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CEBL Names Honey Badgers Coaching Staff for Basketball Champions League Americas

October 18, 2022

2022 CEBL Champion represents Canada in international champions’ event 

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the coaching and management staff of the 2022 CEBL Champion Honey Badgers that will represent Canada in the upcoming FIBA Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA). The BCLA brings together 12 teams representing seven countries from South and Central America along with Canada’s national champion, competing over the course of four months to win a berth in the 2023 FIBA International Cup, one of professional basketball’s most prestigious international competitions. The BCLA begins pool play in December. FIBA will announce scheduling details shortly.

With Honey Badgers Head Coach Ryan Schmidt unavailable due to his coaching obligations with the London Lions of the British Basketball League this winter, Sheldon Cassimy, who served as his lead assistant during the 2022 championship run, will serve as head coach alongside Associate Head Coach Mike Taylor, who brings extensive international head coaching experience to the staff. They will be joined by assistant coaches Mike Fraser and Mike De Giorgio. Jermaine Anderson will continue to serve as the team’s General Manager.

The CEBL also announced the team’s management staff for the competition. Joe Raso, senior director of basketball operations for the CEBL, will serve in that capacity for the BCLA for a second year in a row along with Antwi Atuahene, formerly of the CEBL’s Niagara River Lions, who becomes assistant general manager.

Honey Badgers coaching staff members Will Rooney, Christian Bentley and Will Gatchalian along with Marlo Davis, assistant coach with the River Lions this past season, make up the Training Camp Support Staff for the competition.

Cassimy has been an instrumental member of the Honey Badgers coaching staff for the past three CEBL seasons under Schmidt, who was named 2022 CEBL Coach of the Year. He is currently also the lead assistant for the McMaster Marauders men’s team. He began his coaching career with the University of Toronto as an assistant coach before going on to be an assistant coach for the Ryerson Rams where he helped win a provincial title under head coach Patrick Tatham. Cassimy has also worked closely with Canada Basketball in the capacity a head skill development coach for the senior, junior and cadet men’s teams.

Taylor was the head coach of the Fraser Valley Bandits this past CEBL season leading them to fourth in the regular season standings. As part of his extensive coaching resume, he led the Polish National Team to a top eight finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China and three Eurobasket competition qualifications (2015, 2017, 2022) while further improving their FIBA World Ranking from 42nd in 2014 to 13th in 2021. He has also served as head coach for three German professional teams; including Niners Chemnitz (formerly known as BV Chemnitz) in 2001-02, Ratiopharm Ulm from 2003-2011 and the Hamburg Towers from 2018-2020. Ratiopharm Ulm and Hamburg Teams were promoted from the second division league to division 1 Bundesliga (BBL) under his leadership. Taylor also coached the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League in 2012-13 leading them to their first-ever playoff appearance that season. He also coached the G League All-Star game in Houston, Texas that season.


As general manager, Anderson helped guide the Honey Badgers to the playoffs in three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022), including the semifinals twice, culminating with their first CEBL championship this past August. He represented the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team as a player in over 80 games internationally and has more than 10 years of professional playing experience in 10 countries. After his playing career
, Anderson transitioned into several player development roles with Canada Basketball, Raptors 905 of the NBA G League, and with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association.


Fraser was the Player Development lead for the Honey Badgers in 2022. He had over a decade long international playing career that included being a member of the 2019 inaugural Honey Badgers team that lost in the CEBL Championship game.


De Giorgio helped guide the Scarborough Shooting Stars to their first CEBL championship game in their inaugural season of 2022. He also served as an assistant coach with the Honey Badgers during the 2021 season.


FIBA will announce scheduling details for the BCLA’s soon, but the group stages will be held in December, January, and February. The top two teams from the Honey Badgers Group A assignment, that also includes Real Estelí from Nicaragua and Libertadores de Queretaro from Mexico, will advance to the BCLA quarterfinals in March 2023. The remaining nine clubs - CR Flamengo, Minas, and Franca from Brazil, Instituto, Obras Basket, and A.A. Quimsa from Argentina, Club Biguá and Club Penarol from Uruguay, and Basket UdeC from Chile - were drawn into Groups B, C, and D by an official draw that took place October 14 in Miami, Fla.


