CEBL NEWS ARTICLES

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 .

Every team visits every city in 2025 as league unveils CEBL 2025 schedule for seventh season

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.

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 -

How Jon Giesbrecht brought mindfulness to Vancouver — paving the way for the best season in franchise history

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

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.”

Twenty-four players with CEBL experience currently attending G League training camps

Bandits swipe three of four annual league Business Awards

Winnipeg Sea Bears President wins award for second consecutive season

Western Conference club takes home second CEBL Business Award this year

LANGLEY, BC , Oct. 23, 2024 – The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that the club has extended its head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius, through the 2025 and 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) seasons in a year-round capacity. Julius joined the club in 2020 during the Bandits’ second CEBL season and made an immediate impact, helping the team advance to its first-ever CEBL championship in his dual role. Fast forward to 2024 and Julius once again led the Bandits to the CEBL finals this past August, losing by just two points to the Niagara River Lions. A native of Thunder Bay, Ont., Julius’ tenure with the Bandits has fuelled the rise of BC’s pro basketball team to become an annual CEBL contender. Vancouver has advanced to the CEBL postseason in each of his five seasons at the helm and has won various individual and team accolades along the way; including Julius being named Coach of the Year at the league’s annual awards last August in Montréal. “The past five seasons with the Bandits have been an incredibly rewarding experience for my family and I. It has been truly amazing to have the opportunity to live here locally, build relationships in the community and help drive the growth of the Bandits and develop the club into the CEBL’s premier organization,” Julius said. “We have created a winning culture here in BC through tremendous hard work, trials, tribulations and lots of special moments. Our coaching staff has consisted of great people, our players have been outstanding and our front office has contributed on so many different levels.” The Bandits finished the 2024 season with a 14-6 record – the club’s best regular season result in franchise history. At 2024 CEBL Championship Weekend, Julius led the franchise to win its first-ever western conference championship. The CEBL campaign is expanding to a 24-game regular season slate in 2025. With the club’s best-ever finish and numerous individual and team accomplishments to its name over the past five seasons under the direction of Julius, the organization is primed for an even bigger year ahead. “Coach Kyle is an instrumental part of our organization. Over five seasons of Bandits Basketball, he has instilled core values in our roster and front office that continue to resonate and attract talent to our team. His leadership as a community ambassador during the CEBL offseason and a tactician on the court each summer has been inspiring to watch and we will continue to support his vision for winning basketball and community impact over the next two years,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. Organizational and roster development is integral to Julius’ approach to recruiting coaches and players. Since joining Vancouver, Julius has created a nurturing culture where players can learn and grow, often earning CEBL award recognition and receiving overseas and NBA contracts following a summer with the Bandits. Players earning notable distinctions following a season with the Bandits include: 2024 CEBL Most Valuable Player: Tazé Moore 2024 CEBL Canadian Player of the Year: Koby McEwen 2022 CEBL Developmental Player of the Year: Thomas Kennedy 2021 Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Gilbeck “I am very grateful for everyone's hard work, sacrifice and support of our vision to become one of the best sports franchises in all of North America. I am thrilled to build on what we have all worked so hard to create here for the past five summers. We have the best fans in the league and I can't wait to get back out there in front of them again at LEC,” Julius said. “On behalf of the Julius family, I want to genuinely thank our ownership of Kevin Dhaliwal and Bryan Slusarchuk, as well as our team president Dylan Kular for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts in building our vision and culture.” In addition to establishing the Bandits as a perennial contender on the court, Julius has planted far-reaching roots in the province’s basketball community; conducting more than 50 school visits to middle and secondary schools across the Lower Mainland during the 2023-24 CEBL offseason, hosting virtual and in-person Basketball BC and Canada Basketball coaching seminars and leading weekly Train Like A Bandit skill sessions for high school boys and girls athletes this fall at the Bandits’ home venue of Langley Events Centre (LEC). The Bandits’ seventh CEBL season will tip-off in May 2025. A full season schedule is expected to be announced in the coming months. Featuring newly added Courtside Club seating options and a revamped seating bowl configuration, season tickets for the Vancouver Bandits’ 2025 season are on sale now at this link . More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter . Fans interested in learning more are kindly invited to subscribe to Bandits Insider for updates or contact the Bandits at 604-455-8881 or [email protected] . About the Vancouver Bandits The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Langley Events Centre (LEC). More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter . 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 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. Eighteen 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 .

