Ottawa BlackJacks Sign Canadian Guards Joel Brown and Kevin Otoo

April 30, 2024

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of Canadian guards Joel Brown and Kevin Otoo for the upcoming 2024 CEBL season.

 

A six-foot-two guard from Brampton, Ontario, Joel Brown averaged 5.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 26.1 minutes across 153 games played as a member of two different NCAA teams, including Iona College and the University of California, Berkeley.

 

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration in May 2023, he transferred to Iona as a graduate player following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. With Iona, he scored a season-high 21 points on March 3 against Marist. He made three three-pointers in that game and recorded four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

 

Brown finished his career with the California Golden Bears in durable fashion, playing in 122 of a possible 125 games. As a fourth-year player with the team, Brown anchored California’s backcourt by logging a team-leading 32.6 minutes in all 32 games played. He tallied a season-high 6.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game and dished out five or more assists in eight games, maintaining a 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio on the season.

 

Prior to university, Brown attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, winning a national championship with his Brewster Prep squad in March 2018. He also played on the Canadian U18 national team at the 2018 FIBA Americas Championship and averaged 7.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds to help Canada reach the gold-medal game against the United States.

 

A six-foot guard from Toronto, Ontario, Kevin Otoo split his collegiate career between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (2022-24) and the Humber College Hawks (2018-22).

 

As a member of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees under BlackJacks and Gee-Gees Head Coach James Derouin this past season, Otoo averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.4 steals, and 31.5 minutes in 22 regular-season games. He recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds on February 16 against Queen’s and scored a season-high of 29 points, shooting .706 (12-17) from the field and .556 (5-9) from behind the arc on January 19 against Algoma. 

 

The previous year, he led the Gee-Gees with 15 blocks in the regular season and was named the 2023 OUA Championship MVP, scoring 17 points with three steals in the Wilson Cup championship on March 4 against Carleton. He started in all three OUA playoff and U SPORTS national championship games. He was named the Nike Top Performer for Ottawa in the U SPORTS bronze medal win over Victoria, scoring a game-high 20 points and contributing three steals and three rebounds in the 78-58 win.

 

Otoo enjoyed a lucrative collegiate basketball career at Humber College in Toronto, posting regular-season career averages of 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game with the Hawks, while shooting .458 from the field. In 2021-22, he was a central figure in Humber’s run to winning the 2022 National Championship, including earning MVP honors in the conference championship as well as championship All-Star appearances both for the conference and national tournaments. He tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on March 27 against St. Clair to win the national title

 

 The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 single game tickets are on sale now at https://www.theblackjacks.ca/single-game-tickets. The team's fifth season will kick off at The Arena at TD Place on May 29, promising professional basketball and exciting entertainment in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please visit www.theblackjacks.ca or contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected].


Quotes:


“I’m really excited to start my professional career with the BlackJacks family. I am looking forward to this new opportunity! I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and the coaching staff.”


- Joel Brown, Guard, Ottawa BlackJacks


“I’m excited to be a part of the Ottawa BlackJacks. Having played in Ottawa for the past two years at the University of Ottawa, the opportunity to tip off my professional basketball journey in the same city is surreal for me. I am looking forward to meeting and being around the other pros, the wonderful coaching staff, and, lastly, playing in this amazing city."


-Kevin Otoo, Guard, Ottawa BlackJacks


“Joel and Kevin are two young players with a lot of will, fierce competitiveness, and a bright future ahead. It’ll be their first pro experience, and it'll be great for them to work with and learn from seasoned professionals with years of experience playing in some of the best leagues around the world. We’re looking forward to getting to work at training camp.”


- James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club





About the Ottawa BlackJacks

The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Head Coach James Derouin, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. The anticipation is building for the upcoming 2024 season, slated to tip off at home on May 29 against the Edmonton Stingers. For more information, visit www.theblackjacks.ca.


About Canadian Elite Basketball League 

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.

