River Lions Re-Sign American Guard Hollis

The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed Trinity Western University (TWU) product Jack Vandenberg to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A six-foot tall guard from Vancouver, Vandenberg earned an invitation to the inaugural Bandits University Combine. 40 local student-athletes competed against each other, developing their game against B.C.’s top young talent and with the help of Bandits coaching staff. The club hosted the combine to identify players who can make an impact in training camp and potentially sign to its roster for the upcoming 2026 season. “Jack Vandenberg is one of the premier shooters in Canada. He proved it again at our combine, where he stood out for his elite space and shot-making,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “Having coached him in the gym, I know he’s tough, a leader on his university team, and a player who is going to help push our culture forward.” Julius stressed the importance of Vandenberg’s ability to space the floor in training camp, which begins on Tuesday, May 5. “We are excited to add his toughness and sharpshooting as we gear up for camp,” he continued. In his junior year at TWU during the 2025-26 season, Vandenberg led his team with 15.8 points-per-game while also averaging 3.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 20 games with 19 starts. He led the Canada West conference in three-pointers made, finishing with 75 makes on 175 attempts. Vandenberg shot .429 per cent from beyond the arc, ranking 4th in the conference. Prior to his time with the Spartans, Vandenberg attended Montreal’s Concordia University in the 2022-23 season. An alumnus of St. George’s School in Vancouver, he earned Second Team All-Star honours at the 2022 BC 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Championship where he helped lead his school to a top 10 finish in his senior year. Fans will get their first chance to watch the Bandits’ new-look roster in a charitable preseason game on Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre when the club faces the Sikh Warriors from ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament. All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. ###  About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an 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 at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has extended training camp invitations to two local players: Elijah Mensah of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen and Daren Watts of the University of Manitoba Bisons. Training camp runs April 30 to May 2, 2026. Mensah, a 6'7" senior forward with the Wesmen, grew up in Winnipeg and attended Miles Macdonell Collegiate. In the 2025–26 Canada West season, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 24.4 minutes per game, posting a season-high 21 points against the Regina Cougars and a season-high 11 rebounds against Manitoba. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join training camp and I’m looking forward to learning and competing in an environment with elite talent,” said Mensah. Watts, a 6’4” fifth-year guard with the Bisons, grew up in Winnipeg, and is a product of Miles Macdonell Collegiate. In the 2025–26 season, he averaged 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 31.3 minutes, posting a season-high 25 points against MacEwan and a season-high 12 rebounds against Regina. Watts was named a Canada West Second Team All-Star. ###

The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed Canadian-Senegalese and former Orlando Magic guard, Karim Mané, for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Saint-Hubert, Quebec, native returns to the CEBL for his second season, where he previously established himself as having a key role with the Calgary Surge, averaging 16.7 minutes and 3.7 points per game in 2025. “Karim is a versatile guard who brings energy, toughness, and a strong understanding of the game,” said Head Coach Isaiah Fox. “His journey through the NBA, G League, and international play has shaped him into a well-rounded competitor.” During the 2025-25 offseason, Mané competed internationally with the Rouen Métropole Basket in France and joined the Senegal National Team throughout the year, where he continued to develop as a professional. Over the course of his time with the Senegal National Team, Mané averaged 5.7 points and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 30 percent from the field, helping the team win bronze at the FIBA AfroBasket tournament. Prior to his time internationally, Mané spent three seasons with several NBA G-League teams, while also having stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic in the NBA. Additionally, Mané represented Team Canada in 2019 at the U19 World Cup, averaging 24 minutes, 11.7 points, and 3.1 assists per game–displaying his high level of play on the world stage. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Mamba and be part of this new chapter in Saskatoon,” said Mané. “I’ve grown a lot over the past year playing internationally and representing Senegal, and I’m ready to bring that experience back to the CEBL.” Fans can expect Mané to bring high-flying capability and physical play to the new era of basketball in Saskatoon, blending established excellence with a renewed vision for the future. ### About the Saskatoon Mamba The Saskatoon Mamba (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The Mamba are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit saskatoonmamba.ca .