2024 CEBL Business Award winners to be unveiled from October 22-30

Honey Badgers front office staff were out and about in the streets of Brampton on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Small Business Month in collaboration with the Downtown Brampton BIA. The team visited over 50 businesses with gifts of appreciation, ranging from local coffee shops to retail stores and restaurants. Thousands of locally owned small businesses call the city home, including over 300 within the downtown community. “Supporting local businesses is a huge priority for our organization,” said Josie Pingitore, vice president of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “Our organization is committed to continuing our efforts in the community as we look to make strides in utilizing the Honey Badgers as a vehicle for community growth.” The Honey Badgers first stop Wednesday morning was Trish Juice Brampton, a local go-to destination for a refreshing twist on wellness. In their eighth year of business in Brampton’s downtown core, they are most well-known for their vibrant array of fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies and juices. “This city is very close to our heart and we are so happy to be a small business in this amazing community,” said Tammy of Trish Juice Brampton. “The most rewarding part of what we do is seeing the smiles on our customer's faces and knowing that we are serving them healthy and nutritious goods every day.” The team visited Pizzanini for a quick lunch, a family-owned and operated restaurant across from Brampton City Hall that opened in the spring of 2019. Known for their passion, family values, and community involvement, Pizzanini quickly became one of the top-rated pizzerias in the area. “Building meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life across this city is the best part of being a small business,” said Mark Sich, owner of Pizzanini. “The community support we’ve received since the day we opened has been overwhelming. The downtown Brampton community is truly one big family, and it means a lot to us to be a part of it.” Additional businesses that were featured in this initiative include but are not limited to Downtown Brampton Wellness Centre, Indian Curry Express & Bar, Brampton Boxing, La Favorita, and Hopen Doors. Brampton Honey Badgers season tickets are now available in advance of the CEBL's seventh season which tips off in May 2025. 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 one 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.

Moore becomes 18th player to sign NBA deal after CEBL stint

Team also appoints Leo B. Doyle as BlackJacks Community Advisor

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (September 10, 2024) – Canada Basketball, in partnership with the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), announced Tuesday that Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team will host the second window of FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers this November in Saskatoon. Canada will take on the Dominican Republic on Thursday, November 21 (7:10 p.m. CT / 8:10 p.m. ET) before facing Mexico on Sunday, November 24 (2:10 p.m. CT / 3:10 p.m. ET). Both games will take place at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, and fans can catch all the action live on Sportsnet. Single-game tickets and Team Canada 2-Packs are on sale now via Ticketmaster and start at $20 (plus applicable fees). Canada Basketball Insiders and Saskatchewan Rattlers Season Ticket Holders and Insiders have access to select inventory for both games. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the Saskatchewan Rattlers by email at [email protected] , by phone at 306-244-2182, or by visiting their head office at 2-183 2nd Ave South, Saskatoon. Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team opened the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers with a pair of home-and-home victories over Nicaragua in February and currently sit undefeated 2-0 atop Group C. During three windows, in February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025, each team will play each opponent in their group twice under a "home and away" format. The 16 teams in the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers are in four groups of four teams each. The top three teams in each group (12 in total) will qualify for the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025. Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team is coming off a fifth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, its first appearance in the tournament in 24 years. It was the team’s highest finish since fourth place at the 1986 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Over the last several years, Canada Basketball and the CEBL have collaborated to bring more international basketball events to Canada, including several FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers events and the first window of the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers last February. Canada is currently ranked fifth in the latest FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike. The rankings were updated following the Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. QUOTES “We’re excited to bring a pair of FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers games to Saskatoon this fall as our Senior Men’s National Team looks to take another step towards qualification for next summer’s FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025. The Canadian Elite Basketball League, Saskatchewan Rattlers and Basketball Saskatchewan have done a tremendous job growing the game of basketball across the province in recent years, and we’re looking forward to working closely with each organization to deliver a world-class experience for players, teams and fans. - Michael Bartlett, President & CEO, Canada Basketball “Once again, the CEBL is thrilled to partner with Canada Basketball to help host two more world-class FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, this time at the home of our Saskatchewan Rattlers at SaskTel Centre. We can't wait to join basketball fans in Saskatoon and those tuning in across the country in November to cheer on our Senior Men’s National Team looking to build on its 2-0 start.” - Mike Morreale, Commissioner & Co-Founder, Canadian Elite Basketball League "The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to welcome the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers to the city of Saskatoon. Our province has a strong record of hosting both national and international sporting competitions over the past number of years. Events such as these have spurred the record growth we're seeing in our tourism sector while creating economic spin-off benefits for the people of our province.” - Hon. Jeremy Harrison, MLA Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison “Saskatchewan sports fans are going to be in for a real treat. Canada’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team will be fantastic to watch, and SaskTel Centre and its team will be excellent hosts. Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Rattlers for their part in this. This is what Saskatchewan does best. Now let’s fill the place.” - Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, MLA Saskatoon Willowgrove. “We are very excited to partner with Canada Basketball to bring this world-class event to Saskatchewan as we continue to build basketball across the province and provide the fans more basketball at the highest level.” - Lee Genier, President, Saskatchewan Rattlers “Anytime our province gets to showcase the development pathway to our members we consider that a win for the game. It is so important to be able to see yourself reflected on the court in order to dream the big dreams, whether that’s as a player, coach or official and to be able to do that in person is invaluable. A huge thank you to the Rattlers organization and Canada Basketball for believing that Saskatchewan is a great place to host an event of this calibre and we can’t wait to see you in the stands in November.” - Megan Penno, Executive Director, Basketball Saskatchewan

