Shooting Stars head back to Championship Weekend after 77-72 comeback over BlackJacks
August 7, 2023
Dillon White
A fourth-quarter comeback from the Scarborough Shooting Stars helped them defeat the Ottawa BlackJacks 77-72 at TD Place on Sunday to earn a spot in CEBL Championship Weekend.
The BlackJacks led by 12 points after three quarters and four points at the start of target score time but the Shooting Stars played smothering defence to earn the win in the Eastern Conference Semifinal. Scarborough will face off against the Niagara River Lions in the Eastern Conference Final on August 11 at CEBL Championship Weekend (CW23) in Langley BC.
“We all sacrificed a lot throughout the season, we've all pushed hard, and we wanted to play. We wanted to win,” Scarborough head coach Chris Exilus said of the final stretch. “You saw a lot of guys in there who just buckled down and said, ‘You know what, we're winning this game and we're gonna fight all the way to the end until we get that last score.’”
In his first game against Ottawa this season, Isiaha Mike dropped a game-high 24 points to lead Scarborough back to CW23 for the second straight season. Mike shot well from the field at 9-15 and secured a double-double with another game-high 13 rebounds.
“We just dug in. We got in a hole in that third quarter. They went on a really good run – they kept that 10 [to] 12-point lead for a while,” Mike said. “Once we dug in and got a few stops in a row, we got out in transition. They were fouling [and] we started hitting some shots. I think that late defensive push is really what secured the win for us tonight.”
After a 32-point performance in Friday’s play-in, Scarborough star Cat Barber cooled off against the BlackJacks. However, he still tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and the game-winning layup.
Big man Kalif Young also earned a double-double in the victory with 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal. Meanwhile, Kyree Walker chipped in nine points, six rebounds and three assists to round out the Scarborough attack.
On the other side, Jakeenan Gant came off the bench to pace the Ottawa offence. Gant filled the stats sheet with 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Guard Matthew Coleman had a big first half for Ottawa and finished the game with 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The BlackJacks’ go-to duo of Kadre Gray and Deng Adel didn’t meet their usual efficiency from the field but still produced. Gray scored 18 points on 6-19 shooting while Adel added 13 points on 5-17 shooting.
Both teams struggled from the field in what was a defensive battle from the opening tip. Scarborough shot 40 per cent from the floor, 25 per cent from three and 69 per cent at the line, while Ottawa finished at 39-25-61.
“I thought our guys play great,” Ottawa head coach James Derouin said. “Maybe not great in terms of how we're used to seeing this team play but we had to play differently. We were shorthanded and they're loaded up. We had to defend. We had to fight. We had to compete…I just thought [Gray] and [Adel] ran out of gas down the stretch.”
The game began with both teams locking down defensively and different faces contributing. The first 10 buckets came from 10 different scorers. Ottawa was able to contain Barber for the majority of the first quarter, but the Shooting Stars’ guard impacted the game on the perimeter in the closing minutes of the frame. He connected on back-to-back threes and was fouled on another to give Scarborough a 15-14 lead after 10 minutes.
The Shooting Stars forced Derouin into a timeout early in the second quarter and went on a 10-0 run stretching back to the first. However, Gray stopped the bleeding with a trifecta for Ottawa. Coleman made some big plays for the BlackJacks to cut the deficit to three and force an Exilus timeout.
Ottawa closed the half on a 13-2 run to carry a 37-30 lead into the locker room. The BlackJacks were efficient from three in the opening 20 minutes at 50 per cent, while the Shooting Stars connected at just a 20 per cent rate. Coleman led all scorers at halftime with 13 points, while Gant and Barber each had 10.
In the third quarter, Mike started to heat up for the Shooting Stars. He cut the deficit down to six. However, the BlackJacks went on a 10-2 run to take a 12-point lead and force an Exilus timeout. Elijah Lufile scored back-to-back buckets for Scarborough after the team talk, but Ottawa answered with a 4-0 run of their own to head into the final frame with a 62-50 advantage.
