Ottawa BlackJacks Sign Canadian Guard Stajic

May 6, 2026

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed Guard Dragan Stajic for the 2026 Season.

 

The 6 '2 Canadian from Waterloo, will be returning to the BlackJacks after signing developmental contracts in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season while attending and playing for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

 

After graduating, Stajic went to Austria to play professionally for the BK Klosterneuburg Dukes, one of the most successful teams in the country. There, he averaged 9.3 points and five rebounds.

 

“We’re really excited to bring Dragan back to Ottawa. Having coached him at uOttawa, I’ve seen firsthand his growth as a leader. He understands our system, our culture, and what it takes to compete at a high level,” said BlackJacks General Manager, James Derouin.

 

“His experience as a developmental player, combined with the success he had with the Gee-Gees, makes this a natural fit,” he continued.

 

During his five seasons at the University of Ottawa, Stajic averaged 7.3 points and five rebounds per game.

 

He became a real leader throughout his time there and earned many accolades including U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian and OUA First Team All-Star in the 2024-25 season, OUA Third Team All-Star in the 2023-24 and 2022-23 season, and U SPORTS National Championship Tournament All-Star in the 2022-23.

 

After quite the resume at UOttawa, and 2 seasons as a developmental player for the BlackJacks, Stajic returns under a standard player contract.

 

Born on December 30, 2000, the 25-year-old played his final high school year at Canada Topflight Academy of the National Preparatory Association, in Ottawa. During his time here, he was awarded First-Team All-Star Honours in the 2018-19 season averaging 9.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. Privy to his time in Ottawa, he played at Sir John A. Macdonald S.S. in Waterloo, Ont. and won three CWOSSA championships there, before attending RISE Prep in Brantford, Ont. 


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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.

