Winnipeg Sea Bears Invite Local Talents Luke and Nyagudi to Training Camp

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 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.

The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are proud to announce the re-signing of Jamir Chaplin, who makes his long awaited return to the basketball court after a season ending injury in Saskatchewan during the 2025 CEBL season. The Norcross, Georgia local returns for his second CEBL campaign after making a significant impact in 2025, where he immediately became a focal point of any team he played against, averaging 17.8 points and 1.3 assists per game, while shooting 41 per cent from the field. Chaplin also started all 10 of his games played. He quickly became a fan favourite and a main contributor to the team. “Jamir’s return to Saskatoon is a big addition for us,” said Head Coach Isaiah Fox. “He’s a proven scorer and competitor, and we’re excited to have his energy and leadership back in the lineup.” Prior to his professional career, Chaplin spent five years in the NCAA Division I with South Florida and Little Rock, where he consistently performed at a high level. In his breakout 2024 season, Chaplin averaged 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, displaying his high level of potential and skill. This elite level of play resulted in him being placed on the OVC All-Newcomer Team, All-OVC First Team, and NABC All-District (18) Second Team. “I´'m super excited to be joining the Mamba family, and to be coming to Saskatoon to play again. Can't wait to compete,” said Chaplin. Fans can expect Chaplin to bring experience, scoring, and a renewed sense of urgency 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) announced today the signing and return of Canadian forward Deon Ejim for the upcoming 2026 season. Ejim returns to Calgary after spending the previous CEBL season with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (now Saskatoon Mamba), where he appeared in 15 games, shooting at a consistent rate from the field and beyond the arc. His return to the Surge sets him up to bring a physical presence alongside his capability to shoot from anywhere on the court. “We’re thrilled to welcome Deon back to Calgary,” said General Manager Shane James. “He understands what it means to be part of this organization—both on and off the court. His physicality, shooting ability, and commitment to the community make him a valuable piece as we push toward another championship run.” Since the conclusion of the 2025 CEBL season, the Toronto native has continued his international career with Kobrat in Finland, where he is averaging 26.2 minutes, 8.5 points, and 6.1 rebounds a game–establishing himself as a trustworthy and consistent starter with the club. Ejim was drafted 18th overall in the 2023 CEBL draft and played a significant role in helping the team make the CEBL Championship Finals in their first season in Calgary. Averaging 4.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game and starting five of his 18 games played, solidified him as a trustworthy and strong player at the professional level. During his time in Calgary, Ejim took part in countless community events and showed his passion to support and motivate the younger generation. “I’m excited to join the Surge family again!” said Ejim, “We had an amazing run that first year… but the only thing left to do is to finish what we started! Our fans deserve it! Surgin’ N Purgin.’” Prior to his professional career, Ejim spent his five years of eligibility with the Illinois-Chicago Flames, Lewis University Flyers, and St. Francis Xavier University X-Men, where he developed his skills and gained valuable experience. In his final two years with St. Francis Xavier University, Ejim averaged 13.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game–helping lead the X-Men to a Nationals appearance and a silver medal in 2022-23, while a year later reaching the AUS Championship final and being awarded silver in 2023-24. The Calgary Surge tip off their 2026 CEBL season this spring. Additional roster announcements and schedule details will be shared in the coming weeks. Single-game tickets for the Calgary Surge’s “OVERDRIVE” season are now available to the general public. Visit calgarysurge.ca/single-game-tickets for more details. ### 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 Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the signing of Canadian forward Abdul Mohamed. Mohamed is an experienced athlete and spent the 2025-26 season competing for the BK Kongsberg Miners in the BLNO (Basketligaen Norge) in Norway, where he averaged 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 steals in 34.4 minutes across 39 games. “Playing in the CEBL again this summer is truly an honor, and something I don’t take for granted! This is a growing league with unbelievable potential and I’m very fortunate to be able to represent the Edmonton Stingers for this upcoming season! Edmonton has a rich history of success in this league, and what made me excited to represent them is the opportunity to continue that tradition. Coach Baker is someone who is well respected in this league as a player and now as a coach, and I’m fired up to learn from him throughout this summer!” said Mohamed.  “Another reason that made it easy to choose Edmonton would have to be playing alongside Nick Hornsby again! I’ve had the privilege of doing that my first year professionally in Germany, and now it’s going to be a cool feeling doing it later in my career!” Mohamed continues. The six-foot-seven forward has spent three seasons competing in the NCAA, playing 15 games for North Texas Mean Green, and 58 games for the Montana State Fighting Bobcats where he finished his collegiate career. In 2021, Mohamed signed his first CEBL contract with the Montreal Alliance, and from there went on to play professionally overseas with teams in Germany, England, and Norway. "Abdul was an impact player in Montréal last summer with the Alliance. His length, athleticism, and versatility allow him to impact the game in so many ways. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and always brings a certain type of intensity to the court. We are excited to welcome him to Edmonton!" said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Mohamed is set to make his CEBL return when the Stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. ###

