Alliance battle back to snap 5-game losing streak against Sea Bears
July 6, 2024
Myles Dichter
Two streaks were snapped on Friday in Montreal.
The Alliance beat the Sea Bears 80-73 at Verdun Auditorium to erase a five-game win drought, while Winnipeg suffered its first loss in five contests.
Montreal improves to 4-10 with its first victory since June 16, while Winnipeg falls to 7-6 after its first defeat since the same date.
“We wanna build on this,” Alliance guard Ahmed Hill, who scored a game-high 31 points, said. “We just went 0-5 so now we can try to get 5-0. We just want to build, have a lot of confidence, have our fans come in here and we just want to light it up on (August) 9.”
On the court on which Championship Weekend will be held, Montreal and Winnipeg provided a back-and-forth battle in which both teams saw leads evaporate.
The Alliance led by as many as 15 points in the first quarter and held a 32-18 advantage at the end of 10 minutes.
Ever so slowly, though, the Sea Bears chipped away, narrowing the gap to nine points at halftime and, on the back of its stingy defence, taking a lead of its own into the fourth quarter.
Winnipeg stretched its advantage as large as six, but Montreal responded right back to go up 71-68 in Target Score Time.
“Our main thing was to just stay poised, not get rattled, because that’s when things start to snowball,” Hill said.
Alliance guard Jordan Bowden showed that poise not long after, faking a dribble handoff above the arc and diving to the basket for the winning layup.
For Montreal, whose five-game losing streak did not include a loss greater than eight points – including a one-point defeat against Ottawa on Thursday — the victory may have provided a sigh of relief more than anything that it could close tight games.
“We fought, which was great. Coming off a back-to-back, team sitting here waiting for us, having scouted us really well. To come out and compete like that, it’s impressive,” Alliance head coach Derrick Alston Sr., said.
Bowden, Montreal’s leading scorer for the season, took a step back in this game and acted more as a distributor with six points, six rebounds and eight assists.
Instead, it was Hill who made six of his nine three-pointers to pace Montreal. But Alston Sr., said Hill’s biggest contribution may have been off the court.
“All week he’s just been so positive, and in the locker room today he was amazing, just the way he was talking in the huddles, not letting the guys get down on themselves and basically refusing to lose,” he said.”
Forward Chris Smith added 18 points on the strength of 11 free-throw attempts, of which he converted nine.
Despite sitting last in the Eastern Conference, the Alliance already know they’ll be in the semifinals playing at home as hosts of Championship Weekend.
A win over the surging Sea Bears may provide confidence that that automatic spot is more than just a courtesy.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, finds itself in a tight race just to book a return visit to Montreal amid the loaded Western Conference, as both Calgary and Saskatchewan lurk.
The Sea Bears, whose winning streak came fully at home, dropped to 1-5 on the road with Friday’s loss.
“We’ve played several games in a row at home and we knew that Montreal has a great environment here in Verdun Auditorium, great fans and great support, lots of energy,” head coach Mike Taylor said. “We knew the [Alliance] would be really motivated after some of the slow results lately, so we expected the team to jump on us and they did.”
Two nights after going off for 34 points, Justin Wright-Foreman managed just 16 on six-for-22 shooting. Emmanuel Akot and Mason Bourcier added 15 and 13 points, respectively, off the bench.
Wright-Foreman expressed frustration with the officiating but said blame for the loss ultimately lay with the team.
“I feel like we just missed shots. I feel like we just weren’t in rhythm to start the game and again I don’t wanna say it was this fault, that fault. It was mostly our fault because we dug ourselves that hole,” he said. “We’re the ones that control our emotions, we can control some of the things that we can personally do with our talent, so I just feel like we didn’t do that today and all the outside stuff got to us.”
The next task for the Sea Bears is to begin a new winning streak – and, eventually, get back to Montreal.
What’s next?
Both teams are back in action on Thursday when Winnipeg visits former teammate Teddy Allen and the Saskatchewan Rattlers while Montreal heads to East-leading Niagara.
