Blog Layout

Alliance visit Bandits in Season’s First Cross-Conference Clash

Zulfi Sheikh • May 23, 2024

Cross-conference bragging rights will be on the line Thursday night when the Montréal Alliance take on the Vancouver Bandits in the first East vs. West showdown of the CEBL season.


Action tips off from Langley Events Centre at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. local with live coverage available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+ and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. It will also be televised nationally on Game+ outside North America and available on NLSE in the United States. 


As teams in opposite conferences and opposite ends of Canada, there’s little history between the two franchises. They’ve matched up just three times prior to Thursday, and it was the Alliance that came out victorious in their lone contest last season, winning by a narrow five-point margin. That one game may not hold much stock however as both teams enter 2024 with revamped rosters and a lot to prove. 


Montréal, for instance, is this season’s host city for Championship Weekend and although that means an automatic spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, it also brings a weight of expectations. Entering the postseason one game shy of a title shot is an exciting prospect for the Alliance considering they’ve never even qualified for a postseason berth before this season. Yet opponents out East may not mind Montréal standing in their way if the team can’t improve from their league-worst 7-13 record from a season ago.


Last year the Alliance were rolling out a bottom-two offence (82 points per game) and bottom-three defence (87.6 points against) on a nightly basis. So, if they don’t want to be viewed as easy pickings by the rest of the East, they’ll have to show they’ve gotten better. And to their credit, Montréal has made moves in the offseason to try and do just that.


Starting by adding a pair of import forwards, Jordan Bowen and Chris Smith, to inject some scoring. Bowen was a standout at Tennessee scoring over 1,300 points for the Volunteers throughout his collegiate career and brings four years of NBA G League experience. Meanwhile, Smith brings three years of his own G League experience after a successful NCAA career with UCLA that likely would’ve gotten him drafted into the NBA had his final season not been cut short by injury.


Both Americans will likely slot into the starting lineup and take some of the scoring load off Ahmed Hill, the team’s leading scorer in 2023 (20.4 points per game). The All-CEBL second team member carried most of the offensive burden on his shoulders for the Alliance, and that made things much easier for opponents to scout and defend. Although Hill was third in the league for scoring last season, he’ll surely sacrifice some of his points this year if it means the team can threaten defences with a more balanced attack. 


Returning to the backcourt with Hill will likely be Alain Louis. The 2022 second overall pick in the CEBL U SPORTS draft filled in admirably as a starter the 11 times his number was called upon last season. Louis averaged 9.3 points and averaged 5.5 assists, fourth most in the CEBL in 2023.


That final starting spot is where intrigue lies for Montréal as there are a few options to consider. They could stick with hometown product Elijah Ifejeh who’s returning for a third season with the Alliance and can add size with his 6-foot-8 frame. Montréal was second last in rebounding last year (36.2 per game) so Ifejeh alongside 6-foot-9 Smith could be a way of improving their fortunes on the glass. 


Or they could slot in skilled 3-and-D specialist Maxime Boursiquot. Also a Montréal native entering his third year in the CEBL, Boursiquot was vital for the Ottawa BlackJacks’ last season. His 5.8 points per game and 3.8 rebounds may not stand out but they don’t paint a full picture. Boursiquot shot over 53 per cent from the field, 47 per cent from three and played in all 20 of Ottawa’s regular season games. His hyper-efficiency on offence was often matched by the fact he would typically guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player. If the Alliance want to prioritize fixing their defence, having a two-way achor like Boursiquot is a good place to start.


Another intriguing player to keep an eye on is Jahenns Manigat. The Montréal native is returning home after spending his first two CEBL seasons with game one opponent, Vancouver. Manigat made 23 appearances for the Bandits over that span, 15 of which came last year. It’ll be interesting to see how much the Alliance rely upon the 32-year-old as they matchup against his former squad. 


On the other side, the Bandits didn’t fare much better in 2023. If there’s a team that understands Montréal’s excitement as hosts and the challenges that title presents, it’s Vancouver. As last year’s host city, the Bandits entered the postseason with an 8-12 record following a regular season marred by complacency. 


The team was definitely talented -- as evidenced by the two-game win streak Vancouver took into the playoffs and then nearly upsetting the Surge in the Conference Finals -- but couldn’t get away from their bad habits. Vancouver led the league in turnovers last season, the only team to give the ball away over 16 times a game on average. All those freebies also meant they gave up plenty of easy points, hence why they were the second weakest defence (89 points against per game). 