Sea Bears Sign Canadian Guard Walker

February 19, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the signing of Canadian guard David Walker. Walker most recently appeared for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, where on Aug. 16 2025, in a playoff game, he had a standout performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in 25 minutes. Prior to his time in Ottawa, he suited up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2025. Walker was also recognized as a finalist for the 2024 CEBL Developmental Player of the Year award. In addition, Walker was a finalist for the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performance at the university level and cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s top basketball talents. Over his CEBL career, playing for Brampton Honey Badgers, Scarborough Shooting Stars, and Ottawa BlackJacks, Walker has averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. “David fits the identity we’re building. He’s a tough, physical Canadian guard with league experience who strengthens our Canadian depth,” said Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Alex Campbell. “He defends with purpose, plays hard, and gets downhill offensively. We believe he has tremendous upside, and I think Sea Bears Nation is going to appreciate the way he competes and works every single day.” Walker was originally selected 22nd overall in the 2024 CEBL Draft and began his professional career with the Brampton Honey Badgers, where he averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 games during the 2024 season. Before turning professional, Walker starred at Toronto Metropolitan University, averaging 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2023–24 season. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Sea Bears,” said Walker. “Winnipeg has built something special, and I’m coming in ready to bring toughness, versatility, and a winning mindset every time I step on the floor.” ###

Mazereeuw promu Président et Chef de la Direction de la Ligue Elite Canadienne de Basketball

February 19, 2026
Le premier président de l'histoire de la ligue assume un rôle de leadership élargi alors que la ligue professionnelle de basketball du Canada amorce sa prochaine phase de croissance

Mazereeuw Promoted to President and CEO of Canadian Elite Basketball League

February 19, 2026
League’s first-ever President takes on expanded leadership role as Canada’s professional basketball league enters its next phase of growth

Brampton Native Djuricic Inks Deal with Honey Badgers

February 17, 2026
The four-year CEBL veteran and former Harvard standout joins Brampton after winning a championship with Scarborough in 2023

NBA-Experienced Cerda, Brampton Agree to Terms on Head Coaching Role

February 13, 2026
Cerda is currently an Assistant Coach in the Los Angeles Lakers organization.

Vancouver Bandits Make Impactful Community Visits in the Okanagan

February 12, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), are committed to making a positive impact through basketball and growing the game across British Columbia, and this dedication was highlighted this past week in Kelowna and the Okanagan area. Coming off the recent announcement of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a brand-new basketball festival featuring a CEBL neutral-site home game in partnership with the City of Kelowna, Bandits head coach Kyle Julius spent time at five Okanagan-area secondary schools and both of Kelowna’s post-secondary men’s basketball teams, as part of the Vancouver Bandits third-annual Bandits School Tour. Julius and Bandits staff visited Mount Boucherie Secondary School, Immaculata Regional High School, Okanagan Mission Secondary, Rutland Secondary School and Kelowna Secondary, as well as the men’s basketball teams at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College, providing dedicated and tailored practices along with motivational talks and training materials. Launched in 2023, the Bandits School Tour is supported by the Bandits Community Foundation, Preston Chevrolet and Envision Financial and offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes and volunteer coaches to learn directly from BC’s only professional basketball coach. “What stood out most during our visit was the impact basketball can have when it is rooted in mentorship and connection; it is clear how vibrant the basketball and business ecosystem is in the Okanagan,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We are thankful to the Okanagan and Kelowna communities for welcoming us so openly, and this is only the beginning. We are committed to being present and intentional in the lead-up to Kelowna HOOPFEST from June 5th to 7th.” In addition to the Bandits School Tour, Julius and members of Bandits staff had the opportunity to connect with various Okanagan business, media and community leaders, including attending the 51st annual Western Canada Tournament at Kelowna Secondary and a Kelowna Rockets hockey game. ###

Montréal Announces Return of Hometown Star Guerrier

February 11, 2026
Montréal native and team captain returns after a standout 2025 season with the Alliance

Montréal annonce le retour de la vedette locale Guerrier

February 11, 2026
Le Montréalais d'origine et capitaine de l'équipe fait son retour après une saison 2025 exceptionnelle avec l'Alliance.

Veteran Guard Tate Returns to Nation's Capital

February 10, 2026
The franchise's leader in games played and three-pointers made returns to Ottawa for 2026.

Le vétéran de la garde Tate revient dans la capitale nationale

February 10, 2026
Le meneur de la franchise en matchs disputés et en tirs à trois points retourne à Ottawa pour 2026.