Edmonton Native Ben Krikke Signs First Pro Contract With Stingers
EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of Edmonton native Ben Krikke. The 6’9” forward has played five seasons in NCAA DI, starting his career with four seasons at Valparaiso followed by a graduate season at Iowa last season. Krikke has also represented Team Canada in the 2017 U16 FIBA Americas Championship and 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup.
“I am really excited to be back home in Edmonton and play for such an amazing organization,” said Krikke. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to play in such a great league and compete for a championship.”
This past season, Krikke ranked third on the Hawkeyes in scoring and rebounding, notching up 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 55% field goal shooting. He eclipsed 20 points on eight occasions out of his 34 games, including scoring 25 points twice. For his efforts, Krikke was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention. In the postseason, he helped the team to a NIT first round win over Kansas State, posting 24 points and 11 boards.
Prior to his stint in Iowa, Krikke was a standout at Valparaiso, leading the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring in 2022-23 with 19.4 points per game and earning an All-MVC First Team nod. The two seasons prior saw Kirkke named to All-MVC Third Team after leading his team in scoring both seasons. During his rookie campaign, Krikke played in 33 games, averaging 6.7 points
“We are very excited to have Ben begin his professional career with the Stingers.” said Stingers head coach and general manager Jordan Baker. “As one of the most talented players Edmonton has ever produced, Ben is poised to have a very impactful summer in the CEBL. I am confident he will contribute in a meaningful way both on and off the court from day one.”
The Edmontonian represented Team Canada on the U17 squad at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup; he averaged 9.9 points helping Canada to a fourth place finish. He was the only member of the team not from Ontario or Quebec. It was his second of two tournaments with the national team, also playing in the 2017 U16 FIBA Americas Championship where Canada finished second.
Krikke was a noted high school player during his time at Jasper Place High School, leading the team to both a provincial and city championship in his senior year.
Krikke will join the Stingers at the Edmonton EXPO Centre on June 2nd to host the Saskatchewan Rattlers in their home opener. Tickets are available for as low as $20 per seat and can be purchased online or by contacting the Stingers head office via email ([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 in the 3,600 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. The core values as an organization are to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in the community all year long.
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. 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 moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season. 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 and YouTube.
