University of Victoria Standout Smid Signs with Vancouver

The Ottawa BlackJacks kick off their seventh season in the Capital on May 12. The reigning western conference champions, the Calgary Surge, will come to town to begin our season with some healthy competition. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Our half-time performance will feature Canadian R&B singer, Xav Trudeau. Featuring songs like Til The Nights Done, Back Me Up and The Dive, this show is one you don’t want to miss. Releasing his first single in February 2025, Xav has now released five singles and one EP titled When Does It End? The young music star is set to light up the BlackJacks court alongside our dancers in between two great halves of basketball. “I’m excited to perform at the BlackJacks game. Ottawa has such great energy, so I’m looking forward to being part of that vibe, ” said Trudeau. This night will feature more than just hoops and music. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will be in attendance for the game as well Revello Williamson, a local food reviewer and influencer. The home opener will set the tone for our entire season. Good hoops, good entertainment and good company. Along with a theme for every game, you will watch electrifying half-time shows and see local influencers at each game. We want it to be an experience, and one that you will talk about for days after.  ### About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca .

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that they have signed 6’7” swingman, and current France Pro A leading scorer Landers Nolley II. Nolley II has boasted an incredible professional career through his first three years post-college, including coming off an MVP-caliber season in one of Europe’s top leagues, France’s Betclic Élite while playing with SLUC Nancy. Key players that have spent time in Betclic Élite include Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joakim Noah (former NBA MVP candidate), and many more. Through 27 games, Nolley II has posted 20.3 points (league-best), 4.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 31.7 minutes. He has been chosen twice as Player of the Week, and was selected to the Betclic Élite All-Star Game. He has scored in double-figures in 26 out of 27 games this season. “Landers is a highly efficient three-level scorer,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He brings high-level international experience, and his style of play will definitely complement our roster. We’re looking forward to welcoming Landers to the Honey Badgers family.” After going undrafted in 2023 out of the University of Cincinnati, Nolley II played with the New Orleans Pelicans at NBA Summer League and earned an Exhibit 10 contract with the team. This led to him playing 41 games with their G League affiliate, Birmingham Squadron where he recorded 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists as a starter. Nolley II has also spent time in Lebanon, Taiwan, Greece, and Venezuela. In Taiwan, he led the league in scoring at 29.1 points per game, including dropping a career-high 44 points on two occasions with the Hsinchu Lioneers. In Greece with Aris Midea, he helped get his team to a Greek Supercup Semifinals while scoring 14.1 points per game. “Landers Nolley brings a level of versatility and a high-level feel for the game,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. He has the ability to stretch the floor, create plays for others, and impact winning in a variety of ways. His experience and approach fit exactly with the standard and identity we’re building in Brampton, and we’re excited to add him to our group.” Nolley II had a very high-level and consistent collegiate career. He averaged 10+ points in all four seasons, including 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists as a freshman with Virginia Tech University in a conference including the likes of Duke, UNC, Louisville, Virginia, etc. After two seasons at the University of Memphis, he finished out his collegiate career with the University of Cincinnati with selections to the All-AAC First Team and All-AAC Tournament Team. He led the conference in three-point percentage (.417; ranked 12th in entire NCAA), and finished third in total points (606) and field goals made (213). He learned to play basketball from his father who played at LSU. Growing up, he won three state championships in high school and as he headed into university, he was selected as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year and USA Today Georgia Player of the Year. ### 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 of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the organization has signed American guard, DaJuan Gordon, for the 2026 season. Gordon joins the Mamba following a productive 2025-26 NBA G-League season with the Noblesville Boom (Indiana Pacers affiliate). The 6-foot-4 guard started 24 of 34 games, ranking fourth on his team in both total points (438) and three-point percentage (45.6%). He also reached 15+ points in 18 games this past season, accounting for more than half of his games played. He had a standout 24-point performance against the Mexico City Capitanes. “We’re excited to add DaJuan Gordon to our group. He’s the kind of player who impacts both ends of the floor every single night,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba. “He brings a high motor and a team-first mindset that aligns perfectly with what we’re building here in Saskatoon.” In addition to his offensive consistency, Gordon impacted the team on the defensive side of the ball as well, ranking third on the team in defensive rebounds (120) and fourth on the team in total steals (46). He also recorded a career-high 13 rebound performance against the Grand Rapids Gold. "I'm thankful for the space and opportunity to play for this great organization and I'm ready to compete," said Gordon. Raised in Chicago, Gordon developed his skills at Curie Metropolitan High School, becoming a highly ranked prospect across the United States, including being ranked 40th overall in ESPN’s top shooting guards of 2019. He then played collegiately in NCAA D1 for five years with Kansas State, Missouri, New Mexico State, and Texas-Arlington. Gordon averaged 9.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game over the course of five years. Due to his breakout year in 2024, Gordon was placed on the WAC All-Defensive Team and All-Conference First Team. Fans can expect Gordon to bring a gritty team mindset and relentless defensive tendencies 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 Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have signed forward Gabe Levin for the 2026 season, bringing in a player with valuable NBA G League experience with the Stockton Kings (Sacramento Kings affiliate) and a proven ability to contribute in competitive, high-level environments. Levin brings a well-rounded skillset and professional experience to Calgary, as the Surge continue to build a competitive and balanced lineup heading into the new campaign. “Gabe is a player we’re really excited about adding to our group,” said General Manager Shane James. “His ability to rebound, facilitate, and compete physically gives us another dimension on both ends of the floor.” Standing 6-foot-8, Levin is known for his toughness, rebounding ability, and offensive versatility. He can score around the basket, make plays for teammates, and defend multiple positions, making him a valuable addition to Calgary’s frontcourt. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and compete in the CEBL,” said Levin. “I’ve heard great things about the organization and the city, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the team, building chemistry, and doing whatever it takes to help us win.” Levin joins the Surge following his 2025–26 season with the Stockton Kings, where he averaged 8.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His strong presence on the glass and ability to impact the game as a playmaker highlight his value as a consistent and reliable contributor. He also played a role in Stockton’s playoff success, contributing in key moments during the team’s run to the NBA G League Finals, including a late putback finish in the Western Conference Finals to help secure the win. Levin originally signed with the Stockton Kings in 2024 after gaining professional experience overseas in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and with the South Bay Lakers (Los Angeles Lakers affiliate), continuing to develop into a dependable frontcourt presence. Levin began his collegiate career at Loyola Marymount University, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman, starting all 29 games, while leading the team in rebounding and ranking third in scoring. His performance earned him West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team honours. He later continued his college career at Long Beach State University, where he emerged as one of the top players in the Big West Conference. In his senior season, Levinscored in double figures in 23 consecutive games, averaging 18.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while ranking among the conference leaders in both categories. With Levin’s addition, the Surge continue to strengthen their roster with experienced and versatile talent as they prepare for the 2026 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 CanadianElite 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 Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed point guard Armani Chaney for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Most recently, Chaney played for the Astros de Jalisco in Mexico during the 2025–26 season, averaging 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Earlier that same season, he suited up for Depomaxx Harem Spor in Turkey, posting 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.  In 2024–25, Chaney averaged 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with the Kapfenberg Bulls in Austria, continuing to establish himself as one of the most prolific scorers in professional basketball. In the 2023–24 season with the Newfoundland Rogues, Chaney put together one of the most dominant individual campaigns in BSL history — leading the team in both points and assists while averaging 30.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 25 games. He capped the season with a career high 52-point playoff performance and was named both the 2024 BSL Most Valuable Player and a BSL First Team All-Star. “We are excited to welcome Armani to the Sea Bears,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder and a determination to help his team win that is going to be infectious for our group.” “I’m ready to get to work, and add to history here in Winnipeg,” said Chaney. Prior to his professional career, Chaney played four seasons at Tennessee State University, where he developed into one of the program’s most reliable floor generals. In his junior season (2017–18), he led the team with 111 assists and 43 steals, ranking eighth in the Ohio Valley Conference in assists per game and sixth in steals per game. He was named OVC Co-Freshman of the Week in his debut season and consistently shot above 72 percent from the free throw line throughout his collegiate career. ###

