Winnipeg Sea Bears Tyler Sagl Lakehead University (U SPORTS)
4 14 Ottawa BlackJacks Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré University of Ottawa (U SPORTS)
5 15 Scarborough Shooting Stars Koat Thomas St. Francis Xavier University (U SPORTS)
6 16 Edmonton Stingers Taye Donald Wilfrid Laurier University (U SPORTS)
7 17 Vancouver Bandits Jerric Palma Western University (U SPORTS)
8 18 Saskatchewan Rattlers Alexander Dewar University of Saskatchewan (U SPORTS)
9 19 Brampton Honey Badgers Cole Syllas Queen’s University (U SPORTS)
10 20 Montréal Alliance Bahaïde Haïdara Université du Québec à Montréal (U SPORTS)

ROUND 3

PCK OVR TEAM PLAYER SCHOOL
1 21 Montréal Alliance Renoldo Robinson University of Victoria (U SPORTS)
2 22 Brampton Honey Badgers David Walker Toronto Metropolitan University (U SPORTS)
3 23 Saskatchewan Rattlers Isaac Simon University of Alberta (U SPORTS)
4 24 Vancouver Bandits Connor Platz Trinity Western University (U SPORTS)
5 25 Edmonton Stingers Nate Petrone University of Calgary (U SPORTS)
6 26 Scarborough Shooting Stars Davanté Hackett Brock University (U SPORTS)
7 27 Ottawa BlackJacks Michael Kelvin II Queen’s University (U SPORTS)
8 28 Winnipeg Sea Bears Shawn Maranan University of Winnipeg (U SPORTS)
9 29 Calgary Surge Noah Wharton University of Calgary (U SPORTS)
10 30 Niagara River Lions Jerry Jr. Mercury Mohawk College (CCAA)



For more information on each player selected in the 2024 CEBL Draft, please visit cebl.ca/cebl-draft-2024-results.


The 2024 CEBL season tips off Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. local / 9 p.m. ET when the Calgary Surge host provincial rival the Edmonton Stingers in a nationally televised (TSN) game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Season tickets and flex packs are now available league wide with priority seating access and preferred pricing. Ticket information for all CEBL games can be found by visiting
cebl.ca/tickets.


- 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 InstagramTwitterTikTokLinkedInFacebook & YouTube.


About U SPORTS

U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives.


U SPORTS works in collaboration with 57 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.


About Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is the national governing body for organized sports at the collegiate level in Canada. The CCAA enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport. CCAA student-athletes compete in seven sports at 10 CCAA national championships, each hosted by one of the 98 CCAA member institutions (colleges, universities, technical institutes and cégeps) located in nine provinces. In addition to governing the national championships, the CCAA also provides national awards and recognition to CCAA student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors and member institutions. For more information, please visit ccaa.ca.

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 .
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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.
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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 -
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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. 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