CEBL NEWS ARTICLES

The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’8 Canadian forward Cole Long ahead of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Long is currently competing with the Newcastle Eagles of the British Super League Basketball (SLB), for a second consecutive season where he’s averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. “We are very excited to welcome Cole to Niagara. Cole is a high level basketball player who will bring us great size, versatility, and shooting,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “He is a 4 man who can stretch the floor, put the ball on the ground, and has a great basketball IQ. I believe he will be a great fit, basketball and culture wise!” During the 2024–25 season, Long emerged as one of Newcastle’s most reliable perimeter threats, leading the Eagles in three-point shooting averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc while establishing himself as a consistent floor spacer within their system. Long’s professional career began when he was selected by the Guelph Nighthawks in the 2021 CEBL U SPORTS Draft. Although an injury sidelined him for that season, he returned the following year and was selected third overall by the Newfoundland Growlers, earning the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team in St. John’s for the 2022 CEBL Season. Long went on to gain international experience with Tromso Storm (2022–23) of the Norwegian Basketball League (BLNO) and KFUM Nassjo (2023–24) part of the Basketliegan in Sweden. Long began his collegiate career at the University of Detroit Mercy (2016–2019), where he appeared in 79 games for the Titans. During his time with the program, he had 24 starts and averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds with 33 blocks and 21 steals overall, while earning recognition in the classroom as a three-time Detroit Mercy Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection. Following his time in Detroit, Long returned to his home province of Newfoundland to attend Memorial University, where he continued his academic studies pursuing a Masters degree in Kinesiology while competing with the Seahawks. “I’m very happy to be joining Niagara and be a part of the winning culture. Excited to join you all in May for another great season” said Long. Long now joins the River Lions as the club continues to build its roster for the 2026 campaign. ###  About the Niagara River Lions The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.

The Montreal Alliance announced today the signing of American guard Tony Carr, a dynamic and experienced playmaker who brings a proven track record of scoring, leadership, and versatility across top leagues worldwide. A 6-foot-5 guard from Philadelphia, Carr joins the Alliance following an accomplished professional career spanning the NBA G League, Europe, the Middle East, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Over 122 professional games, Carr has averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He previously played with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (now Saskatoon Mamba) during the 2021–22 CEBL season, where he averaged 19.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Carr recorded multiple standout performances, including the league’s only triple-double of the 2022 season and a postseason league-high 15 assists. He was named to the All-CEBL First Team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier guards. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Montreal Alliance,” said Carr. “I’ve had great experiences in this league before, and I’m ready to come in, compete, and help the team win. I take pride in leading by example and doing whatever the team needs to succeed.” Internationally, Carr has continued to showcase his playmaking and impact, most recently with Sagesse Al Hekmeh Beirut, where he averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game. At the collegiate level, Carr was a standout at Penn State, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2018 after averaging 19.6 points and 5.0 assists per game. His combination of scoring ability and court vision established him as one of the top guards in the conference. "We're extremely excited to add Tony Carr to our group this season,” said Co-Owner and General Manager Joel Anthony. “He’s an elite, versatile guard who can impact the game at a high level as both a scorer and a playmaker. Tony established himself as one of the top players in the CEBL during his previous stint, and we’re confident his toughness, leadership, and high basketball IQ will be major assets as we continue building toward the upcoming season." Carr is expected to play a key role in the Alliance backcourt, bringing physicality and a strong playmaking presence. His ability to contribute as both a scorer and facilitator adds valuable depth and flexibility to the roster heading into the 2026 season. ### About the Montreal Alliance The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The Alliance is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an electrifying entertainment experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec. Single-game tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale April 16 at 3:00 p.m. Fans can secure their seats to see the Alliance in action at home throughout the summer. The Alliance will tip off their 2026 home schedule at Verdun Auditorium on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. against Scarborough, marking the start of another exciting season of professional basketball in Montreal.

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 Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed current Los Angeles Lakers NBA G League guard Tevian Jones to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Jones, a 6-foot-7 guard, joins the Bandits from the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, South Bay Lakers where he averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20.5 minutes per game across 24 games during the 2025-26 season and helped his team to an appearance in the NBA G League Western Conference finals. Originally from Chandler, Ariz., Jones earned NBA minutes in 2023 when he was named to the New Orleans Pelicans’ training camp roster and suited up for the club during its pre-season campaign. ““I am really looking forward to playing for the Bandits and being in Vancouver! I can’t wait to get together with coach Julius and the guys this summer,” said Jones. “We definitely have some big things in store this season, y’all are going to see!” Jones has already proven his offensive talent in the CEBL, averaging 17.8 points across 33 games in two seasons between the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Saskatchewan Rattlers, and Scarborough Shooting Stars. Internationally, Jones was called up to the United States senior men’s national team this past February where he contributed to a 123-88 win on February 3, 2026 against Mexico as part of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. “We are really excited to add Tevian’s athleticism and competitive fire to our roster. He is coming off a strong season in the NBA G League and also earned a USA Basketball call-up this past February,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “He plays at a high level and fits our team identity of energy and effort, with a relentless approach on both ends of the court.” Prior to turning professional, Jones attended Southern Utah University where he developed into an explosive producer. In his fifth year during the 2022-23 NCAA season, Jones started 36 games for the Thunderbirds and led his program with 17.8 points per game en route to receiving Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First-Team All Conference honours. Prior to his success at SUU, Jones got his start at the University of Illinois, playing in 37 games from 2018 to 2020 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.  ### 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 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 .