The Shooting Stars started the fourth quarter with some urgency. They turned steals into scores on consecutive possessions and forced a Derouin timeout after a 6-0 run. Ottawa bounced back after the brief chat to extend the lead back to 10, but the Shooting Stars went on a 7-1 run before target score time. The BlackJacks carried a 67-63 advantage into the final stretch with a target of 76.
Gant finished strong at the rim to kick off target time but the Shooting Stars took control from there. Mike banked in a floater before Kassius Robertson faded off the dribble and connected on a clutch three. Walker and Mike hit from the line while the defence shut down Ottawa.
After an offensive rebound, Walker drove to the rim and finished an and-one to put the Shooting Stars one point away from victory. Adel completed an old-fashioned three-point play of his own to make it a one-possession game again, but a reverse layup at the other end for Barber completed the Scarborough comeback.
With the win, the Shooting Stars book a trip to Vancouver for CEBL Championship Weekend for the Eastern Conference Final against the Niagara River Lions at 8 p.m. ET on Friday (Aug. 11).
All games are available for streaming on TSN, TSN+, CEBL+ powered by BetVictor and on the CEBL Mobile app available on iOS and Android devices.
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 71 per cent of its 2022 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. Nine players have moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season, and 28 CEBL players attended NBA G League training camps during October. 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.
The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the addition of Greg Jockims, Rob Lovelace, and Jamie Campbell to the club’s coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 season. The trio will join Head Coach Isaiah Fox, bringing a wealth of experience across U SPORTS, professional basketball, and player development to the Mamba bench. Jockims returns to the CEBL with an extensive coaching résumé spanning over a decade at the university and professional levels. He spent 13 seasons with the USask Huskies, highlighted by leading the men’s program to its first-ever Canada West Championship and CIS National Championship during the 2009–10 season. Jockims also served as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Saskatchewan Rattlers in 2019, guiding the team to the CEBL’s inaugural championship. Known for his leadership and ability to build winning cultures, Jockims brings championship pedigree and deep ties to Saskatchewan basketball. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Saskatoon Mamba coaching staff and help build something meaningful for basketball in our city. Having been part of championship programs with the Huskies and the Rattlers, and through my work with Saskatoon Minor Basketball Association, I’m excited to keep contributing to the development of players and the strength of the game in Saskatoon,” said Jockims. “I also really believe in the vision of the Mamba’s leadership and ownership group, and I’m looking forward to being part of what they’re building here.” Lovelace rejoins the Mamba staff as the most familiar face in the organization, becoming the longest-tenured coach in franchise history dating back to its Rattlers era. Since joining the bench in 2023, Lovelace has played a key role in player development and team culture. Prior to coaching, he spent two seasons contributing to the Saskatchewan Rattlers and CEBL broadcast team, offering insight and analysis across the league. As a player, Lovelace had a standout career with the USask Huskies from 2001 to 2008, where he ranks sixth all-time in assists and eighth in steals in program history. He later returned to the Huskies as an assistant coach, further developing his coaching pedigree. “I’m excited to be back and look forward to working with Coach Fox and the new staff. I’m ready to help this group of players compete every day,” said Lovelace. Campbell joins the Mamba coaching staff for the first time, adding a strong background in U SPORTS basketball and program leadership. He brings 13 years of coaching experience, including four seasons as the head coach of the USask Huskies Men’s Basketball program. Prior to leading the Huskies, Campbell spent time with two of Canada’s top programs, serving as an assistant coach at Carleton University for three seasons and Wilfrid Laurier University for six seasons. His transition to the professional level reflects both his personal development and the continued growth of the Huskies program, with Shannon Chinn, Chief Athletics Officer of the