Fans watching the Bandits this year ought to hope that without the pressures of being host city, the team can bounce back, work their way to the postseason and avoid missing the playoffs for just the second time since in franchise history.


And to their credit, Vancouver had put in the work to improve their roster heading into 2024. Starting with the addition of Koby McEwen, a former Brampton Honey Badger, who’ll bring that surehandedness the Bandits lacked all of last season. The 2022 champion was a workhorse for the Honey Badgers last year averaging 13.7 points (second on Brampton), 5.4 assists (fifth in CEBL) while leading the league in free throw percentage (82 per cent). Adding a guard with that kind of pedigree and CEBL experience of McEwen immediately upgrades the Bandits’ backcourt from where it was a season ago.


What also makes adding the former Sixth Man of the Year so enticing for Vancouver is the pairing it creates with Nick Ward. The 2021 All-CEBL first team member played his first season with the Bandits last year and once again asserted himself as one of the league’s top big men. Ward averaged 18.7 points per game (seventh in the CEBL), 7.8 rebounds (eighth) and led the league with 62.2 per cent shooting from the field through 19 appearances in 2023.


The Bandits’ team MVP was instrumental in the little success they had last year as Ward spearheaded the league’s second-best rebounding team (42.1 rebounds per game). He’ll surely be leaned on once again to dominate the glass for Vancouver but at least Ward will have the luxury of a dynamic pick-and-roll partner in McEwen to work with to create more scoring.


Speaking of offence, the Bandits made sure to add plenty of it throughout the offseason. Beginning with a duo of American guards Zach Copeland and Tazé Moore. Copeland is coming off a stellar season with Bamberg Baskets of the German Basketball Bundesliga where he averaged 17.7 points on 37.8 per cent three-point shooting. His prolific outside shooting is sure to help a Vancouver squad that ranked third-worst from beyond the arc in 2023 (31.6 per cent). Meanwhile, Moore brings NBA and NBA G League experience in his first CEBL season. In 22 games with the Rip City Remix (Portland’s G League affiliate), the import averaged 15.6 points, 7.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds.


It won’t just be new additions fans should be excited to see come Thursday night, there will also be a long-anticipated reunion. James Karnik returns to the lineup after a stellar debut CEBL season in 2022 and then missing all of 2023 due to injury. The B.C. product was second on the Bandits for scoring and rebounding in his lone season in the league averaging 15.9 points and 7.9 rebounds. 


“Making my professional debut with my hometown team in front of family and friends was pretty special in 2022,” said Karnik in anticipation of his return this year. “Now, as I make my comeback from an injury that negated my 2023 season, I can’t wait to show off the work that I put in the offseason to come back better and stronger, as well as reaching my high expectations for the team and my personal goals.”


“I know it will be an electric atmosphere at (Langley Events Centre) and I am excited to play in front of the amazing fans.”



– 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 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. 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 with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

HONEY BADGERS GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN COLLABORATION WITH REGENERATION OUTREACH COMMUNITY

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 .

LA PLUS LONGUE SAISON DE L'HISTOIRE DE LA LECB DÉBUTERA LE 11 MAI À EDMONTON

December 4, 2024
Chaque équipe visitera chaque ville en 2025 alors que la ligue dévoile le calendrier de sa septième saison

LONGEST SEASON IN CEBL HISTORY SET TO TIP OFF MAY 11 IN EDMONTON

December 4, 2024
Every team visits every city in 2025 as league unveils CEBL 2025 schedule for seventh season

VANCOUVER BANDITS LAUNCH THE BANDITS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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.

CEBL STATEMENT REGARDING PASSING OF CHAD POSTHUMUS

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 -

The Mindfulness of a Bandit

By Josh Kozelj • November 18, 2024
How Jon Giesbrecht brought mindfulness to Vancouver — paving the way for the best season in franchise history

INDOCHINO CEO Drew Green Named Chair of the CEBL Board of Governors

November 14, 2024
Award-winning Canadian entrepreneur becomes co-owner of the league, with the goal of growing the business of basketball in Canada

Drew Green, chef de la direction d’INDOCHINO nommé président du conseil d’administration de la LECB

November 14, 2024
L’entrepreneur canadien primé devient copropriétaire de la ligue, avec pour objectif de développer la commercialisation du basketball au Canada

Indochino CEO Drew Green’s new role with CEBL promises to provide a snug fit

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.”

NBA G League Features CEBL Talent Once Again in 2024

November 5, 2024
Twenty-four players with CEBL experience currently attending G League training camps
More Posts
Share by: