BlackJacks, Alliance finishing home-and-home series in Ottawa looking to enter Eastern Conference fray

June 11, 2024
Steven Loung

Fresh off their first win of the season in a thriller in Montreal, the Ottawa BlackJacks (1-3) will be looking to finish off this home-and-home series with the Alliance (1-4) with another win as both sides look to get themselves firmly in the hunt in the Eastern Conference.

 

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET from TD Place, with live coverage available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+, RDS.ca, the RDS app, Courtside 1891 (outside of North America) and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The game will also be televised on TSN, RDS and NLSE in the United States.

 

Additionally, the game will feature the first all-female Canadian officiating crew to work a professional men's basketball game as part of the BlackJacks’ Women in Sports night.

 

Ottawa managed to pick up its first win of the season last Wednesday on a wild sequence in Target Score Time that saw Montreal throw the ball away underneath their own basket into the waiting arms of BlackJacks forward Isaih Moore, who was parked right underneath the Montreal hoop and laid the ball in to win it, 87-86.

 

Playing in just his first CEBL season, the 23-year-old Moore has quickly turned into a star for the BlackJacks, leading the team in scoring (21 points per game), rebounding (10 rebounds per game) and field goal percentage (56.8 per cent from the field), while also taking the most shots (14.7 field goal attempts per game) on the team.

 

The 21 points and 10 rebounds per contest Moore is averaging is also good for third-best in the league, each.

 

The 6-foot-10 Moore last played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League after he went undrafted by the NBA coming out of Fresno State.

 

So far, the physicality that’s seen in the CEBL and the fast tempo that Ottawa wants to play at has been a perfect match for the rugged, athletic style of play that Moore has shown over his three-game CEBL career.

 

In last week’s game, the BlackJacks were able to find success in the pick-and-roll, with Moore’s dives to the basket looking virtually unstoppable, particularly when paired up with Ottawa guard Brandon Sampson, who had 21 points last time out, because of the fear of what he can do as both a shooter and a driver attacking the basket.

 

“Brandon’s a good player, so I definitely like running the pick-and-roll with him,” Moore said of his teammate after the win last week.

 

Finding a way to control Moore and Sampson figures to be a major focal point for the Alliance heading into Tuesday’s rematch, but more than anything they’ll need to clean up their turnovers.

 

Montreal was the better team last week but ended up shooting itself in the foot by committing 20 turnovers.

 

Nine of those giveaways, alone, ended up being coughed up by Chris Smith, who has emerged as a star for the Alliance in his debut CEBL season.

 

The 6-foot-9 Smith is averaging 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on 58.5 per cent shooting. His versatile game that allows him to score at all three levels has made him a tough cover for everyone he’s faced over the five games he’s played in the CEBL thus far.

 

As talented as he is, though, turnovers have been a problem for Smith. He’s averaging 4.6 turnovers per game and has had three games already with at least five turnovers.

 

He and his Alliance teammates will need to get that cleaned up. If they do, they’ll have a great chance to come away with a win in Ottawa.

 

A victory Tuesday for either side will give that team two on the season. That doesn’t sound like much, but with the way the Eastern Conference has been going to begin the 2024 campaign, that’s a significant win total to get yourself into the thick of things for better playoff seeding and to potentially win the conference.

 

Every game matters, and it feels like these games are even more important for teams in the East because the opportunity is there for the taking with the top records sitting at only 3-2.

 

Key matchup

The Moore-Smith matchup is an important one, without question, but more intriguing might be the matchup between guards Freddy Ibrahim and Jordan Bowden on Montreal and Ottawa’s Sampson and Lloyd Pandi.

 

Even if the Alliance manages to correct some of the turnover woes they faced last week, there’s no reason to think Tuesday’s affair won’t be another close one, and in tight games it’s normally guards that dictate the flow and outcome.

 

All four of these players made big shots during different parts of the game last week, so we could be in for another showdown again.

 

Milestone watch

●       Montreal’s Guillaume Payen-Boucard, of Montreal, Que., needs 12 points to reach 500 for his career, regular season only.

●       Montreal’s Ahmed Hill needs seven rebounds to reach 250 for his career, regular season and playoffs.

●       Ottawa’s Jermel Kennedy, of Malton, Ont., needs eight rebounds to reach 250 for his career, regular season and playoffs.

●       Montreal’s Guillaume Payen-Boucard, of Montreal, Que., needs two assists to reach 100 for his career, regular season only.

●       Ottawa’s Tyrrel Tate needs seven assists to reach 100 for his career, regular season and playoffs.

●       Ottawa’s Lloyd Pandi, of Ottawa, Ont., needs nine assists to reach 100 for his career, regular season only.

●       Montreal’s Ahmed Hill needs three steals to reach 50 for his career, regular season only.

 

2024 season series

These two teams met just last week with the BlackJacks winning in a thriller during Target Score Time, giving Ottawa its first win of the season.

 

- 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 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.

Christian Rohlehr Revient dans la Capitale.

March 19, 2026
ont annoncé aujourd’hui avoir re-signé l’ailier fort/pivot Christian Rohlehr en vue de la saison 2026. Rohlehr effectue un retour dans la CEBL avec une solide réputation défensive, se classant parmi les meilleurs bloqueurs de tirs de la ligue depuis ses débuts en 2023. Il occupe présentement le 23e rang à égalité dans l’histoire de la CEBL avec une moyenne de 1,3 contre par match, tout en détenant le record de la franchise de l’Alliance de Montréal pour le pourcentage de tirs réussis (.696) parmi les joueurs ayant disputé plus d’un match. Au cours de la saison 2023-2024, Rohlehr a évolué avec Starwings Basket Regio Basel dans la LNA suisse, où il a dominé la ligue avec une moyenne de 2,7 contres par match, tout en ajoutant 8,3 rebonds de moyenne et 11 doubles-doubles en 29 rencontres. Il a également inscrit au moins 10 points dans 21 matchs, démontrant son impact des deux côtés du terrain. Rohlehr est ensuite retourné avec l’Montreal Alliance, où il a affiché des moyennes de 5,4 points et 2,9 rebonds en sept matchs, incluant une performance de 14 points et six rebonds contre Vancouver. Lors de la saison 2024-2025, il a poursuivi sa carrière à l’international avec Golden Eagle YLLI au Kosovo, disputant cinq matchs et maintenant des moyennes de 5,2 points et 4,8 rebonds par rencontre. Originaire de Montréal, au Québec, Rohlehr a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle en 2023 avec l’Alliance, participant à neuf matchs et se classant au sixième rang de la ligue pour les contres par match (1,3). Il a notamment établi des sommets personnels de neuf rebonds et trois contres dans un même match lors de sa saison recrue. Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Rohlehr a évolué au niveau universitaire avec St. Francis Brooklyn, où il figurait parmi les meneurs de son équipe pour les contres. Il s’était auparavant illustré au Jefferson Community College, dominant sa conférence au chapitre des contres pendant deux saisons consécutives et réalisant plusieurs triples-doubles, dont une performance remarquable de 22 points, 13 rebonds et 10 contres lors de la saison 2017-2018. ###

Forward Rohlehr Re-Signs with Ottawa BlackJacks

March 19, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has re-signed forward/centre Christian Rohlehr for the 2026 season. Rohlehr returns to the CEBL with established defensive credentials, ranking among the league’s top shot blockers since entering the league in 2023. He currently sits tied for 23rd in CEBL history with 1.3 blocks per game while also holding the Montreal Alliance franchise record for field goal percentage (.696) among players with multiple appearances. During the 2023–24 professional season, Rohlehr played for Starwings Basket Regio Basel of the Swiss LNA, where he led the league in blocks per game (2.7) while averaging 8.3 rebounds and recording 11 double-doubles across 29 games. He also produced 21 double-digit scoring performances, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor. Rohlehr later returned to the Montreal Alliance, where he averaged 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds across seven contests, including a season-high 14 points and six rebounds in a win over Vancouver. During the 2024–25 campaign, Rohlehr competed internationally with Golden Eagle YLLI in Kosovo, appearing in five games and averaging 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while continuing to develop his interior presence. A native of Montreal, Quebec, Rohlehr began his professional career in 2023 with the Alliance, appearing in nine games and ranking sixth in the league in blocks per game (1.3). He recorded a CEBL career-high nine rebounds and three blocks in a single contest during his rookie campaign. Prior to turning professional, Rohlehr played collegiately at St. Francis Brooklyn, where he ranked among the team leaders in blocks during both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Before transferring to St. Francis, Rohlehr starred at Jefferson Community College, where he led his conference in blocks in consecutive seasons and recorded multiple triple-doubles, including a standout 22-point, 13-rebound, 10-block performance during the 2017–18 campaign. ###

Yerba Madre Revealed as Official Yerba Mate Drink of the Canadian Elite Basketball League Through 2028

March 19, 2026
Three-year partnership connects a purpose-driven brand with Canada’s fastest-growing professional basketball league

Yerba Madre Nommée Boisson Officiel de Yerba Maté de la Ligue Élite Canadienne de Basketball Jusqu’en 2028

March 19, 2026
Un partenariat de trois ans unit une marque engagée à la ligue professionnelle de basketball connaissant la plus forte croissance au Canada

River Lions Add Lall for Third Season with Club

March 19, 2026
The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 Canadian forward T.J. Lall. The Cambridge, Ontario native returns to Niagara for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season after a one-year hiatus. The upcoming season will mark his third with the organization after helping the River Lions capture the 2024 championship. After his time with the River Lions, Lall spent the 2024-2025 season with ZZ Leiden of the BNXT League in the Netherlands , where he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 28 games. He spent the past year rehabbing a knee injury. “We are thrilled to have T.J. back for his third season with the River Lions. T.J. is a versatile wing who impacts winning in a multitude of ways.”said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie, “He is a shotmaker, great passer, and elite point of attack defender. He brings a business first attitude and will do whatever is required to win. He has a great I.Q. and feel for the game, he will be a big piece for us!” A proven contributor in the CEBL, Lall played a key role during the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the River Lions. In 2024, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, continuing to establish himself as a reliable two-way presence. Originally selected first overall in the 2020 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Ottawa BlackJacks, Lall began his professional career following a decorated collegiate run. He played four seasons at Carleton University, winning four national championships, before transferring to Brock University for his final year. At Brock, Lall delivered a standout season earning First Team All-Canadian, OUA West First Team All-Star, and team MVP honours. Lall’s professional journey has taken him across the globe, having played in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Netherlands, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and contribute at a high level. “I’m looking forward to getting back to Niagara and getting to work with this group,” said Lall. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited to compete for another championship with the River Lions.” ### About the Niagara River Lions The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.

Saskatoon Public Schools Students Invited to Attend First-Ever “Be Well” School Day Game Focused on Well-Being

March 19, 2026
Thousands of Saskatoon Public Schools students are getting the chance to attend a professional basketball game during the school day this spring as part of a new initiative focused on student well-being, belonging, and healthy decision-making.

All-CEBL First Team Guard East II Joins Brampton

March 17, 2026
The 2025 CEBL Most Valuable Player finalist joins Brampton after setting the league’s single-season scoring record

Honey Badgers Land Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nelson Jr.

March 13, 2026
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that they have signed the 2025 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year and All-CEBL Second Team member Jameer Nelson Jr. ahead of the 2026 season. After a standout CEBL-season debut with the Calgary Surge in 2025, Nelson Jr. will be bringing his talents to the CAA Centre in 2026. Through 23 games last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a CEBL-leading 2.8 steals in 31.5 minutes. His best game of the season came against the Vancouver Bandits in the CEBL Western Conference Semi-Finals where he scored a career-high 39 points in a two-point victory to send the Surge to Championship Weekend. "When building a roster to compete at the highest level, you envision signing players like Jameer Nelson Jr.," said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. "Jameer is an elite and dynamic two-way player that can dominate both ends of the floor. This is a special moment for me personally, as I have known Jameer's dad, Jameer Nelson, for many years in the NBA, having worked with him in 2017 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. We are excited and grateful Jameer trusts what we are building in Brampton." Aside from the CEBL, Nelson Jr. has spent two seasons in the NBA G League. He is currently starting for the Stockton Kings (Sacramento Kings affiliate), putting up 18.9 points per game and has while scoring 20 or more points in nine out of 16 games. In 2024-25, he played 44 games with the Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs affiliate) and helped them reach the G League Semi-Finals after spending the NBA Summer League with the organization. “The Honey Badgers are building something special here, and I wanted to be a part of that.” said Nelson Jr. “Having the opportunity to play in the CEBL last year and get to the finals gave me a taste into what it means to win at this level, and I feel we have the opportunity to finish the job and bring a championship to Brampton this year. To the fans, let’s pack the CAA Centre this summer and build something special together.” Nelson Jr. had a very successful collegiate career. In his final season, he helped lead the Texas Christian Horned Frogs to their 11th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. In 2023 with the University of Delaware, Nelson Jr. earned a spot on the All-Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) First Team and CAA All-Defense Team after leading the conference in points per game (20.5), steals per game (2.4), free throws made (159), and much more. He scored in double-figures in every contest through the season, and in his junior year in 2021-22, he had a school-record eight steals versus the University of Charleston. “I had the privilege of coaching Jameer last season, and there’s not another player or person I’d want to begin building a championship team with,” said Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. “Jameer is a talented offensive player as well as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He is going to bring an elite level of toughness and energy to the city of Brampton!” Nelson Jr. is the son of NBA All-Star Jameer Nelson, who spent 14 seasons with the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons. Nelson Jr. has taken the family reins and carved out a career for himself that has seen an abundance of winning and achievements. Winning has followed him throughout his career, from a state championship at Haverford Prep in Pennsylvania, to an appearance in March Madness with Texas Christian University, a journey to the G League Semi-Finals with the Austin Spurs, and a CEBL Finals appearance with Calgary in 2025. "We’re thrilled to bring Jameer Nelson Jr. to Brampton,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He’s a proven leader and playmaker who understands how to run a team, compete defensively, and make winning plays. Jameer comes from a great basketball background and carries himself with a professionalism that elevates the group around him. I’m excited to work with him and see the leadership and toughness he’ll bring to our team this season.” Nelson Jr.’s signing comes as the fourth for the Honey Badgers this off-season. He joins Keon Ambrose-Hylton, Danilo Djuricic, and Prince Oduro as the team’s initial signings ahead of the 2026 season. ### 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 .

