Strengths of Canadian basketball on display at CEBL’s ‘Met Gala’
August 22, 2025
Myles Dichter
The CEBL’s awards gala at The Met in Winnipeg did not come with a zany dress code, despite the implications of the words Met and gala in the same sentence.
But a key theme did emerge in the Manitoba capital, just as it does at the one in New York.
Over the course of the roughly hour-long awards show, the strengths of Canadian basketball were on full display.
It was a charge led by Tyrese Samuel, the Vancouver Bandits forward and Montreal native who took home the honours of top Canadian and Clutch Player of the Year.
“The world’s gonna know about Canada Basketball,” Samuel said when asked what the award meant to him. “We’re just gonna grow and have more players in the NBA, more players going overseas and getting big contracts, making a name for themselves. So it’s gonna continue to grow and the league’s gonna get better and better.”
Samuel, 25, exploded onto the scene in his first CEBL season. As a key member of the Bandits, who earned the league’s top regular-season record, Samuel averaged a double-double of 21.4 rebounds and 10.8 rebounds per game — the only player in the league to reach double digits in each category.
Meanwhile, his six Target Score Winners tied fellow Canadian Sean Miller-Moore of the Calgary Surge, but Samuel was handed the clutch award in a tie-breaking vote.
“It means a lot. The last couple years have been kinda slow for me, but coming to the CEBL was a good decision in that me and my agent came up with a plan to get me back my rhythm, gain back a little bit of confidence. I feel like this year was that for me,” he said.
“I’m highly for grateful for Vancouver and then the team we built and the brotherhood we built and even the great season that we had. I feel like I grew a lot this summer and just thankful.”
Samuel, who played for Florida and Seton Hall in college, also led the CEBL in field goal percentage (65.9), ranked third in rebounds per game and tied for third with eight double-doubles.
His teammate and coach also took home some hardware as star forward Mitch Creek was named MVP and Kyle Julius took home coach of the year honours.
But while the Bandits won the league’s three marquee trophies (MVP, top Canadian, top coach), the first two awards of the night spoke to the little things that go into making Canadian basketball hum.
First, Saskatchewan Rattlers guard Isaac Simon was named developmental player of the year.
Simon played all 24 games for the Rattlers and averaged 4.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest. He will return to the University of Alberta in the fall.
The Regina native even saw much of Canada on his way to accept the award as flight troubles caused him to traverse the prairies from his hometown to Calgary and back over to Winnipeg with just an hour to spare.
“I think [the league] just provides Canadians the opportunity that maybe wasn’t there before. Each year the league’s getting bigger and bigger. … We have a lot of talent in Canada and I think this league’s doing a great job of showcasing that,” Simon said.
On the other side of the spectrum, a man who has been involved in Canadian professional basketball essentially since its inception was also honoured with the Fox 40 Officiating Recognition Award.
Karl Toulouse, who has been with the CEBL since Day 1, oversees 150 minor officials across all 10 CEBL markets and has been present at every Championship Weekend to support the scorer’s table.
Having also worked with the Toronto Raptors since their inception, Toulouse showed up rocking his 2019 championship ring.
He said he shares his award with all the officials working across the country and added that he’s grateful that the CEBL exists.
“They are doing all of the right things with commissioner Morreale at the top. These people are all class, they bring their A-game and they work their tails off from start to finish,” Toulouse said. “As for the league, the cities are wonderful, the organizations are building strong franchises that are being engaged and embraced by fans throughout the country and would I like to see more teams? Yeah, I would. I’d like to see more of everything. It really is a wonderful league that’s top notch.”
Elsewhere, Zane Waterman, the Ottawa BlackJacks forward, captured sixth man of the year after averaging 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 23.1 minutes per game while shooting 52.9 per cent from three-point range in 14 games.
And a battle between Surge teammates Jameer Nelson Jr. and Greg Brown III for Defensive Player of the Year ended in a victory for Nelson Jr.
The 24-year-old dominated in his first CEBL season, setting a league record with 57 steals in just 10 games. As a team, Calgary allowed the fewest points per game (87.2) while grabbing the most steals (10.3).
Nelson Jr. said his defence was elevated playing alongside Brown III, who gave Nelson a look and a dap when he was announced as winner.
“We’ve been talking all year about who’s the best defender,” Nelson Jr. said. “He makes it super easy just because of his presence, but he might not get all the blocks, but he’s going to get a lot. And it might be just a block by him just standing there and being like ‘I’m not about to go there.’”
The pair, who are also rooming together at Championship Weekend, will reunite as teammates Friday when the Surge face the Winnipeg Sea Bears in the West Final.
It’s set to be the biggest Championship Weekend to date after the Sea Bears set a regular-season attendance record.
According to Samuel, it may not end there.
“I feel like every year it’s just gonna get better,” he said. “And I feel like we’re putting Canada basketball, it’s on the map right now, but it’s just growing and growing even more. And as long as there’s good Canadians in this league, the sky’s the limit.”
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with forward Nathan Bilamu for the upcoming season. Bilamu (6-5; born August 7, 2000 in Hamilton, ON) returns to Winnipeg after a productive 2025 season with the Sea Bears in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). In his rookie professional season with Winnipeg, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, showing consistent effort and earning increased playing time as the season progressed. “We are excited to have Nate back as he builds on what he started here," said Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Raimbault. "Last summer he brought a tremendous commitment to the team, specifically a passion for winning that showed in his effort and willingness to do whatever it took to help this group.” Before joining Winnipeg, Bilamu enjoyed a standout university career at Lakehead University, where he emerged as a versatile two-way player. In his senior season (2024-25), Bilamu averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) First-Team All-Star and a U-SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian. Following his time in the CEBL, Bilamu continued his professional career overseas with Esgueira Basket in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Through early 2025-26 international competition, he has been a key rotation player, averaging around 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while logging significant minutes. The season ticket member renewal deadline is January 15, 2026. Fans can renew or purchase new season tickets at https://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 .
One of the league’s most experienced operators steps into expanded role after guiding competitive success and community impact.
Partnership designed to elevate culture, community, and g ame day experience
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 .