The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the signing of Canadian forward Abdul Mohamed. Mohamed is an experienced athlete and spent the 2025-26 season competing for the BK Kongsberg Miners in the BLNO (Basketligaen Norge) in Norway, where he averaged 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 steals in 34.4 minutes across 39 games. “Playing in the CEBL again this summer is truly an honor, and something I don’t take for granted! This is a growing league with unbelievable potential and I’m very fortunate to be able to represent the Edmonton Stingers for this upcoming season! Edmonton has a rich history of success in this league, and what made me excited to represent them is the opportunity to continue that tradition. Coach Baker is someone who is well respected in this league as a player and now as a coach, and I’m fired up to learn from him throughout this summer!” said Mohamed. “Another reason that made it easy to choose Edmonton would have to be playing alongside Nick Hornsby again! I’ve had the privilege of doing that my first year professionally in Germany, and now it’s going to be a cool feeling doing it later in my career!” Mohamed continues. The six-foot-seven forward has spent three seasons competing in the NCAA, playing 15 games for North Texas Mean Green, and 58 games for the Montana State Fighting Bobcats where he finished his collegiate career. In 2021, Mohamed signed his first CEBL contract with the Montreal Alliance, and from there went on to play professionally overseas with teams in Germany, England, and Norway. "Abdul was an impact player in Montréal last summer with the Alliance. His length, athleticism, and versatility allow him to impact the game in so many ways. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and always brings a certain type of intensity to the court. We are excited to welcome him to Edmonton!" said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Mohamed is set to make his CEBL return when the Stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. ###

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed forward Kevin Cross Jr. for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Cross Jr. arrives in Winnipeg off back-to-back stints in China. Most recently, he played for the Tianjin Pioneers in the 2025–26 season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Earlier in 2025, he played for Hunan Changsha, posting 24.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Prior to his time in China, Cross Jr. played for Zonkeys de Tijuana in 2025, averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. In the 2024–25 NBA G League season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. He also played in the 2024–25 NBA Summer League with the Charlotte Hornets and signed with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany’s BBL in 2023–24. Cross Jr. has also represented his country on the international stage, suiting up for the United States at the World University Games in Chengdu, China, where he helped the team earn a bronze medal. “Kevin is an experienced and versatile forward who can help us at multiple positions,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He brings toughness, playmaking and versatility to our group this summer.” "I hear that Winnipeg has some of the best fans in the CEBL. I'm excited to be a part of the culture and bring home a lot of wins," Cross Jr. said. Cross Jr. played five collegiate seasons across the University of Nebraska and Tulane University. At Nebraska in 2019–20, he ranked fifth among all Big Ten true freshmen in rebounding and seventh in scoring, appearing in all 32 games. At Tulane from 2020–24, he developed into one of the American Athletic Conference’s top forwards — earning AAC Most Improved Player of the Year and All-AAC Third Team honours in 2021–22, where he ranked first in the AAC in field goal percentage (.520) and first in defensive rebounds (5.85 per game). In 2022–23, he broke Tulane’s AAC semifinals record with 24 points and 13 rebounds against Wichita State, earning AAC Third Team All-Conference and NABC All-District 24 honours. He capped his collegiate career in 2023–24 averaging 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. ###

The Vancouver Bandits announced Tuesday that the club has signed University of Victoria Vikes standout and former U SPORTS national champion Shadynn Smid for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A 6-foot-7 forward from Duncan, B.C., Smid has spent the last four years playing post-secondary basketball with the University of Victoria. He helped lead the Vikes to a U SPORTS Final 8 appearance in each of his four years with the program, a run that included three Canada West conference champions and a U SPORTS national championship in 2024-25. Smid was one of 40 men’s basketball student-athletes invited to the 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. The signing marks Smid’s first-ever professional contract and he will join the club for 2026 Training Camp, commencing on Tuesday, May 5. “Shadynn is a rare combination of elite athleticism and growing skill. He was one of the best players in Canada and we think he can impact winning for us right away,” said head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius. “Shadynn is an explosive athlete who brings a relentless motor every time he steps on the floor. He embodies our team’s culture and we are excited to get to work with him.” He started 25 of 26 games in the 2025-26 season, averaging 13.4 points and pulling down a team-high 5.6 rebounds per game en route to earning Canada West Second Team All-Star honours. Prior to his post-secondary career, Smid attended Cowichan (now Quw’utsun) Secondary. Internationally, Smid represented Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games where he competed in 3x3 basketball. As part of the CEBL’s long-standing partnership with U SPORTS, Canadian men’s basketball student-athletes can be signed to CEBL Developmental Player Contracts therefore retaining a student-athlete’s post-secondary eligibility. 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. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL regular season on Thursday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. PT 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. 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 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 .