University of Saskatchewan, noting, “We are incredibly proud to see Coach Campbell take this opportunity to gain additional coaching perspectives at the professional level, furthering his own development and the growth of our Huskie program.” Campbell’s move also highlights the strengthening relationship between the two organizations and the opportunities it creates, as Chinn added that it “continues to build upon our strong relationship with the Mamba, but also reinforces a clear pathway for our student-athletes to play professionally in the CEBL.” With a proven track record of developing student-athletes and contributing to high-performance programs, Campbell will be a valuable asset to the Mamba organization. “I am grateful to Isaiah and the Mamba organization for this tremendous opportunity. I am looking forward to welcoming the guys to the city and to working with them to get the season started,” said Campbell. The Saskatoon Mamba continue to build a coaching staff that reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence, player development, and strong Saskatchewan roots. With a blend of championship experience, continuity, and fresh perspective, the 2026 coaching staff is well-positioned to guide the Mamba in their pursuit of a CEBL title. ### 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 Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that Toronto-icon Superfan Nav Bhatia has joined the Brampton Honey Badgers as a Community Ambassador. Through this partnership, the organization will be working closely alongside the Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation to inspire youth in the community. “Working as an ambassador for Canada Basketball and the Toronto Raptors has given me the opportunity to impact our youth on a global and national scale,” said Bhatia “What the Brampton Honey Badgers represent, is an opportunity to work much closer with the youth in my own backyard with the community I grew up alongside. I am looking forward to working with the Brampton Honey Badgers and launching new community initiatives with my foundation.” As the first fan honoured in the NBA Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Nav Bhatia has quickly become a global icon for any basketball fan. You may know him as the “Toronto Raptors Superfan”, having attended every single Raptors home game besides what he was required to miss due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020-21 season. After the Raptors won their first NBA Championship in 2019, Bhatia became the first fan in history to receive an official NBA Championship ring. “Words cannot fully capture the impact Nav Bhatia has had on basketball in Canada,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “This marks a significant milestone for the Brampton Honey Badgers. Nav’s influence on the game and his connection to communities across the GTA will help elevate our organization to new heights. We are proud to work alongside Nav and engage our community.” The first initiative, titled the ‘Badgers Bench Mob’, was launched Monday, April 13 by the Brampton Honey Badgers in conjunction with the Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation - with Mayor Patrick Brown and Deputy Chief of Peel Regional Police Marc Andrews in attendance. Beginning during the 2026 season, and aimed to empower youth by providing them with a live professional basketball experience, community leaders are able to purchase and donate courtside tickets to youth in the community. “The Badger’s Bench Mob is a means to give our youth a feeling of ownership and camaraderie,” said Bhatia. “Nothing brings people together like sports. I have used basketball as a tool to bring people together my entire life, now with the Honey Badgers and the Bench Mob program, we can bring even more of the community together to rally and cheer on our team.” The program is very simple. You may donate two tickets for the entire season at a special price of only $1100, or two tickets to one game at only $110. The games you cannot attend are donated to youth in the community and a charitable tax receipt is issued by Kids Up Front. “This is a very exciting day for our organization,” said Honey Badgers Owner Leonard Asper. “Nav Bhatia is a Canadian icon and his contributions to the community and this sport have been inspiring and have changed so many lives for the better. Together, our shared values and commitment to the sport while creating opportunity for our youth is going to be a powerful combination. Having the opportunity to join forces with him is a true honour and we are thrilled to have him on our team.” ### 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 .
