The Ottawa BlackJacks have not enjoyed the start that fans expected they would. An opening game loss to Guelph and a follow-up loss to Edmonton have left head coach Osvaldo Jeanty’s team searching for answers. Thomas Scrubb has played as advertised – leading the team with 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. However, Ottawa will need its supporting cast to step up and support their leading scorer if they hope to turn their season around with only 4 games remaining in the CEBL Summer Series. 

Thursday’s game is available to watch live on https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/cebl , on the CBC Gem App and Twitch (CEBLeague). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).

Can Cameron Forte Stay Hot?

Forte’s arrival on the CEBL stage has been felt around the league. The talented big man has shown an adept ability to finish around the rim, which is exactly where he has scored the majority of his points. Forte currently leads the CEBL in scoring with 29 points per game on 65 per cent shooting from the field. Forte sits second in rebounds with 10 per game and has shown a knack for getting out on the run in the open floor, which has fit nicely into Bandits head coach Kyle Julius’ offence. 

The secret is out on Forte talents around the basket and he has already begun to draw a slew of double teams from opposing defenders. How Forte can adjust to the added defensive pressure will likely dictate the Bandits’ success. 

What to Expect from Olivier Hanlan?

Touted as one of the top signings ahead of the CEBL Summer Series, Hanlan has struggled to find his rhythm. The Boston College grad is averaging just 10.5 points per game on 35 per cent shooting from the field. Hanlan has starred in some of the top leagues around the league, including the Euroleague and also the NBA G League with the Austin Spurs, but has yet to find his stroke in the CEBL.

If Hanlan brings his A-game, the Bandits could be in tough against one of the league’s most talented guards.

The Carleton Connection

Yasiin Joseph, Munis Tutu and TJ Lall each enjoyed immensely successful U SPORTS careers while at Carleton, winning several national championships and earning numerous OUA all-star nods along the way. 

The adjustment to the pro ranks can be difficult, however, and the learning curve has been visible through the BlackJacks’ first two contests of the CEBL Summer Series. Joseph, Tutu and Lall have combined for just 10 points over those two games. Despite the low production, U SPORTS and CEBL fans alike know what the talented trio is capable of. It is only a matter of time until Joseph, Tutu and Lall’s scoring catches up.

Next Up

Following Thursday’s game, Fraser Valley takes on Hamilton (1-2) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT). Ottawa’s next game is Sunday against the Hamilton Honey Badgers at 1:30 p.m. ET.