Jordan Baker Signed as Stingers Full-Time Head Coach and General Manager
Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 (EDMONTON AB) - The Edmonton Stingers announced Wednesday that Jordan Baker has been signed as full-time Head Coach and General Manager. Baker, who starred for the Stingers for the first four years of the team and was head coach last season, will now hold both roles overseeing basketball operations. Baker starts his new position once his current season as Head Coach at NAIT ends later this winter. Steve Sir, the 2023 General Manager will remain a key part of the organization as Associate General Manager.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Edmonton Stingers as full-time Head Coach and General Manager,” said Baker. “Having been a part of the organization since its inception, I am invested in building a team that represents Edmonton in a positive way both on the floor and in the community. As I transition into this new role with the team, I am thankful to have Steve Sir staying on as Associate General Manager.”
Jordan Baker has been at the apex of basketball in Edmonton since a young age playing for the Harry Ainlay Titans and later the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he remains the all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and steals across 98 games played. He received his Master of Coaching from the U of A, and later spent four years as an assistant coach, accumulating a 78-21 record.
His accolades as a Stingers player include two CEBL Championships and the 2020 CEBL Canadian Player of the Year award.
“My intention is to use the Stingers’ platform to help grow the game of basketball in Edmonton through clinics, camps, and special events on a year-round basis,” said Baker. “The fans in Edmonton are the best in the CEBL and I look forward to engaging with them in meaningful ways throughout the year.”
“Stingers Entertainment Group is very excited by the prospects of having Jordan being able to devote his full time and attention to the Edmonton Stingers,” said Taranvir (Tank) Vander, managing partner of the Edmonton Stingers. “ Jordan’s basketball IQ and coaching abilities are world class and we are confident that he and Steve will build a team that can have the Stingers again challenging for the Championship. And Jordan’s availability to be a presence for basketball in Edmonton and area year-round is exciting for players and fans at all levels of our sport in our community.”
Steve Sir, who was General Manager in 2023 will remain with the organization as Associate General Manager. Another Edmonton native, Sir played five seasons in the NCAA before playing professionally in Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Romania.
Most recently, he has served as coach and director of player development for the Mongolian 3x3 national team while competing as player-coach for the Mongolian based Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy 3x3 team.
“Due to my commitments in 3x3 I am unable to be in Edmonton full time,” said Sir. “However, I am very excited to continue working with the Stingers and am grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working alongside Jordan building a team that our fans and the city of Edmonton can continue to be proud of.”
The Edmonton Stingers take pride that two Edmontonians with world class basketball expertise will be leading the team on and off the court.
With the 2024 season approaching, fans can secure seats to watch Baker, Sir, and the Stingers in action at all 10 home games this summer. Season memberships and flex packs are available online or by contacting [email protected].
About the Edmonton Stingers
The Edmonton Stingers play a 20-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play out of the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.
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.