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the club has re-signed centre Kyler Filewich for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. A Winnipeg native, Filewich returns to his hometown team for his second summer with the Sea Bears. Born and raised in Winnipeg and a product of Vincent Massey High School, Filewich began his professional career with the Sea Bears during the 2025 CEBL season. He returns to the lineup having now completed his first full professional season overseas. In the 2025–26 season, Filewich played for BK Olomoucko in the Czech Republic’s Maxa NBL. He led the team in rebounding at 9.1 per game while averaging 12.0 points and 2.2 assists. Filewich set a new career-high with 23 points, adding 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and shooting 68.8 percent from the field in a win over Slavia Praha, and also recorded a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds in a victory over Dubrava. “It is great to get Kyler back for his second summer with the team,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “We look forward to seeing the progress he has made after his first full season of professional basketball. He plays with a strong physical presence and we are excited to continue working with him this summer.” “Excited and grateful for the opportunity to be back in Winnipeg for another season,” said Filewich. “I’m ready to keep working and do whatever I can to help the team win this summer.” Filewich’s collegiate career spanned five seasons across Southern Illinois University and Wofford College. At Wofford, he was a three-year starter who saved his best for last — in his final season (2024–25), he averaged 11.7 points and led the team with 9.2 rebounds per game, earning SoCon Tournament MVP, First Team All-Tournament, and All-SoCon Third Team honours, as well as the CSC Academic All-District award. He helped lead Wofford to an NCAA Tournament berth in March 2025 (March Madness) and set the Division I program record with 21 career double-doubles. Filewich was also named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team at Southern Illinois, where he ranked second in rebounding among MVC freshmen. Don't miss your chance to see hometown product Kyler Filewich live — single game tickets are on sale now. ###

