James Derouin Promoted to General Manager and Head Coach of the Ottawa BlackJacks

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday the promotion of James Derouin to the dual role of General Manager and Head Coach for the Ottawa BlackJacks. Jevohn Shepherd has been re-signed to continue his role as the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the club. Shepherd assumed the positions of General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Ottawa BlackJacks on February 25, 2022, following one season as the General Manager with the club.

After guiding the BlackJacks to a franchise-best 12 wins in 2023, including an eight-game win streak – the second longest in league history, Derouin is set to assume increased responsibilities in 2024. He will lead the development of a comprehensive strategy for the team's basketball operations, with duties extending to players and personnel recruitment in preparation for the BlackJacks’ fifth CEBL season. Collaborating closely with Shepherd, Derouin will also continue his tenure as the team's head coach for the third consecutive season.

Derouin made his professional coaching debut with the BlackJacks on June 5, 2022, taking away the victory (86-85) against the Newfoundland Growlers. After steering Ottawa to a strong finish, winning five of the final six regular-season home games that season, Derouin re-signed as the Head Coach for the 2023 season in December 2022.

An Ottawa native, Derouin has played a key leadership role in the BlackJacks basketball operations department since February 1, 2021, where he has been working alongside Vice-President of Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd on player analysis and scouting.

With an impressive career regular season record of 201-60 (.770), Derouin solidifies his status as the most successful coach in Gee-Gees men's basketball history. He remains at the helm of the University of Ottawa men’s basketball team, currently ranked second in the country.

In 2015, Derouin joined the coaching staff of Canada Basketball's cadet national team as an assistant, winning silver at the FIBA Americas tournament. Derouin helped guide Canada to a 6-1 record and a fifth-place finish at the 2016 U17 FIBA World Championships.

The University of Ottawa basketball alumnus started playing basketball for Gloucester High School and the Gloucester Wolverines. He won a CCAA national championship with Langara College before transferring to the University of Ottawa, where he served as the team captain from 2000-2002.

Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 season seat memberships are now available and fans looking to reserve the best seats for all 10 regular season games and one potential playoff game can visit the BlackJacks website at theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships. Voucher packs are also available here and offer fans completely flexible and customizable options to attend games of their choice. For more information, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected]. 

Quotes: 

“I am truly honored and excited to embrace the dual role of General Manager and Head Coach for the Ottawa BlackJacks, allowing me to further contribute to the growth and success of our local professional basketball team. This marks a significant milestone in my professional career and a great professional development opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this journey with my BlackJacks family.  I want to express my gratitude to Jevohn Shepherd, who has laid a solid foundation for this team, for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. I would also like to take a moment to recognize the invaluable support I received from the University of Ottawa.” 

 - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club 

“As I pass the torch, I am thoroughly impressed with James's work, and there's no doubt he fully deserves this tremendous opportunity. Over the years, James has forged remarkable relationships with players and staff, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to the team. My tenure as the General Manager of the BlackJacks has been an enriching experience that contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. I am genuinely excited to remain within the organization, where I'll continue to support James and the rest of the basketball operations staff.” 

 - Jevohn Shepherd, Vice President of Basketball Operations, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club 

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About the Ottawa BlackJacks 

The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its fourth season, the BlackJacks have reached the championship semifinal three times. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca. 

About Canadian Elite Basketball League  

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 73 percent of its 2023 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. 

Social Media 

Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks 

Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks 

Instagram: ottawablackjacks 

Contact: 

Marika Guérin 

Vice President 

Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club 

[email protected]