Two-Time CEBL Champion Cayo Re-Signs with Niagara

March 12, 2026
The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of 6’7” Canadian forward Nathan Cayo for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The 28-year-old from Montreal, Quebec returns to Niagara after contributing to the River Lions’ championship successes over the past two seasons (2024, 2025) averaging 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Cayo is currently playing with the ADA Blois Basket in France’s LNB Pro B, where he has averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during the 2025–2026 season. “We are very excited to welcome Nathan and his family back to Niagara for year 3!”, said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “Cayo has played a pivotal role in our back to back championship runs, and is highly skilled, physical and smart. One underrated trait of Nathan’s that I got to see firsthand as his teammate is how competitive he is. He is primed for a big summer!” Cayo began his CEBL career with the Montreal Alliance in 2022, where he played for two seasons before joining Niagara in 2024. Internationally, he has also competed with Astoria Bydgoszcz in Poland, the Memphis Hustle and Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League, and Manchester Basketball in the United Kingdom. He played collegiately at the University of Richmond, appearing in 155 games across five seasons with the Richmond Spiders. Cayo averaged 8.9 points, 1.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, finishing fourth all-time in program history in field goal percentage (55.2%). He also helped lead Richmond to the 2022 NCAA Tournament, scoring 15 points in a win over the University of Iowa to advance to the second round. Having proven himself at every level he’s competed, Cayo combines professional experience, championship pedigree, and a unique ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. Since joining Niagara, he has been a cornerstone of the River Lions’ rotation, delivering timely scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. With two consecutive CEBL titles under his belt, Cayo enters 2026 as a proven winner and the type of player who sets the tone for a team chasing sustained success. “My family and I feel blessed to run it back for a third season!” said Cayo. “An opportunity to be part of history doesn’t come by everyday; and to try and do so in an environment that feels like home made it a no brainer. Go River Lions.” ###

Sea Bears Add Edmonton Native Shittu

March 11, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today signed Canadian forward Fareed Shittu for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season. The six-foot-six forward from Edmonton, Alberta, brings two years of CEBL experience and a decorated U SPORTS career. “Fareed is a high-level athlete,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He has worked hard on his game and brings a level of athleticism that few can match.” Shittu began his U SPORTS career with the UNBC Timberwolves, where he earned UNBC Timberwolves Male Rookie of the Year honours and a selection to the Canada West All-Rookie Team in 2019-20. By his third season, he earned Canada West third-team all-star honours, averaging 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game on 38 per cent three-point shooting. After transferring to the UBC Thunderbirds for his final two seasons, Shittu averaged 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 27.3 minutes per game over 18 games, including a season-high 28 points against the Winnipeg Wesmen on February 2. “Signing with the Sea Bears was an easy decision for me,” Shittu said.”After speaking with coach Mike and Alex, I knew I wanted to be part of what they’re building here in Winnipeg. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, and contribute to the team's success." Shittu enters his third CEBL season. He previously signed a U SPORTS development contract with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the 2024 season before spending the 2025 campaign with the Edmonton Stingers. ###