Getting over the hump can be one of the hardest things to do in professional sports. Because it typically means falling short somewhere along the way. And no team in the CEBL knows that feeling quite like the Niagara River Lions. One of the original six franchises and the winningest team (72-38) in league history, the River Lions – up until Sunday’s title-clinching victory over the Vancouver Bandits – had built a reputation of falling short when it mattered most. Niagara had ended three of the CEBL’s six regular seasons with the most wins and never finished lower than second in the standings outside of a COVID-shortened year (2020) yet had one Championship Final appearance (a loss to the Edmonton Stingers in 2021), three Conference Final losses and just four playoff wins to show for it. Needless to say, following a 14-6 campaign in 2024 which was tied for the best record in the league yet again, the biggest question about Niagara was could this squad be different come the playoffs? And on Sunday when the River Lions withstood a Target Score Time comeback from the Bandits (who erased a 10-point deficit) to pick up a 97-95 win and claim their first CEBL title, that question was emphatically answered. It not only crowned Niagara as champions, but it also cemented its place as one of the league’s premier franchises. “This organization has been elite in the CEBL, but we never had the validation of a championship,” head coach of the River Lions Victor Raso said after the victory. “We have the most wins in CEBL history, we have players who want to come back every year … we’re doing things right … we just needed this as an organization.” Arguably no one understood just how much Niagara had craved a title more than Raso, who has been at the helm of the River Lions since the league’s inception back in 2019. There for all of the team’s successes, as the league’s all-time coaching wins leader, and all of its short comings. To the point the former Coach of the Year’s inner circle began referring to him as “August Vic” because of the River Lions early exits come playoff-time. Yet those failures are exactly what Raso and Niagara used to define the run that eventually crowned them champions. “I’ve grown up in the CEBL,” Raso said. “I’ve made my mistakes here and I’ve gone through adversity here. I’ve realized what works, what doesn’t work. “I wasn’t a good enough coach (before) … and I learned through failure. And especially after last year, I was like ‘I’m not losing again because of the ways I’ve lost in the past.’” And what exactly did Raso learn after being bounced by the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Eastern Conference Final in 2023, for a second consecutive season? He needed a squad that was going to be able to overcome adversity. When things got tough – like going through these playoffs without its second-leading scorer and CEBL All-Canadian Jahvon Blair – that the team would have the depth and wherewithal to overcome it. As foundational as Raso’s coach-player pairing with former league MVP Khalil Ahmad was, it was just that…a foundation. The team would need more that a just a strong base come the post-season as to not be over-reliant on its star guard. Which is why Raso and the River Lions re-shaped the roster heading into 2024, notably bringing in immediate contributors Nathan Cayo and Omari Moore. Both of whom stepped up when it mattered most. Cayo, a veteran of the CEBL, joined Niagara after playing for his hometown Montréal Alliance in 2023. Crediting the River Lions as a “great program” with big-time players. Meanwhile, Moore joined Niagara as a CEBL debutant, spending his time prior to the season in the NBA G League with the Raptors 905. The pair were instrumental throughout the year but especially come Sunday when the River Lions were looking to cement their place in CEBL history. Cayo played arguably his best game of the season in front of his hometown crowd at Verdun Auditorium as he finished with a team-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds, four assists and a steal while going shot-for-shot with the Bandits’ Mitch Creek who finished with a game-high 26 points. “Recognition,” Cayo said after the win when asked to describe what a championship meant to him in one word. “It’s rare to play at this level in your hometown and it’s extremely difficult to win. Each year the league gets better … I’m happy we came out with a championship … it’s special.” Moore put 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks, but for the import it was less about his offensive production and more about his impact on the other end. The first-year CEBL guard took on the task of defending league MVP Tazé Moore and limited him to just six points on 2-of-11 shooting. “(Omari) is a very talented basketball player, borderline NBA player,” Raso said on the 23-year-old’s impact this year. “He’s an elite defender, elite competitor, elite thinker ... I hope I get the chance to coach Omari Moore again, but I shouldn’t … he should be an NBA player.” Depth shining through for the River Lions as they clinched a championship was a testament to the learning and growth the team had gone through over the last six years. In Target Score Time, before Ahmad, a two-time Clutch Player of the Year, sealed the deal with a floater that he described as the “biggest bucket of my life”, it was Moore and Cayo scoring baskets. And then the make leading up to Ahmad’s heroics was a putback layup from Sixth Man of the Year Aaryn Rai who finished with 15 points on the night. The squad was set up to succeed based on the sum of its parts, something the River Lions’ bench boss made sure was by design. “It’s us, we’ve been doing it all year long,” Raso said. “We’ve been winning without Khalil having to be the guy all year long … the truth is Kimball McKenzie’s won a game, Nathan Cayo has, Aaryn Rai had won us as many games as Khalil.” When the River Lions hoisted the CEBL trophy as confetti rained down onto the court, they earned the validation they had been after. Using six years of learning as a catalyst. The league’s winningest franchise now solidified in its standing, no longer just a model of consistency but one of championship-calibre. And that’s the beauty of sports. For all the heartbreak and falling short of lofty expectations, history can be re-written within one season and with one victory. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of adversity and it’s just a credit to the team because we did it together.” Ahmad said after winning Final MVP for his 23-point, three-steal performance. “Everyone is a family and that’s what won us the game. We stuck together through adversity and got it done … that was always our end goal, to get a championship.” – 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 .