The Scarborough Shooting Stars announced today the signing of guard Myles Powell for the 2026 season. Powell, a 6’2 guard from Trenton, brings elite scoring ability, veteran leadership, and high-level professional experience to Scarborough’s backcourt. Known for his toughness, shot-making, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Powell adds proven offensive firepower and championship-level competitiveness to the Shooting Stars roster. Powell joins the Shooting Stars with professional experience in the NBA, NBA G League, international leagues and recently CBA, where he has continued to showcase his scoring talent against top competition. Throughout his professional career, Powell has built a reputation as a dynamic guard capable of creating offence, stretching the floor, and leading from the backcourt. His combination of experience and production makes him a significant addition as Scarborough prepares for the 2026 season. Powell completed a historic collegiate career with the Seton Hall Pirates, where he became one of the most accomplished players in program history and one of the premier guards in college basketball. During the 2019–20 season, Powell earned Big East Player of the Year and Consensus First-Team All-American recognition after averaging 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He led Seton Hall to a share of the Big East Conference regular season title and established himself as one of the nation’s most feared scorers. Across four collegiate seasons, Powell scored more than 2,200 career points and consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, cementing his legacy as one of Seton Hall’s all-time greats. Following college, Powell continued his professional career through the NBA G League and overseas opportunities, gaining valuable experience against elite competition. His time at the professional level has further strengthened his all-around game and veteran presence. Powell’s ability to score at all three levels, create offence late in games, and lead with confidence makes him a major addition to Scarborough’s lineup. His experience, competitiveness, and proven production give the Shooting Stars another difference-maker capable of impacting winning immediately. With Powell joining the roster, Scarborough continues to build a talented and experienced group ready to compete for a championship in the 2026 CEBL season. ###

The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the signing of Canadian forward Isaac Jack. Jack spent the 2025-26 season competing for the University of the Pacific Tigers, where he started in all 33 games. Jack averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. “I’ve always wanted to play in the CEBL since I learned about it. The idea of being able to play in my home country with my friends and family watching is something special. Also Edmonton showed interest in me for quite some time and has continued to since then. Lastly the relationship between head coach Jordan Baker and my college coach Dave Smart. Dave has had nothing but great things to say about coach Baker reassuring my belief in this organization.” said Jack. The six-foot-eleven forward has spent four seasons competing in the NCAA, beginning at Buffalo where he averaged 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. After moving on to play with the Dayton Flyers, he spent two seasons there averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. Concluding his collegiate career at the University of the Pacific, Jack averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.4 blocks. "Isaac had an excellent senior season at Pacific, and we are looking forward to seeing him make the jump to the professional level with us this summer. His size, physicality, and soft touch around the basket will allow him to make an impact with our team from day one." said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Jack is set to make his CEBL debut when the stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. 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]) or phone (1-87STINGERS). ###

L’Alliance de Montréal de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), a dévoilé aujourd’hui son personnel d’entraîneurs et de soutien en vue de la saison 2026, sous la direction de l’entraîneur-chef Jermaine Small. L’organisation entame ainsi sa cinquième saison de basketball professionnel à l’Auditorium de Verdun. « Notre vision pour l’Alliance a toujours été de bâtir une organisation de basketball de premier plan, profondément enracinée dans la communauté montréalaise », a déclaré Joel Anthony, directeur général et copropriétaire de l’Alliance. « Ce groupe reflète cette vision : un personnel d’expérience, reconnu pour son parcours, sa passion et son engagement à amener nos joueurs à performer au plus haut niveau. » Formé avec rigueur et équilibre, le personnel d’entraîneurs de l’Alliance réunit un mélange de leadership éprouvé, d’expertise en développement des joueurs et de liens solides avec le paysage du basketball québécois et canadien. À la tête de l’équipe, Jermaine Small amorce sa deuxième saison comme entraîneur-chef, avec l’objectif de poursuivre le développement de l’identité et du style de jeu de l’Alliance. Après avoir mené l’équipe à la meilleure fiche de son histoire et à une première participation aux séries éliminatoires la saison dernière, Small, double champion de la LECB et entraîneur de l’année, apporte une feuille de route éprouvée en matière de succès et de développement, tant au niveau professionnel qu’universitaire. Ryan Thorne est de retour au sein du personnel à titre de consultant basketball, apportant une voix stratégique et une vaste expérience aux niveaux U SPORTS et national.  Entraîneur-chef de l’équipe masculine de basketball de l’Université McGill depuis la saison 2021-2022, Thorne a auparavant dirigé le programme féminin pendant 17 saisons, marquant l’une des périodes les plus fructueuses de l’histoire du programme. Il a également joué un rôle clé au sein de l’Alliance lors de la saison 2025. Jahmal Jones est de retour comme entraîneur adjoint, poursuivant sa transition de joueur d’élite vers le métier d’entraîneur. Ancien joueur étoile de l’Université métropolitaine de Toronto (Ryerson), Jones apporte une vaste expérience internationale acquise à travers plusieurs ligues européennes, en plus d’un championnat de la LECB sous la direction de Small. Il a amorcé sa carrière d’entraîneur avec H5 Academy Prep et plus récemment avec le programme masculin de TMU. Jeff Dosado se joint au personnel comme entraîneur adjoint, ajoutant une perspective internationale et une solide expertise en développement des joueurs. Originaire de Montréal, il a notamment travaillé avec les Rockets de Houston lors des camps d’entraînement de la NBA et de la Summer League, en plus d’avoir entraîné à l’international avec les Taiwan Beer Leopards. Il a également fait partie du personnel de l’Alliance par le passé et est fondateur de Los Angeles Prospects, une organisation dédiée au développement des étudiants-athlètes sur et hors du terrain. Damian Buckley est de retour comme entraîneur adjoint, poursuivant son ascension dans le monde de l’entraînement. Ancien joueur étoile de Concordia, il a bâti un solide parcours aux niveaux U SPORTS et professionnel, notamment avec les BlackJacks d’Ottawa et le Toundra de Montréal. Il a récemment été nommé entraîneur-chef par intérim à Concordia et est reconnu pour son impact en développement des joueurs et son lien étroit avec la communauté basketball montréalaise. L’Alliance renforce également son programme de développement avec les ajouts de Maxime Paulhus Gosselin et Kyle Desmarais. Paulhus Gosselin apporte une expérience de haut niveau acquise en NCAA Division I avec Davidson College, où il a évolué aux côtés de Stephen Curry et contribué à une participation au Elite Eight, en plus d’une expérience internationale avec Équipe Canada et d’une expertise reconnue en performance et prise de décision. Desmarais, originaire de Montréal, ajoute un profil d’entraîneur en pleine ascension, avec de l’expérience à McGill, avec le Toundra de Montréal et avec Basketball Québec à titre de coordonnateur du développement 3x3, en plus d’une implication au niveau national et d’un championnat de la BSL avec le London Lightning en 2024. « Je suis très enthousiaste face au groupe que nous avons réuni », a déclaré l’entraîneur-chef Jermaine Small. « Il y a un standard commun ici — discipline, compétitivité et une compréhension claire de ce qu’il faut pour gagner à ce niveau. Notre personnel est axé sur la préparation de nos joueurs afin qu’ils exécutent et livrent la marchandise soir après soir. » Avec une base solide en place, l’Alliance continue de miser sur le développement, la culture et son lien avec la communauté en vue de la prochaine saison. L’Alliance continuera d’être dirigée par le directeur général Joel Anthony et le directeur général adjoint Ibrahim Appiah. Henry Weinberg poursuivra son rôle de directeur du recrutement et de l’analyse, tandis que l’équipe médicale comprend le Dr Mickey Moroz (médecin de l’équipe), Manley Massenat (kinésiologue et préparateur physique), et Nicolas Rostworoswski (thérapeute sportif). -REPMTL-