May 6, 2026
The Scarborough Shooting Stars announced today the signing of forward Aamir Simms for the 2026 season. Simms, a 6’8 forward from Palmyra, brings versatility, toughness, and valuable professional experience to Scarborough’s frontcourt. Known for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Simms combines size, skill, and basketball IQ with the ability to score inside, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions. Simms joins the 7 experience across the NBA G League and Top Level European Leagues, where he has continued to develop into a reliable two-way forward. Competing against high-level talent, Simms has earned a reputation for his physicality, consistency, and team-first approach. His experience in professional systems and ability to contribute in a variety of roles make him an important addition to Scarborough’s 2026 roster. Simms completed an outstanding collegiate career with the Clemson Tigers, where he became one of the most accomplished players in program history.  During the 2020–21 season, Simms earned All-ACC First Team honours after averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while leading Clemson to an NCAA Tournament appearance. He also helped guide the Tigers to one of the most successful seasons in program history, highlighted by victories over multiple ranked opponents. Across four seasons at Clemson, Simms developed into one of the top forwards in the Atlantic Coast Conference, known for his inside-out scoring ability, rebounding presence, and defensive versatility. Following college, Simms continued his career professionally, gaining experience in the NBA G League and overseas competition. His exposure to multiple styles of play has further strengthened his versatility and readiness to make an immediate impact. Simms’ combination of size, strength, and skill gives the Shooting Stars a valuable frontcourt presence. His ability to defend multiple positions, rebound at a high level, and contribute offensively in a variety of ways makes him a major asset heading into the 2026 season. With Simms joining the lineup, Scarborough continues to build a balanced and competitive roster ready to contend for a championship in the 2026 CEBL season. ###
May 6, 2026
La diffusion nationale débutera le 9 mai sur les ondes de CBC et de CBC Gem
May 6, 2026
The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed American guard Tavian Dunn-Martin for the 2026 season. A dynamic scorer and high-level playmaker, Dunn-Martin joins the Mamba following an impressive professional career across Europe and the CEBL, most recently suiting up for the Montreal Alliance. The Huntington, West Virginia native returns to the CEBL after establishing himself as one of the league’s most explosive offensive guards. During his most recent stint, Dunn-Martin emerged as a focal point of the Alliance offense, averaging around 18–19 points per game while leading the team in assists. Known for his ability to control tempo, create off the dribble, and score from all three levels, he brings a proven offensive skillset and leadership presence to the Mamba backcourt. Prior to his time in Canada, Dunn-Martin built a strong professional résumé overseas, competing in top leagues across France, the ABA League, and Slovenia. He most recently starred with Donar Groningen, where he averaged 18.5 points and 5.5 assists per game in the regular season before elevating his production in the playoffs, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. Dunn-Martin’s professional success follows a standout collegiate career that saw him finish at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he averaged over 21 points and six assists in his final season. He also spent time at Akron and Duquesne, earning Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year honours and establishing himself as one of the top three-point shooters in Duquesne program history.  ###
May 5, 2026
National broadcast coverage begins May 9 on CBC and CBC Gem
May 5, 2026
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that they have signed highly skilled guard Tyrese Hunter, who is fresh off his first professional campaign in the NBA G League. Hunter is about a year removed from his incredible four-year college career with the University of Memphis, University of Texas, and Iowa State University. He immediately took his talents to the NBA G League where he played with three different teams throughout the season, and averaged 5.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 13.8 minutes per game. “Tyrese plays with great pace and has the ability to create shots for himself and others,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He will be a key piece of our talented guard rotation. His hunger and tenacity make him a perfect fit for our culture, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Honey Badgers family.” Hunter spent his first professional season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets G League affiliate), Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors G League affiliate), and South Bay Lakers (Los Angeles Lakers G League affiliate), where he played under current Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. He posted a career-high 26 points with the Vipers with six made threes and four assists November 29 versus the Osceola Magic. He had an incredibly consistent career through university, averaging between 10 and 14 points each season. He logged a career-high 13.7 points per game as a senior with Memphis and earned spots on the All-AAC First Team and ACC All-Newcomer Team en route to an AAC Tournament Championship. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tyrese Hunter to our program,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “Having coached Tyrese before, I’ve had a front-row seat to his growth and the way he approaches the game on a daily basis. He’s a competitor who plays with pace, makes sound decisions with the ball, and consistently puts pressure on the defense.Tyrese has a strong feel for the game—he knows how to organize a team, create advantages, and deliver in key moments.” In all four collegiate seasons, Hunter has made the NCAA Tournament. He had multiple standout performances including 19 points while going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the Sweet Sixteen with Texas in a win versus Xavier University as a sophomore, and 23 points with seven made threes and five steals in an opening round victory versus LSU as a freshman with the Cyclones. The Brampton Honey Badgers will begin their season with two home games on Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17 versus the Ottawa BlackJacks and Calgary Surge, respectively. Click here to get your Honey Badgers tickets today, starting at only $20 per seat. ### 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 .
May 5, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits have re-signed veteran guard Duane Notice for his fourth consecutive Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season with BC’s professional basketball team. A 6-foot-3 guard from Toronto, Ont., Notice debuted with the club in 2023 and has contributed leadership, grit, and clutch performances to the roster during his time. He holds several franchise records, including the most regular season games played (58) and the most Target Score game winners (7). Additionally, he is ranked second all-time in both total assists and steals, and fifth all-time in total rebounds. “Duane Notice is the heartbeat of our culture. He is a relentless leader, a clutch shot-maker, and a defensive tone setter who sacrifices his body,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “Duane shows up early, stays late, and drives everything we do on and off the floor. We expect another huge summer from Duane, and we know he will bring it like he always does.” Notice appeared in 18 regular season games in 2025, including nine starts, where he averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 25.4 minutes per game. During his CEBL off-seasons, Notice has played for the Sudbury Five of the Basketball Super League (BSL), where he was most recently named 2026 BSL Finals MVP. In the 2025-26 BSL season, Notice averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 36.9 minutes across 28 games played. Prior to the Bandits, Notice has previous CEBL experience with the Brampton Honey Badgers (formerly known as Hamilton) in 2019 and 2020 and spent two seasons with the Toronto Raptors’ NBA G League affiliate, the Raptors 905, between 2018 and 2020. Internationally, Notice has represented Team Canada at six different tournaments and has played a combined total of 30 games throughout his career for both the junior men’s and senior men’s national teams. Over a five-year university career, Notice starred at the University of South Carolina where he is the school’s all-time leader in games played with 138. He was named the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year during the 2015-16 season and helped lead the Gamecocks to an appearance in the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2017. 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 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. 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.
