Chicago Native Chris Smith Joins Alliance for 2024 Season

The Montréal Alliance announce the signing of American player Chris Smith for the 2024 season of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). A six-foot-nine forward, Smith has played the previous three seasons in the NBA G League.

“We are excited to add Chris to our roster for the upcoming season”, said Joel Anthony, General Manager of the Alliance. “His impressive background and experience at the highest levels of basketball speak volumes about his talent and potential. We believe he will make an immediate impact and will flourish in our organization”. 

A native of Chicago, Smith played four collegiate seasons with the UCLA Bruins, averaging 8.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 20.8 minutes per game and leading his team to two March Madness appearances. In his final collegiate season, Smith averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 28.0 minutes per game.

Despite his performances during his senior season at UCLA, Smith suffered a season-ending injury after only eight games, leading him to not being selected in the 2021 NBA Draft. Smith was added to the Detroit Pistons’ 2021 NBA Summer League roster before signing a two-way contract with the NBA organization.

Smith played the 2021-22 NBA G League season with the Piston’s Motor City Cruise affiliate, averaging 8.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 22.5 minutes per game. The American player played the following two seasons in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars (2022-23), the Grand Rapids Gold (2023-24) and the Iowa Wolves (2023-24).

Smith is the ninth player to join the Alliance for the 2024 season. The Montréal Alliance is gearing up for the 2024 season and will host the Edmonton Stingers in their highly anticipated home opener on May 30. Fans can purchase their single game tickets starting at only $20 now by visiting www.alliancemontreal.ca/en-ca/tickets. 


About the Montréal Alliance

The Montréal Alliance, a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), is gearing up for its third season in May 2024. Under the historic leadership of Annie Larouche, the first woman to hold such a position in Montréal’s professional sports, and with the guidance of General Manager Joel Anthony, a two-time NBA champion, the Alliance distinguishes itself through community involvement, a commitment to sporting excellence, and the development of local talent. Over its initial two seasons, the Alliance boasted the highest percentage of Québécois players among Montréal’s professional sports teams. The team plays all its home games at the historic Verdun Auditorium and will host the CEBL Championship Weekend from August 9 to 11, 2024. For more information about the team, visit www.alliancemontreal.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 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.