The Montreal Alliance announces its coaching staff for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, led by Head Coach Jermaine Small as the organization continues to build momentum heading into a fifth season of professional basketball at the Verdun Auditorium. “Our vision for the Alliance has always been to build a premier basketball organization with deep roots in the Montreal community,” said Joel Anthony, General Manager and co-owner of the Alliance. “This group reflects that vision — a highly experienced staff with a proven history of success, passion, and a commitment to pushing our players to compete at the highest level.” Built with intention and balance, the Alliance’s coaching staff brings together a mix of proven leadership, player development expertise, and strong ties to the Canadian and Quebecois basketball landscape.  Leading the campaign is Jermaine Small, who enters his second season as head coach and continues to shape the team’s identity and style of play. After guiding the Alliance to the best record in franchise history and its first-ever playoff appearance last season, the two-time CEBL champion and Coach of the Year brings a proven track record of success and player development at both the professional and university levels. Ryan Thorne returns to the staff as a basketball consultant, adding a strategic voice with deep experience at the U SPORTS and national levels. Thorne has served as the head coach of the McGill University men’s basketball team since the 2021–22 season. Prior to that, he led the McGill women’s basketball program for 17 seasons, establishing one of the most successful runs in program history. He also played a key role with the Alliance during the 2025 season. Jahmal Jones returns as assistant coach, continuing his transition from elite player to coach. A former Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) standout, Jones brings extensive international experience across multiple European leagues, along with a CEBL championship under Small. He has since moved into coaching with roles at H5 Academy Prep and most recently with the TMU men’s basketball program. Jeff Dosado joins the bench as assistant coach, adding a global perspective and extensive development experience. The Montréal native has worked with the Houston Rockets during NBA training camps and Summer League, coached internationally with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, and previously spent time with the Alliance. He is also the founder of Los Angeles Prospects, a program focused on developing student-athletes on and off the court. Damian Buckley returns as assistant coach, continuing his rise through the coaching ranks. A former Concordia standout, he has built a strong résumé across U SPORTS and the professional level, including roles with the Ottawa BlackJacks and Montréal Toundra, and was recently named interim head coach at Concordia. He is widely recognized for his impact in player development and his connection to the Montréal basketball community. The Alliance also strengthens its player development program with the additions of Maxime Paulhus Gosselin and Kyle Desmarais. Paulhus Gosselin brings elite NCAA Division I experience from Davidson College, where he played alongside Stephen Curry and helped lead the program to an Elite Eight appearance, along with international experience with Canada and a strong background in performance and decision-making. Desmarais, a Montréal native, adds a rapidly rising coaching profile with experience at McGill, the Montréal Toundra, and Basketball Québec, where he serves as 3x3 Development Coordinator, along with national team exposure and a BSL championship with the London Lightning in 2024. “I’m excited about the group we’ve brought together,” said Head Coach Jermaine Small. “There’s a shared standard here of discipline, competitiveness, and a clear understanding of what it takes to win at this level. Our staff is focused on preparing our players to execute and deliver every night.” With a strong foundation in place, the Alliance continues to prioritize development, culture, and connection to the community as it prepares for the upcoming season. The Alliance will continue to be led in the front office by General Manager Joel Anthony and Assistant General Manager Ibrahim Appiah. Henry Weinberg will continue with the Alliance as Director of Scouting and Analysis, while the medical staff includes Dr. Mickey Moroz (Team Physician), Manley Massenat (Kinesiologist and Physical Trainer), and Nicolas Rostworoswski (Athletic Therapist). -REPMTL Tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale. The Alliance will kick off its home season on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verdun Auditorium against Scarborough. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit basketmtl.ca.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has extended training camp invitations to two local players: Ryan Luke of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen and Ramogi Nyagudi of the University of Manitoba Bisons. Training camp runs April 30 to May 2, 2026. "It's great to add Ramogi and Ryan to the training camp roster," said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. "As local guys that have had some experience around the team previously, it makes sense to have them bolster the depth of training camp and help them both get some experience as well." A 6'7" forward and Winnipeg native, Ryan Luke wraps up his senior season with the Wesmen after coming through the ranks at John Taylor Collegiate. He averaged 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 28 minutes per game in his final season, posting a season-high 22 points against the Alberta Golden Bears and securing a season-high 13 rebounds against the Brandon Bobcats. Prior to his university career, Luke competed for Manitoba at the 2022 Canada Summer Games. Luke was part of one of the most significant stretches in Wesmen history, helping the program reach the U Sports Final 8 national championship tournament in both 2023 and 2024, the team's first national appearances in over 30 years since the 1993-94 season. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to join the Sea Bears for training camp. This team is filled with proven talent and I'm looking forward to getting to work alongside this group," said Luke. Ramogi Nyagudi is a 6'9" forward and first-year player with the Bisons, a Winnipeg native who attended St. Paul's High School. In his debut 2025–26 Canada West season, he averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 21.5 minutes. Nyagudi posted season highs of 33 points and 12 rebounds against MacEwan. He also recorded a season-high 5 blocks against the Winnipeg Wesmen. Nyagudi played at the NCAA Division 1 level for the St. Thomas Tommies in St. Paul, Minnesota for the 2024-2025 season. Prior to that, he represented Canada at the FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup in 2024, where Canada defeated the Dominican Republic to secure bronze. Nyagudi averaged 4.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists during the tournament. "Grateful to God and the coaching staff for the opportunity to compete against pros in my city. I'm very excited," said Nyagudi.  ###