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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 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
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The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with point guard Xavier Moon for the 2026 season. Moon (6-2; Morehead State; born January 2, 1995, in Goodwater, AL) is a three-time Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Player of the Year and brings elite scoring, playmaking ability, and professional experience from international leagues, the CEBL, and the NBA. The Goodwater, Alabama native played two seasons at Northwest Florida State College, helping the program win the National Junior College Championship. He later transferred to Morehead State, where he played two seasons and averaged 16.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his senior year, earning First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honours. "I believe adding Xavier to our organization brings tremendous value both on and off the court. He’s a proven winner and someone who has shown he can excel in this league and at the NBA level,” said Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He’s a true professional who understands the importance of our community and our fans, and we’re confident the impact he makes off the court will be just as significant as what he brings on it." Moon has spent time overseas, in North American pro leagues, and across multiple seasons in the CEBL. In 2021, he averaged a league-leading 23.1 points per game on his way to a third straight Player of the Year award and All-CEBL First Team recognition. That season included a 39-point performance, which stood as the CEBL single-game scoring record at the time. 2026 season tickets are now on sale starting at just $27 per game and can be purchased at www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce John Ross as assistant general manager. John has spent the better part of the past two decades working in basketball, highlighted by over 14 years with the Portland Trail Blazers and more recently as an assistant coach with the Western Conference Champion Calgary Surge in 2025. With Portland, John worked as a video coordinator with both the coaching and scouting staff. He played a pivotal role in the organization's 2009-2011 stretch of playoff appearances, and also their rebuild starting with the draft acquisitions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This backcourt duo was the catalyst for eight consecutive playoff appearances between 2014-2021, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019. “Basketball is one of my deepest passions, and I am very grateful to be able to continue my career in this game with the Honey Badgers,” said Ross. “I could not be more excited to work alongside Al [Whitley] and Jermaine [Anderson] to help put together a team that will not only excel on the court, but also in the Peel and Brampton community.” Since moving on from the Trail Blazers in 2022, John has expanded his work experience to both coaching, and teaching. As an assistant coach with the Calgary Surge in 2025, he helped lift the Surge to their second finals appearance in franchise history, after posting a 17-7 record on the season. In terms of teaching, John founded an organization called GET IN THE GAME 101, an educational resource designed to assist young adults in answering the question “What do I do to get a job in the NBA?”. Here, John provides his insights into what it takes to move your career into the biggest stage that basketball has to offer. You can follow his substack here to read more. Beyond basketball, John is a humanitarian, serving at-risk children for over a decade in Zimbabwe and making multiple visits to Ukraine to support refugee relief. “John’s high-level experience, combined with his understanding of what it means to help others, fits with what we are looking for in our organization,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are excited to have John assist in leading our basketball operations staff going forward and are confident that he is going to help us in promoting selflessness and winning.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### 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 Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are proud to announce Saud Juman as the team's new president. Saud is a highly experienced business leader and executive, bringing over two decades of expertise in scaling businesses, cultivating successful cultures, and leading high-performance teams. Notably, as the founder, president, and CEO of Policy Medical, he developed the first healthcare policy management software, which was adopted by more than 3000 U.S. hospitals. Saud successfully guided the company from its bootstrap beginnings for 18 years to a successful acquisition. Following his exit from the company in 2018, Saud channeled his leadership skills into professional basketball, where he served as the assistant coach & head of player development for the Niagara River Lions, contributing to the team's success both on and off the court during their 2025 CEBL Championship run. “Saud offers a unique combination of executive rigor, people-focused leadership, and extensive basketball knowledge, specializing in the creation of systems and cultures that deliver wins - in business and in the community,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are incredibly excited and fortunate to welcome Saud to the Brampton Honey Badgers as the franchise embarks on a new chapter of basketball in the Peel Region and across Canada.” Furthermore, Saud’s commitment to basketball is matched by his dedication to positive community impact through his family’s foundation, which provides funding for youth grassroots programs. “It’s a new era for Honey Badger’s basketball and I am humbled to be a part of this exciting team,” said Juman. “I look forward to approaching this role with the discipline and commitment to winning on and off the court, while forging deep connections in Brampton and the Peel community.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### 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 .
Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular has been named a recipient of a 2025 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Award, announced by the Government of B.C. on Tuesday. The annual awards celebrate people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in promoting multiculturalism, anti-racism and intercultural understanding. Nearly 50 people and organizations were nominated for 2025 awards, recognizing contributions to building inclusive communities. In addition to Kular, three people and one organization are also receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia. “These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.” Kular was named a recipient of the “Breaking Barriers” award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities. “It is an honour to receive this recognition from the Government of B.C . This award truly reflects the collective efforts of our entire organization,” said Kular. “Our team ownership group provides the leadership that empowers our organization to build and foster meaningful change. The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are committed to continue breaking barriers and connecting communities across B.C. through the sport of basketball.” Under Kular’s leadership in 2025, which saw him earn CEBL Executive of the Year honours for a league-record third time, the Vancouver Bandits led efforts in building inclusive communities through sports and partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse populations across the province. Through partnerships and initiatives through the Bandits Community Foundation , such as the Indigenous Basketball Collective , in collaboration with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC) and the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Kular and the Bandits worked to address systemic barriers and foster meaningful engagement, particularly for individuals with intersecting identities and those in remote areas. “Advancing anti-racism and intercultural trust requires courage, collaboration and commitment,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “These honourees demonstrate all three values through their actions every day. Their efforts to break down barriers and amplify marginalized voices are making a real difference in schools, workplaces and communities across B.C. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and inspired by the positive change they continue to drive.” The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards are part of the government’s broader efforts to counter hate and racism by celebrating and empowering local, community-based advocates. Since launching in 2008, more than 60 individuals and organizations have been honoured. Other initiatives include: an anti-hate community support fund that supports marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network that connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, which provide funding to support projects that tackle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding throughout the province the Racist Incident Helpline, which partners with local organizations to connect people who have experienced racism with resources to help them heal
The Montreal Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicolas Lesage as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the professional Montreal-based team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in professional sports, sponsorship, media, and major event operations, Lesage joins the organization at a pivotal time in its development. In his role as COO, Lesage will oversee day-to-day operations and help guide the Alliance’s strategic direction, strengthening the club’s internal structure and supporting the continued growth of professional basketball in Montreal. “I’m very happy to return to the sports world with an organization that’s rising fast,” said Nicolas Lesage. “Sports have always been part of my professional DNA, and I’m excited to help the Alliance establish its place in Montreal’s sports landscape.” A Proven Leader in Sports, Media, and Entertainment Over the course of his career, Lesage has held key leadership roles within major sports and cultural organizations, including the Montreal Alouettes, RDS/Bell Media, Groupe Juste pour rire (Groupe CH), Productions Podium, as well as communications and marketing roles at Cossette and Carat – Créativité Média, where he gained extensive experience in media strategy and integrated advertising solutions. His expertise includes building and integrating strategic and financial frameworks, directing sponsorship portfolios, developing operational infrastructures, and leading brand transformation initiatives. Among his notable achievements are the redevelopment of the Alouettes’ visual identity and the implementation of a sponsorship and marketing framework at Centre 21.02. A Shared Vision for the Future “Nicolas’s experience in professional sports, along with his expertise in sponsorships and media sales, made him the obvious choice for this role,” said Mark Weightman, Governor of the Montreal Alliance. “The success of our previous collaborations will allow us to be effective quickly, and I look forward to working with him again.” Lesage added “Mark and I share a clear vision for the future of the organization, and with strong support from ownership, I believe we can achieve our goals and have a meaningful impact on the community.” About Nicolas Lesage A respected leader in the Canadian sports and entertainment industry, Nicolas Lesage specializes in commercial strategy, partnership development, and operational leadership. He supports organizations through his consulting practice, NLPS, and has been actively involved in various community initiatives over the years, including the Montreal Alouettes Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie, and minor league baseball (LBAVR). ###