Champions of the CEBL jungle at long last, the Niagara River Lions should sleep soundly tonight. The River Lions beat the Vancouver Bandits in dramatic fashion, 97-95, to hoist the championship trophy on Sunday at Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium. And yes, the team’s champagne-soaked celebration included a player rendition of The Tokens’ famous song The Lion Sleeps Tonight. “I can’t even put it into words,” said Khalil Ahmad, who scored the CEBL Championship Final-winning basket. “This is my third summer here trying to get a chip and we finally got it done.” But while the game ended with a celebratory howl for Niagara, the Bandits just as nearly stole the victory. Niagara led 87-77 at the start of Target Score Time, but Vancouver slowly chipped away by winning rebound battles and watching a tired River Lions squad consistently settle for three-pointers. Eventually, Niagara’s lead was whittled to two points at 94-92. With the River Lions in possession, Raso put the ball in the hands of two-time Clutch Player of the Year Khalil Ahmad, who drove to the net and got fouled, putting his team two free throws away from glory. Ahmad made the first but missed the second. “I can’t believe he missed the free throw,” head coach Victor Raso said. “I’ve never seen him miss a free throw like that, I don’t think ever. And then he just followed that up the next possession.” In a seeming flash, Vancouver secured the rebound, came back down the court and tied the game at 95 courtesy of a Koby McEwen three-pointer — leaving both teams within a basket of the championship. But that was as close as the Bandits would get. Ahmad won the championship when he beat two defenders down the lane and rattled home a floater. “That’s the biggest bucket of my life for sure. To get a chip like that on the third [season with Niagara], that’s the biggest bucket of my life. I can’t even put it into words,” Ahmad said. Mitch Creek, who led the Bandits with 26 points, said his team put itself behind the eight-ball with a slow third quarter. “When you put yourselves in a position to have to fight back, it’s really hard to repeatedly do that. We almost got lucky twice,” said Creek, whose Bandits survived a roller-coaster semifinal against Calgary. “Some of us might have to go to the casino and roll a few dice tonight and try to win back some of the emotions. Creek said the Vancouver locker room was silent for 10 minutes after the game before head coach Kyle Julius said something he would not share. “We go back to the hotel now and regroup, have a few beers, pat each other on the ass one more time and fly back to Vancouver and everyone goes on their own way,” Creek said. One of the league’s Original Six teams, the River Lions were the model of consistency, making the playoffs in every season. The flip side of that is they soon become known as the team which couldn’t get it done when it counted most. No longer. “This organization has been elite in the CEBL, but we never had the validation of a championship,” head coach Victor Raso said. “We just needed this as an organization.” While Ahmad, who scored 23 points, played hero, the River Lions’ victory was the result of a full team effort. Omari Moore stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Aaryn Rai contributed 15 points and seven rebounds while leading the team with a plus-11 mark. Team captain Kimbal Mackenzie, the emotional leader of the team, added four points to reach 500 for his CEBL career. In the midst of the on-court celebration, Moore almost seemed surprised at his emotions. “It means something,” he bellowed. Rai was sure to locate his parents amid the chaos, giving them each a big hug. But it was perhaps Montreal native Nathan Cayo, playing in front of friends and family, who made the biggest impact, leading the team with 25 points while also adding eight rebounds and four assists. “It feels amazing. To have all my family here is a blessing. I’m just grateful,” Cayo said. For Vancouver, which won the West with a 14-6 record, it was not the end to their season they’d envisioned when arriving in Montreal earlier this week. League MVP Tazé Moore was held to just six points on 2-for-11 shooting. More damningly, the man who led the league with 7.3 assists per game in the regular season was held without a single helper in the one that mattered most. Creek also chipped in 13 rebounds, while McEwen scored 20 points and big man Nick Ward added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Creek said the loss was “sad, hard and tough.” “You do so much and if you don’t feel emotion after a loss in the championship game it means you haven’t really done the work and put in the time and effort,” he said. “You sit with it for a little bit. You sit and watch on court. You watch them cheer and chant and carry on like a pack of idiots just like we would as Bandits. You almost enjoy watching someone else win because you know at some point you’re going to get that opportunity.” An exciting first half saw the teams trade leads throughout. The Bandits built a five-point edge in the first quarter, only for the River Lions to roar back and go up 23-20 when the buzzer sounded on the frame. Niagara kept it rolling early in the second and led by as many as eight, but Vancouver punched back with a 14-2 run. A late Duane Notice three-pointer sent the Bandits into halftime with a 46-44 advantage. Notably, Tazé Moore struggled through the first 20 minutes, managing just two points and taking his frustrations out in an unsportsmanlike foul against Niagara’s Moore. After halftime, the River Lions slowly started to take control. An 11-0 run powered them to what was then a game-high 12-point lead, and the East champions carried a 71-62 advantage into the fourth quarter. Tension built when the clock turned off and the game began featuring plenty of stoppages for timeouts and reviews. For a few moments, it seemed as though the Bandits would pull off the biggest Target Score Time comeback in CEBL playoff history. Instead, the River Lions roared to their long-awaited championship. - 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 .