The CEBL opens its fifth season in May 2023. A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.


The Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) is the best continental league in the Americas. It’s created through an innovative partnership between FIBA, federations and leagues with 12 teams competing from the continent.


Quotes:

“Playing internationally is a tremendous opportunity for the Honey Badgers and the CEBL to compete in intense high-level competition and showcase our style of basketball across the Americas. This year’s staff has a great blend of youth, experience, and championship success that will translate very well on and off the court. I look forward to watching the Honey Badgers make a statement as they represent the CEBL and Canada in the coming months.” - Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-founder, CEBL.

“It’s an honour to serve as General Manager of the Honey Badgers, and I’m excited that as a result of winning the 2022 CEBL Championship we will be representing Canada on the international stage in the FIBA Basketball Champions League Americas. While our head coach Ryan Schmidt is unavailable this winter due to his coaching commitments in Europe, I have full confidence that Sheldon Cassimy will step into that role to lead our team. He will be surrounded by an experienced staff that is familiar with our approach and the expectations we have of our players and everyone in our organization. This is an exciting opportunity for basketball fans across Canada to enjoy international competition, and we can’t wait to get started.” – Jermaine Anderson, General Managers, Honey Badgers


"I am grateful to CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale and Honey Badgers General Manager Jermaine Anderson for entrusting me with leading our Basketball Champions League Americas team against other top teams from Central and South America. It is a tremendous honour to represent Canada on the international stage. I'm eager to begin preparing to take on Real Esteli of Nicaragua and Libertadores de Queretaro from Mexico starting in December."
– Sheldon Cassimy, Head Coach, Honey Badgers


"I am very excited about the upcoming BCLA windows and am thankful to be a part of the Honey Badgers staff. I appreciate Sheldon Cassimy, Jermaine Anderson and everyone who helped get me involved. I am keen to support the players and staff with positive energy. During my time in Poland, we were strong throughout FIBA's in-season windows and I hope to share my knowledge with our staff and team. The CEBL is a great league and I am thrilled to be part of the fold after a great summer with the Bandits. I am looking forward to these new experiences and helping the Honey Badgers and CEBL with the challenges, matchups and opportunities posed by the BCLA."
- Mike Taylor, Associate Head Coach, Honey Badgers

