ABBOTSFORD, B.C., May 12, 2021 – The Fraser Valley Bandits announced Wednesday that the club has signed Gentrey Thomas for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.
A native of East Preston, N.S., Thomas is an athletic guard who has quickly risen the professional basketball ranks after increasing his per game scoring average in each of his first three seasons since turning pro following a strong career at the University of California, Riverside.
Thomas most recently played for the Bristol Flyers in the British Basketball League (BBL) where he was enjoying the best season of his professional career, averaging 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game over 11 regular season games. Prior to his return to Canada following the outbreak of COVID-19, Thomas was leading the Flyers in total points, rebounds, steals and assists per game. Thomas recorded a regular season career high in points and rebounds against the Cheshire Phoenix on Feb. 1, 2020 when he poured in 32 points and collected 16 rebounds.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Bandits this summer. The coaching staff and front office have made it clear that this is family-oriented culture that will outwork the opposition every night. I can’t wait to get started and to represent the Fraser Valley,” Thomas said.
Thomas previously suited up for CEBL action in 2019 when he played seven games for the Saskatchewan Rattlers, averaging 12.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
“We are really excited about Gentrey and what he adds to our team and culture. He is a proven two-way combo guard who has been overlooked like many of our other players. Gentrey is another player who comes in with a chip on his shoulder and will be ready to enhance our battle level,” Bandits general manager Kyle Julius said.
Thomas began his high school career at Auburn Drive High School in Nova Scotia but transferred after Grade 11 to the renowned basketball program at Orangeville Prep and Athlete Institute in Ontario to continue developing his game. Thomas then attended Snow College in Utah where he played two seasons for the Badgers between 2013-15. Thomas consistently ranked among team leaders in various statistical categories and led Snow in defensive rebounds per game during both of his seasons with the Badgers.
A solid stint with the Badgers set the stage for Thomas to earn an offer from UC Riverside in the Big West conference of NCAA Division I. Thomas enjoyed a solid two years with the Highlanders from 2015-17, averaging 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game on 43.2 per cent shooting from field goal range over the course of 55 games played (21 as a starter).
The Bandits open the 2021 season on the road at Edmonton on Thursday, June 24. The Bandits welcome Saskatchewan for Fraser Valley’s home opener on Saturday, June 26. All regular season games will be live streamed on the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca , the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices and on a new OTT streaming platform that the CEBL will unveil this spring.
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 80 percent of its 2020 rosters being Canadians. Players come from the NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian national team program, and top NCAA and U SPORTS programs. More information about the Bandits is available at thebandits.ca .
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Andrew Savory, Director of Operations, (604) 217-6213, [email protected]
About the Fraser Valley Bandits:
The Fraser Valley Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the club is proud to call Abbotsford Centre home. The Bandits offer a riveting 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. PerfectLens , a Vancouver-based contact lens supplier, is the official presenting partner of the Bandits’ 2021 season. Head to thebandits.ca for more information.