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the signing of American forward Tre King. Tre King played 5 years of NCAA basketball, playing three years for Eastern Kentucky , and his final two seasons with Iowa State. “I’m extremely thankful and excited to be here in Edmonton,” said King. “I can’t wait to put on a show and win a championship!” The six-foot-seven forward has spent the past two seasons competing in the NBA G League. King played the 2025-26 season with the Austin Spurs, averaging 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 38.5 per cent from three-point range. He recorded a season-high 26 points on March 1 against the Memphis Hustle, adding six rebounds and one steal. "We are very excited for Tre to make his CEBL debut with us this summer. His athleticism combined with his ability to stretch the floor makes him a unique offensive weapon. Tre is a great addition to our front court and we look forward to seeing his game grow as the season progresses!” said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Tre King will make his CEBL debut as the Stingers return to the Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Sea Bears in their home opener. ###
The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today their coaching staff for the 2026 season, adding a blend of professional, university, and international experience to the organization’s bench. Joining the Surge and Head Coach Perry Huang for the 2026 campaign are Sidney Dobner, David DeAveiro, and returning assistant coach Kenny Otieno. Otieno returns to the Surge after a strong 2025 season with the club. A former standout at the University of Alberta, he helped lead the Golden Bears to a Canada West Championship and U SPORTS national bronze medal. He most recently played for the Edmonton Stingers at the professional level. Following his playing career, Otieno transitioned into coaching with both the Edmonton Stingers and University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, where he eventually became the program’s head coach in 2023. He brings a strong foundation in player development, scouting, and defensive structure. “I’m looking forward to my secon d year with the Surge! Last year was special even though we fell short of our championship goal,” said Otieno. “I’m excited to run it back this season with a reloaded team and a great staff. We appreciate the continued support of our fans and look forward to seeing them this summer!” Dobner joins the Surge after coaching in the NBA and NBA G League system, most recently with the Stockton Kings. She previously worked within the Milwaukee Bucks organization, advancing from player development and video roles with the Wisconsin Herd before becoming the first female assistant coach in Milwaukee Bucks history in 2023. Dobner served in a developmental role during the franchise’s 2021 NBA Championship-winning season. Dobner has also worked in NBA Summer League and pre-draft environments, specializing in film breakdown, scouting, and player development. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and be part of a group that’s hungry to compete,” said Dobner. “It’s special to be back in Canada, and I’m looking forward to bringing energy, attention to detail, and a winning mindset as we build something special this season.” DeAveiro brings over two decades of coaching experience across U SPORTS, Canada Basketball, and the CEBL. He is currently the head coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold, and previously led both the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and McGill University, combining for over 400 career wins, multiple conference championships, and eight U SPORTS Final 8 appearances. At McGill, he captured five RSEQ titles and while at the University of Ottawa he set the program’s all-time wins record. Internationally, DeAveiro has coached with Canada Basketball at multiple FIBA events. He has also held multiple coaching roles in the CEBL with the Ottawa BlackJacks. In 2025, he reached his 500th U SPORTS career win, ranking among the winningest coaches in Canadian university basketball history. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Surge coaching staff and help bring a championship to the city of Calgary,” said DeAveiro. The Calgary Surge continues to prioritize building a coaching staff that reflects the organization’s core values of community, development, and competitive excellence. With a blend of continuity and new leadership, the 2026 staff is well-positioned to support the team’s pursuit of a CEBL championship. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .
The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has re-signed 6-foot-10 Canadian forward and franchise all-time leader in blocks, Jaden Bediako, for the upcoming season. The Brampton, Ontario, native returns for his third CEBL campaign after making his professional debut in 2024, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier interior performers, averaging 8.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. Across two seasons with the Rattlers, Bediako has started 96% of games. “We are thrilled to welcome Jaden back as we enter a new era as the Saskatoon Mamba,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba, “He is an elite talent with tremendous upside and a player who embodies the identity we are building.” During the 2025–26 offseason, Bediako competed internationally with Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexico, where he continued to develop against high-level professional competition. In his most recent campaign, he averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.8 per cent from the field, further establishing himself as a reliable rim protector and efficient interior scorer. His time overseas also included a stint in the NBA G League with the Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors affiliate), adding valuable experience within a high-performance development system. During his collegiate career, Bediako competed at the NCAA Division I level with Santa Clara University and Seton Hall University. He averaged 6.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over his five year collegiate career. “I’m looking forward to the season with this new identity of the Mamba and being a part of something new.” said Bediako, “Excited to get back to work and work towards a common goal!” Fans can expect Bediako to bring physicality, passion, and a hardworking mindset 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 .