January 22, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that Barry Rawlyk will return as General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations for his seventh season with the team. The Rattlers are working on assembling their roster ahead of 2025 CEBL Free Agency under Rawlyk’s leadership while utilizing his connections in the basketball world. “We are excited to extend Barry Rawlyk’s contract. He has an unbelievable knack for finding amazing talent both on the Canadian front and on the intricate import player side,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier. “He plays an integral role in the management and success of the team as we continue to grow. We saw incredible talent come through the Rattlers organization in 2024 with record setting results, and we look forward to taking the next step in 2025.” Rawlyk celebrates his sixth year as General Manager, and seventh with the team after serving as the lead assistant coach and recruitment of the roster during the 2019 Championship season. Over the last three seasons, Rawlyk was instrumental in securing some of the best talent in the league with Tony Carr, Justin Wright-Foreman, and Jalen Harris. Rawlyk served as the eighth head coach in University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball history, holding multiple program records. He took the helm in an interim position in the 2010-11 season. In May 2012, he was officially named head coach of the men’s basketball program. During the 2010-11 season, Rawlyk led the Huskies to a fourth-place finish at the CIS (now U SPORTS) Championship and a second-place finish in Canada West. The following season, the team finished in first in their conference and hosted the Canada West Final Four for the first time in the program’s history. Prior to joining the Huskies, Rawlyk spent over two decades coaching with Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon. During his time with the Crusaders, he led them to 11 City Championships as well as three Provincial Championships. “It is a privilege to remain with the Rattlers for 2025. The opportunity to work with Rattlers President Lee Genier and the rest of the staff, as we work to build the Rattlers brand will be both exciting and rewarding,” said Rawlyk. “We have a blueprint in place for building a roster that will compete in a very challenging environment and give our fans a lot to be excited about.” Canadian Elite Basketball League free agency opens February 1, 2025 with player announcements to follow. The full 2025 Rattlers schedule has been released, which features a new 24-game slate. The 2025 CEBL Playoffs are scheduled to begin Thursday, August 14 with the Conference Play-In games, followed by the Conference Semifinals on Saturday, August 16. The winners will advance to CW25 to join the Winnipeg Sea Bears (host team) and the top-ranked team from the Eastern Conference who are automatically seeded into the Conference Finals. The full playoff schedule with tipoff times will be announced at a later date. General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2025 season by using Account Manager . Season tickets starting at $235 in the bronze. All tickets can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website , or via Ticketmaster . The Holiday Pack can be purchased online or at the Rattlers Front Office , which features four-tickets in any section with a bonus gift card. Single game tickets will be available later this spring. For more seating options, suites, and group rates; fans can contact an account executive . About the Saskatchewan Rattlers The Saskatchewan Rattlers are Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, one of the six original teams in the CEBL – the Rattlers won the 2019 inaugural season championship. Playing out of SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – the Rattlers offer an entertainment-focused environment surrounded by some of the world’s top professional athletes. The Rattlers are a community-first organization and take pride in their ability to bring communities together while making sport more accessible to the province. About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (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 12 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. Twenty-two 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 . For more information on the Saskatchewan Rattlers professional basketball team - visit therattlers.ca . 
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January 15, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that Jermaine Anderson will once again lead the club as general manager and vice president of basketball operations, returning for a sixth season with the organization. Since being appointed general manager in December 2019, the Honey Badgers have accumulated a 43-43 (.500) overall record, featuring four consecutive CEBL Playoff appearances (2020-23), two CEBL Championship Weekend appearances (2020, 2022), and a CEBL Championship in 2022. “Despite experiencing some turnover over the past two years, our organization’s core values remain steadfast,” said Anderson. “We take immense pride in delivering a comprehensive and holistic player development experience. We are confident that we are well-positioned to foster a culture that empowers our players to excel both on and off the court.” During Anderson’s tenure, 10 players have elevated their careers to the NBA G League with four players signing contracts with NBA clubs, including Javonte Cooke (Oklahoma City Thunder), Lindell Wigginton (Milwaukee Bucks), Christian Vital (Toronto Raptors), and Nino Johnson (Utah Jazz). Since 2020, 75 of the 96 players who have worn the black and gold pinstripes have played professionally around the world in the fall following the season, excluding six players who returned to their respective university basketball programs. “Jermaine (Anderson) shares our organization's vision of creating a great experience for all our players which allows them to reach their full potential into the next stages of their careers,” said Josie Pingitore, vice president of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “He has built both a competitive and positive culture amongst our players, coaches, and staff, making our organization a desirable one to play for.” After joining the Honey Badgers organization more than five years ago, Anderson spent the CEBL off-season as a player development coach with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association from 2019-22. Before transitioning to a front office role, Anderson had an impressive 14-year playing career (2004-18) that totaled more than 80 international games representing Canada. He also suited up in 294 games for 15 teams in eight different countries across Europe from 2008-17. An Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute graduate, Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing while playing at Fordham University. He averaged 10.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 30.2 minutes in 111 games during a four-year tenure with the Rams. Following his playing career, Anderson became a player development coach for Canada Basketball, handling player relations duties that ensured players had access to training facilities and health care across the country. In 2018, Anderson founded the Fifty For Free Youth Community Initiative, a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto and Halifax focused on building character, cultivating financial literacy, and developing basketball skills with youth from underserved communities. Anderson’s announcement follows the reveal of the Honey Badgers expanded 2025 schedule in December, featuring a slate of 24 games. Brampton’s campaign opens on the road May 18 against the Montreal Alliance, followed by a visit to the nation’s capital May 21 to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks. The Honey Badgers will then return home to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on May 25 in the club’s home opener. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact [email protected] for more information. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (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 12 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. Twenty-two 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 . 
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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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 -
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