The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that the club has signed the University of British Columbia Okanagan’s (UBCO) all-time leading scorer and assist leader Jalen Shirley to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A six-foot guard from Brampton, Ont., Shirley was invited to participate in the inaugural Bandits University Combine, hosted by the club to identify players to invite to training camp and add to its roster for the upcoming 2026 season. Shirley was one of 40 student-athletes from local universities, earning a spot on the Bandits 2026 training camp roster, beginning on May 5. “At our combine, Jalen stood out for not getting sped up and playing with control,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “We are thrilled to bring him in and give him the platform to develop into a top-tier professional as he transitions from university to the next level.” He averaged 20.8 points per game in his final season (2025-26), which ranked second in the Canada West conference, as well as 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 34.4 minutes played per game across 23 games and starts. His play earned him Canada West Third Team All-Star honours. Shirley finished his six-year university career as the UBCO Heat’s all-time leader in points and assists, while ranking second all-time in steals, and received the school’s men’s Graduating Athlete of the Year award. “Jalen is an elite U SPORTS point guard who plays the game with solid poise and pace. In pick-and-roll situations, he plays with flow and gets to his spots,” added Julius. Fans will get their first chance to watch the Bandits’ new-look roster in a charitable preseason game on Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre when the club faces the Sikh Warriors from ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament. Preseason tickets are on sale at this link , with proceeds benefitting the Bandits Community Foundation. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. A full game schedule can be viewed here . ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an 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 at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.