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui que l’équipe a signé l’arrière Matthew Cleveland en vue de la saison 2026. L’arrière de 6 pi 7 po originaire d’Atlanta, en Géorgie, se joint à Ottawa alors qu’il évolue présentement dans la NBA G League avec le Salt Lake City Stars. Lors de la campagne 2025-2026, Cleveland a pris part à plusieurs matchs avec les Stars, poursuivant sa transition vers les rangs professionnels après une solide carrière universitaire au niveau de la NCAA Division I. L’entraîneur-chef des BlackJacks d’Ottawa, Justin Mazzulla, qui agit également comme coordonnateur vidéo adjoint avec le Jazz de l’Utah, a eu l’occasion de suivre de près le développement de Cleveland au sein du système de la G League de l’organisation. « Matthew Cleveland change la donne pour notre formation. Sa combinaison de taille, d’athlétisme et d’expérience professionnelle au sein de l’organisation du Jazz de l’Utah nous offre une arme polyvalente des deux côtés du terrain. C’est un joueur de grande qualité qui comprend ce qu’il faut pour gagner à un haut niveau et nous avons très hâte de l’accueillir à Ottawa », a déclaré James Derouin. Cleveland a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle avec le Salt Lake City Stars lors de la saison 2025-2026, où il a acquis une précieuse expérience dans la principale ligue de développement de la NBA. Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Cleveland a complété sa carrière universitaire à l’Université de Miami lors de la saison 2023-2024. En 37 matchs avec les Hurricanes, il a maintenu des moyennes de 13,7 points, 6,1 rebonds et 1,7 aide par match, tout en affichant un pourcentage de tirs de 51,7 %. Il a contribué à mener Miami à une participation au tournoi de la NCAA en jouant un rôle clé sur les deux côtés du terrain. Avant son passage à Miami, Cleveland a disputé deux saisons à Florida State, où il a eu un impact immédiat dès sa première année. Lors de la saison 2021-2022, il a été nommé à l’équipe d’étoiles des recrues de l’ACC après avoir affiché des moyennes de 11,5 points et 4,6 rebonds par match. Il a ensuite connu une solide deuxième saison, avec des moyennes de 13,8 points et 7,4 rebonds en 2022-2023, s’imposant comme l’un des ailiers les plus polyvalents de la conférence. Né le 24 septembre 2002, Cleveland a fréquenté la Pace Academy à Atlanta, en Géorgie, où il était considéré comme une recrue quatre étoiles et l’un des meilleurs espoirs de l’État. ###
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed guard Matthew Cleveland for the 2026 season. The 6-foot-7 guard from Atlanta, Georgia joins Ottawa while currently competing in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. During the 2025-26 campaign, Cleveland has appeared in multiple contests with the Stars, continuing his transition into the professional ranks following a strong collegiate career at the NCAA Division I level. Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla, who also serves as an assistant video coordinator with the Utah Jazz, has had the opportunity to closely follow Cleveland’s development within the organization’s G League system. "Matthew Cleveland is a game-changer for our roster. His combination of size, athleticism, and professional experience within the Utah Jazz organization gives us a versatile weapon on both ends of the floor. He’s a high-character guy who knows what it takes to win at a high level, and we can’t wait to get him to Ottawa." said James Derouin. Cleveland began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars during the 2025-26 season, gaining valuable experience in the NBA’s primary development league. Before turning professional, Cleveland concluded his collegiate career at the University of Miami during the 2023-24 season. Appearing in 37 games for the Hurricanes, he averaged 13.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field. He helped lead Miami to an NCAA Tournament appearance while serving as a key two-way contributor. Prior to Miami, Cleveland spent two seasons at Florida State where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. During the 2021-22 season, he earned All-ACC Freshman Team honours after averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He followed that up with a strong sophomore campaign, averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds during the 2022-23 season while establishing himself as one of the conference’s most versatile wings. Born September 24, 2002, Cleveland attended Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was regarded as a four-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the state. ###
The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that guard Evan Gilyard II has re-signed with the team for the upcoming season. Gilyard II returns to Calgary after an electrifying 2025 campaign where he established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic backcourt players. In 16 games with the Surge, the Chicago native averaged over 20 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His ability to control the tempo, create offense, and deliver in key moments made him a cornerstone of Calgary’s success. The 5’10” guard also delivered under bright lights, including a standout performance at the Scotiabank Saddledome during SURGE 2 STAMPEDE, where he set a franchise regular season scoring record with 37 points to propel the Surge to victory. Since the conclusion of the CEBL season, Gilyard II has continued to elevate his professional résumé, most recently winning the NBA G League Championship this past weekend with the Greensboro Swarm, adding a major accomplishment that underscores his ability to perform and win at a high level. “Evan is a proven playmaker and competitor who embodies the identity of our team,” said Surge General Manager Shane James. “His scoring ability and experience make him an important piece as we continue building toward a championship.” Prior to his professional career, Gilyard II attended Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois, before embarking on an impressive collegiate journey. He competed at the University of Texas at El Paso, New Mexico State, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City in the NCAA, where he earned First-Team All-Summit League honours. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Gilyard II turned pro and has built a well-traveled resume. Most recently he played in the NBA G League with the Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets affiliate), Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies affiliate), and Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors affiliate). In a March 2025 game for the Raptors 905 he erupted for a career-high 34 points in a win over the Windy City Bulls. Gilyard II has also been named as a recipient of the NBA G League Community Assist Award (2024-25), recognizing his significant impact and dedication to community service. “I’m excited to join the team for a second year and to bring more success to the organization and the Calgary community,” said Gilyard II. Known for his speed and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Gilyard II brings continuity and excitement back to the Surge lineup as the team prepares for the upcoming CEBL season. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that they have signed Montreal-native and University of Southern Mississippi alum Tegra Izay. Izay will be making his professional debut with the Honey Badgers this season after a six-year collegiate career spanning through the University of Southern Mississippi, Harcum Community College, and La Salle University. “The addition of Tegra gives us size and another physical presence,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He’s eager to start his professional career, and his work ethic and approach to the game align with our culture. We’re excited to welcome him to the Honey Badger family.” Most recently with the Golden Eagles, the seven-footer recorded two or more blocks in eight games and shot 59.5 percent from the field on the season while studying as a graduate student. In 2022, Izay transferred to Harcum Community College in JUCO where he averaged 8.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He recorded seven double-doubles on the season, putting up some monster statlines including 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting, eight rebounds, and three blocks December 17 vs. Cape Fear Community College and 13 points, 13 rebounds, and eight blocks November 1 vs. CCBC Catonsville, to name a few. “Tegra brings a relentless motor, toughness, and a team-first approach that aligns with everything we value,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He impacts the game on both ends - defending, rebounding, screening and making winning plays that don’t always show up in the box score. We’re excited about his growth and the edge he adds to our group." After Izay’s freshman season with La Salle University, he was awarded Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honour Roll, which recognizes student-athletes who achieved a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher. ### 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 .
The Saskatoon Mamba are proud to announce the return of franchise all-time leading scorer Devonté Bandoo, marking a highly anticipated homecoming for one of the most accomplished and respected players in team history. Bandoo, who previously starred with the franchise during its time as the Saskatchewan Rattlers, re-enters the organization as a cornerstone player and proven leader. His return signals a significant step forward for the Mamba as the team builds toward a competitive 2026 season. “Devonté represents everything we value as an organization — skill, leadership, and professionalism,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba. “Bringing him back to Saskatoon is not only a major addition on the court, but also a meaningful moment for the fans and community.” A native of Ontario, Canada, Bandoo developed his game at Finney High School and Westview Centennial before emerging as a standout at Hutchinson Community College. He later continued his success at Baylor University, where he earned Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2020 while competing at one of the top programs in NCAA basketball. Since turning professional, Bandoo has built an impressive resume across multiple levels of the game. In the Canadian Elite Basketball League, he has consistently performed at a high level, including averaging 16.3 points per game on 46.8% shooting and an elite 46% from three-point range during the 2024/25 season with Saskatchewan Rattlers. Across multiple seasons with the franchise, Bandoo has regularly hovered around the 16–17 points per game mark, while contributing across the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and defensive intensity. Widely regarded as one of the league’s most consistent and high-level performers, Bandoo is known for his elite perimeter shooting, basketball IQ, and ability to lead both on and off the court. As the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, his impact on the organization is already firmly established. “I’m thrilled to be back in Saskatchewan under the new organization! I’m looking forward to this next chapter and excited to bring home a championship.” said Bandoo. Fans can expect Bandoo to play a central role as the Mamba usher in a 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 .