L’Alliance de Montréal annonce la nomination de Nicolas Lesage au poste de chef des opérations (COO) de l’équipe professionnelle montréalaise de la Ligue Élite Canadienne de Basketball (LECB). Fort de plus de 25 ans d’expérience à des postes de leadership dans le domaine du sport professionnel, des commandites, des médias et de l’événementiel, Lesage se joint à l’organisation à un moment charnière de son développement. À titre de COO, il supervisera les opérations quotidiennes et contribuera à orienter la stratégie globale de l’Alliance, tout en renforçant la structure interne du club afin de soutenir la croissance continue du basketball professionnel à Montréal. « Je suis très heureux de faire un retour dans le sport auprès d’une organisation en croissance », souligne Nicolas Lesage. « Le sport a toujours fait partie de mon ADN professionnel et je suis ravi d’aider l’Alliance à établir sa place dans le paysage sportif de Montréal. » Un leader reconnu dans le milieu sportif, médiatique et du divertissement Au cours de sa carrière, Lesage a occupé des rôles clés au sein d’importantes organisations sportives et culturelles, notamment les Alouettes de Montréal, RDS/Bell Média, le Groupe Juste pour rire (Groupe CH), Productions Podium, ainsi que dans le secteur des communications et du marketing au sein de Cossette et Carat - Créativité Média, où il a acquis une vaste expérience en stratégie média et en solutions publicitaires intégrées. Son expertise couvre l’élaboration de structures stratégiques et financières, la direction de portefeuilles de commandites, le développement d’infrastructures opérationnelles et la gestion de transformations de marque. Parmi ses réalisations notables figurent la refonte de l’identité visuelle des Alouettes et la mise en place d’une structure de marketing et de commandite au Centre 21.02. Une vision commune pour l’avenir « L’expérience de Nicolas dans le sport professionnel, ainsi que son expertise en commandites et en ventes médiatiques, en fait le choix évident pour ce rôle », a déclaré Mark Weightman, gouverneur de l’Alliance de Montréal. « De plus, le succès de nos collaborations antérieures nous permettra d’être efficaces rapidement, et je me réjouis de travailler à nouveau avec lui. » Lesage ajoute : « Mark et moi partageons une vision claire et ambitieuse de l’orientation que nous souhaitons donner à l’organisation et, avec le soutien des propriétaires, nous sommes convaincus que nous pouvons atteindre nos objectifs et avoir un impact significatif sur la communauté. » À propos de Nicolas Lesage Leader respecté dans l’industrie canadienne du sport et du divertissement, Nicolas Lesage se spécialise en stratégie commerciale, développement de partenariats et direction opérationnelle. Il appuie diverses organisations par l’entremise de sa pratique de consultation, NLPS, et s’est impliqué au fil des années dans plusieurs initiatives communautaires, notamment la Fondation des Alouettes de Montréal, la Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l’AVC, le Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie et le baseball de ligue mineure (LBAVR). ###
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that Rhéanne Marcoux will be joining the organization as Chief Brand and Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2026. An alum of Red River College and the University of Winnipeg, Rhéanne has had a progressive and distinguished career in broadcast journalism, sports marketing and as an entrepreneur with her own creative agency. She’s worked with Radio Canada, True North Sports and Entertainment and has spent the past 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, most recently as Vice President Marketing and Communications for the 112th Grey Cup. In this newly created executive role, Rhéanne will be responsible for leading the Sea Bears’ overall brand strategy, fan and guest experience, marketing, and community engagement. She will oversee the development of integrated campaigns, in-venue and digital experiences, and partnerships that deepen the connection between the Sea Bears and fans across Manitoba and beyond. “Rhéanne brings a rare combination of strategic brand insight and a deep understanding of what makes live sports unforgettable,” said David Asper, Chair and CEO of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. “As we continue to grow our fan base and our impact in the community, her leadership will be critical in shaping how people experience Sea Bears basketball – not just on game day, but every day of the year.” As Chief Brand and Experience Officer, Rhéanne will work closely with the executive team, basketball operations, and business partners to ensure every touchpoint with the Sea Bears organization reflects the team’s values, energy, and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. “Stepping into this role feels incredibly meaningful. The Sea Bears have ignited something special in our city, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of that story,” said Rhéanne. “Winnipeg fans bring a level of passion and pride that is truly unmatched, and I’m looking forward to building on experiences that honour that spirit.” ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui que le club a renouvelé le contrat de James Derouin, qui occupera le poste de directeur général de l’équipe pour la saison 2026. Derouin entamera sa deuxième saison comme directeur général à temps plein des BlackJacks après avoir aidé Ottawa à terminer au deuxième rang du classement de la saison régulière de la Conférence de l’Est et à atteindre les demi-finales de conférence en 2025. « Je suis reconnaissant d’avoir l’occasion de revenir et d’aider à faire progresser cette organisation », a déclaré Derouin. « Mon objectif est clair : bâtir une équipe de championnat pour cette ville, renforcer notre engagement auprès de la communauté et collaborer étroitement avec notre nouveau groupe propriétaire afin d’offrir une formation de grande qualité qui reflète notre vision commune de l’excellence. Cet endroit est spécial, et je suis déterminé à tout mettre en œuvre pour ramener un titre ici. » La saison 2026 de la LECB marque la sixième année de Derouin au sein de l’organisation des BlackJacks, lui qui a également occupé les postes d’entraîneur-chef du club et de directeur de la stratégie et de l’analytique basketball depuis son arrivée en 2021. « Nous sommes fiers d’accueillir James de nouveau au sein de notre organisation, a déclaré Jason Winters, président des BlackJacks. Grâce à son leadership, nous franchirons des étapes audacieuses pour bâtir une formation de calibre championnat tout en élargissant notre impact dans la communauté — en développant des programmes de basketball pour les jeunes, en créant des occasions pour les jeunes athlètes et en inspirant la prochaine génération de joueurs, tant sur le terrain qu’à l’extérieur. » Originaire d’Ottawa, Derouin est l’entraîneur-chef de l’équipe masculine de basketball des Gee-Gees de l’Université d’Ottawa depuis juin 2010 et il est l’entraîneur le plus victorieux de l’histoire du programme. Cette saison, il a mené le groupe à une fiche de 5-2 en matchs de OUA et à une septième place dans la plus récente édition du Top 10 de USPORTS. La saison 2026 des BlackJacks d’Ottawa débute en mai 2026. Les abonnements de saison pour la campagne 2026 sont maintenant disponibles en ligne à theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/season-seat-memberships . À propos des BlackJacks d'Ottawa Première franchise d'expansion de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), les BlackJacks d’Ottawa sont une équipe professionnelle masculine de basketball qui évolue à l’Arena de la Place TD. Le club est engagé envers l’excellence tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors, et vise à inspirer la fierté communautaire, à encourager le développement de la relève et à offrir une expérience inégalée à ses partisans. Pour plus d'informations, visitez le site theblackjacks.ca .
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the club has re-signed James Derouin to a contract which will see him serve as general manager of the team for the 2026 season. Derouin will be entering his second season as the full-time general manager of the BlackJacks after he helped lead Ottawa to a second place finish in the Eastern Conference’s regular season standings and an appearance in the conference semifinals in 2025. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to return and help lead this organization forward,” said Derouin. “My focus is clear: build a championship team for this city, deepen our engagement with the community, and work closely with our new ownership group to deliver a high-quality roster that reflects our shared vision for excellence. This is a special place, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to bring a title home." The 2026 CEBL campaign will mark Derouin’s sixth with the BlackJacks organization having also served as the club’s head coach and Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics since joining the staff in 2021. "We are proud to welcome James back to our organization,” said BlackJacks President Jason Winters. “With his leadership, we will take bold steps to build a championship-caliber roster while simultaneously expanding our impact in the community—growing youth basketball programs, creating opportunities for young athletes, and inspiring the next generation of players both on and off the court.” An Ottawa native, Derouin has served as head coach of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men’s basketball team since June 2010 and is the winningest coach in program history. This season, he has led the group to a 5-2 record in OUA play and a number seven ranking in the latest iteration of the USPORTS Top 10 rankings. The Ottawa BlackJacks’ 2026 season begins in May 2026. Season seat packages for the 2026 campaign are now available online at theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships . 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 .