The Scarborough Shooting Stars announced today the signing of Canadian guard Kellen Tynes for the 2026 season. Tynes, a 6’3 guard from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, brings elite perimeter defence, high-level NCAA experience, and strong two-way versatility to Scarborough’s backcourt. Widely regarded as one of the top defensive guards in college basketball during his NCAA career, Tynes is known for his on-ball pressure, transition speed, and ability to disrupt opposing offences. Tynes joins the Shooting Stars following a season in the NBA G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, where he continued his development after a strong collegiate career as a defensive standout. Tynes completed a five-year NCAA career across Montana State Bobcats and the University of Maine Black Bears, where he became one of the most decorated defenders in the America East Conference. During the 2023–24 season, Tynes started 31 games for Maine and was named America East Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He also earned America East Third Team All-Conference honours and was a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award, given annually to the top defensive player in NCAA Division I basketball. He averaged 12.6 points, 3.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game, while leading the conference with 70 steals. Tynes recorded four or more steals in seven games and posted a season-high 26 points against Holy Cross. In the 2022–23 season, he became the first player in Maine program history to win America East Defensive Player of the Year after leading all of NCAA Division I with 98 steals. He also averaged 14.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, earning America East Third Team All-Conference honours. Before college, Tynes starred at Rothesay Netherwood School, where he was a multiple-time National Preparatory Association Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. He also represented Canada at the U23 level and was selected twice to the BioSteel All-Canadian Game, highlighting him as one of the country’s top young talents. Tynes’ elite defensive instincts, high motor, and ability to impact winning on both ends of the floor make him a significant addition to Scarborough’s roster. His experience guarding top NCAA competition and transitioning into the professional game positions him as a key contributor heading into the 2026 CEBL season. With Tynes joining the lineup, Scarborough continues to strengthen its identity with high-character Canadian talent ready to compete at the professional level. ###

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed guard Davion Warren for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Warren arrives in Winnipeg following a standout run with the BHC Knights in the Mongolian MBL, where he averaged 26.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game that led to his selection as the Best International Player of the 2025-26 MBA season. Prior to that, he spent the 2024–25 season with the Guangzhou Long Lions in China, posting 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in 27.5 minutes. Warren brings proven CEBL experience to Winnipeg, having previously suited up for the Edmonton Stingers in the 2023–24 season where he averaged 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. That same year, Warren spent time with the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League, shooting 52 percent from the field and recording a standout 34-point, 13-rebound, 6-assist performance in. “We are excited about Davion joining us for this season,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He is a proven two-way player capable of impacting the game at both ends of the floor including creating offense for himself and others.” Warren’s collegiate career spanned three schools, culminating at Texas Tech in 2021–22 where he averaged 9.4 points and led the team with 53 total steals, scoring double figures in 19 games including a season-high 23 against Kansas State. He helped Tech to a second-place Big 12 Tournament finish and a third-place ranking in the NCAA Tournament. At Hampton University, Warren was one of the nation’s most decorated players, earning Big South Player of the Year, Big South First Team All-Conference, BCSN All-American, HBCU All-Star Team, and BoxToRow Co-National Player of the Year honours while ranking 13th nationally in scoring at 21.2 points per game. He finished his collegiate career with 1,944 points. Warren started his College career with Olney Central College where he was awarded the MVP of Conference first team. ### 

The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed 6-foot-10 Canadian forward Markus Harding for the upcoming 2026 season. The Toronto, Ontario product joins the Mamba following an impactful 2025–26 campaign with Indiana State University, where he started 72 percent of his games and established himself as a reliable presence in the frontcourt. Harding finished the season tied for third on the team in blocks (0.5 per game), using his length and physicality to protect the rim and compete on the glass. “Markus gives us size, athleticism, and a strong interior presence,” said Isaish Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba. “He does the little things that help teams win—rebounding, defending, and playing with toughness on every possession.” In addition to his defensive contributions, Harding played a steady role offensively, totaling 160 points (7.3 per game) while shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field. His ability to finish around the basket and make smart decisions made him a dependable option within Indiana State’s system. Harding’s journey to the professional level reflects both development and consistency. After attending Toronto Basketball Academy, he began his collegiate career at Eastern Florida State College before moving on to the NCAA Division I level with Central Michigan and later Indiana State. Across his six-year collegiate career, Harding started 75 percent of his 148 games played, averaging 7.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game—demonstrating his steady production and all-around impact.  Harding expressed excitement about beginning his professional career in Saskatoon. “Can’t wait to be out there representing the Mamba,” he said. Fans can expect Harding to bring a high-level of physicality and toughness 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.