May 5, 2026
The Scarborough Shooting Stars announced today the signing of Canadian forward Frank Mitchell for the 2026 season. Mitchell, a 6’8 forward from Toronto, brings physicality, rebounding dominance, and a strong interior presence to Scarborough’s frontcourt. Known for his strength, motor, and ability to control the paint, Mitchell adds a powerful two-way dimension to the Shooting Stars lineup.  Mitchell enters the professional ranks following a highly productive collegiate career, where he developed into one of the most impactful big men at the NCAA mid-major level. His consistent double-double production and ability to anchor the paint position him to make an immediate impact in the CEBL. Mitchell most recently competed with the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, where he emerged as one of the top forwards in the Atlantic 10 Conference. During the 2025–26 season, Mitchell averaged 16.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field, ranking among the conference leaders in rebounding and double-doubles. His ability to dominate the glass and finish efficiently around the rim made him a focal point of his team’s success. Prior to his time at St. Bonaventure, Mitchell played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Canisius Golden Griffins, showcasing steady growth throughout his NCAA journey. Throughout his college career, Mitchell built a reputation as a relentless rebounder and interior scorer, consistently producing double-doubles and impacting games with his physical presence and effort. As a Toronto native, Mitchell represents the continued growth of Canadian basketball talent competing at the highest levels. His development through the NCAA system highlights his work ethic and progression into a pro-ready forward capable of contributing immediately. Mitchell’s size, strength, and rebounding ability give the Shooting Stars a dominant presence in the paint. His ability to control the boards, finish inside, and provide second-chance opportunities makes him a valuable addition to the roster. With Mitchell joining the lineup, Scarborough continues to build a strong, physical, and competitive team ready to contend for a championship in the 2026 CEBL season. ###
May 4, 2026
L’Alliance de Montréal a annoncé aujourd’hui la signature de l’arrière américain Jalin Anderson, ajoutant un contributeur offensif fiable et un joueur capable d’avoir un impact des deux côtés du terrain en vue de la saison 2026 de la LECB. Anderson, un arrière de 6 pi 3 po originaire de Jackson, au Tennessee, arrive à Montréal après une première saison professionnelle solide avec les Bisons de Nilan, dans la Korisliiga finlandaise. Il y a maintenu des moyennes de 14,4 points, 3,7 rebonds et 3,2 passes décisives par match, tout en affichant un pourcentage de 44 % au tir. Utilisé comme partant régulier, il s’est rapidement imposé comme un joueur fiable et influent. « J’ai très hâte de me joindre à Montréal et de compétitionner à un haut niveau, a déclaré Anderson. Je suis fier de pouvoir avoir un impact de différentes façons et je suis prêt à apporter de l’énergie, de l’intensité et une mentalité gagnante à l’équipe. » Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Anderson a connu un parcours universitaire solide à Loyola Marymount, Ball State et Incarnate Word. Il s’est graduellement imposé comme meneur principal et leader offensif, notamment avec deux saisons consécutives de plus de 15 points par match à Ball State et Incarnate Word. En 2024-2025, il a maintenu des moyennes de 15,0 points et 5,0 passes décisives, démontrant sa capacité à diriger le jeu et à créer des occasions pour ses coéquipiers. « Jalin est un compétiteur qui apporte un bel équilibre à notre brigade arrière, a déclaré le copropriétaire et directeur général Joel Anthony. Il a continué de progresser à chaque étape de son parcours, et son cheminement nous donne confiance en ce qu’il pourra apporter à notre équipe cette saison. » Avec l’arrivée d’Anderson, l’Alliance ajoute un garde polyvalent à son alignement en vue de la saison 2026. ### À propos de l’Alliance de Montréal L’Alliance de Montréal est une équipe professionnelle de basketball évoluant dans la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), la principale ligue estivale de basketball au Canada. L’organisation s’engage à offrir un produit de haut niveau ainsi qu’une expérience engageante aux partisans de Montréal et de partout au Québec. Les billets pour la saison 2026 sont maintenant en vente.match d’ouverture15 mai à 19 h 30 à l’Auditorium de Verdunvisitez le basketmtl.ca
May 4, 2026
The Montreal Alliance announced today the signing of American guard Jalin Anderson, bringing a proven offensive contributor and two-way competitor to the backcourt ahead of the 2026 CEBL season. Anderson, a 6-foot-3 guard from Jackson, Tennessee, arrives fresh off a standout rookie professional season with the Nilan Bisons in Finland's Korisliiga, one of Europe's most competitive mid-tier leagues, where he averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 44% shooting from the field. A consistent starter from day one, he quickly established himself as a reliable player of impact in a league known for its physical, structured play. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join Montreal and compete at a high level,” said Anderson. “I take pride in being able to impact the game in different ways, and I’m ready to bring energy, toughness, and a winning mindset to the team.” Prior to turning pro, Anderson built a strong collegiate career across Loyola Marymount, Ball State, and Incarnate Word. He developed into a primary ball-handler and offensive leader, highlighted by back-to-back seasons averaging over 15 points per game at Ball State and Incarnate Word. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to control the pace and create for others. “Jalin is a competitor who brings great balance to our backcourt,” said Co-Owner and General Manager Joel Anthony. “He’s continued to grow his game at every level, and his success as a contributor gives us real confidence in what he'll bring to our team this season.” With Anderson in the backcourt rotation, the Alliance adds a versatile playmaker to the lineup as they build toward a competitive 2026 campaign. ### About the Montreal Alliance The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The organization is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an engaging experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec. 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 the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit basketmtl.ca .
May 2, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Saturday that Trinity Western Spartans alumnus David Mutabazi has re-signed with the club for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season (CEBL). The 6-foot-5 guard joined the Bandits as a Developmental Player during the 2025 season where he was selected 30th overall in the CEBL Draft, appearing in nine games with three starts. Mutabazi made an immediate impact, logging 29 minutes and finishing with a game-high plus-44 as a starter in his professional debut on May 15, 2025 in a 106-65 win against the Saskatchewan Rattlers. “David was a complete surprise last season. His defensive instincts and relentless effort elevated our locker room culture,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “This year, we are counting on David to do even more. He is one of our few returning players and we expect him to bring that toughness, intensity, and now leadership to push us forward.” Mutabazi recently finished a four-year collegiate basketball career at Trinity Western University, where he averaged 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game across 83 games dating back to 2022. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 17 games, placing him in the top five in those categories for the Spartans. Mutabazi will be reunited with fellow TWU product Jack Vandenberg on the Bandits training camp roster, which begins on Tuesday, May 5. Born in Kirinda, Rwanda, Mutabazi recently represented his country at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament. In his international debut, he averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while playing 19.1 minutes per game across three games as its sixth man off the bench. 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 . Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . 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. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter. ### 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.