Vancouver Bandits Re-Sign Canadian Guard Givance

The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that guard Brandon Muntu has signed with the team for the 2026 season, marking his first professional campaign in the league. Muntu brings versatility, energy, and a strong two-way presence to the Surge roster as Calgary continues to build a competitive lineup heading into the new season. “Brandon is an exciting addition for us,” said General Manager Shane James. “He’s a high-motor player who competes on both ends of the floor and brings a level of toughness and athleticism that fits our identity.” A 6’4” guard, Muntu is known for his length, defensive instincts, and ability to contribute to multiple areas of the game. His rebounding, transition play, and physical style give Calgary added depth and flexibility on the wing and in the frontcourt. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge. Being from Calgary, this means a lot to me, and I’m excited to represent my city,” said Muntu. “I’m looking forward to competing, growing with the team, and giving the fans something to be proud of this season.” Muntu joins the Surge following his collegiate career at Tennessee Tech University, where he competed at a high level in NCAA Division I basketball. During the 2025–26 season, he averaged 9.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, while shooting 41.8 percent from the field. His production reflected his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence and high level of effort. Throughout his college career, Muntu developed a reputation as a reliable and disciplined player, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing within a team-first system. His experience in a competitive program has prepared him well for the transition to the professional ranks. Prior to Texas Tech, Muntu played two seasons at Western Michigan, including a 2024–25 campaign where he appeared in all 32 games and averaged 5.7 points, while earning multiple academic honors. He previously starred at Triton College, earning NJCAA Third Team All-American honors in 2022–23, and began his collegiate career at Vincennes University. A Canadian native, he developed at Dohn Prep Academy and has participated in Canadian National Team training camps at the U16, U18, and U23 levels. With Muntu’s addition, the Surge continue to strengthen their roster with young, driven talent as they prepare for the 2026 CEBL season. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REAL) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that owns and 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 Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that Brampton-born and NBA G League-experienced forward Matthew Moncrieffe will join the team for the 2026 season. Moncrieffe is coming off his first professional season with the Motor City Cruise (Detroit Pistons G League affiliate) where he posted four double-digit scoring performances and two double-doubles, including 16 points and 15 rebounds (both season-highs) January 7 vs. the Capital City Go-Go. “We’re looking forward to providing Matthew with the opportunity to develop his game and compete on home soil in front of his friends and family,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “His physicality, hard-nosed approach, and versatility make him a perfect fit for our team. We’re excited to welcome him back home.” Moncrieffe saw a lot of success in his senior season at Seattle University where he recorded 15.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steals through 29 games. En route to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament Semi-Finals, Moncrieffe earned a spot on the All-WAC First Team while leading the conference in field goal percentage (.555), total rebounds (277), and player efficiency rating (22.7). “Matthew Moncrieffe brings great energy, versatility, and a team-first mindset that impacts winning,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He plays with a high motor, embraces the details, and does whatever is needed on both ends of the floor. We’re excited about the presence he adds to our group and the way he’ll elevate the guys around him every day.” The 6’8” forward spent his freshman season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, starting alongside former first overall pick and current Detroit Piston Cade Cunningham. He put up some impressive performances including nine points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament versus Liberty, and 22 points and 12 rebounds January 25 vs. Iowa State. He represented Canada on two occasions in the U19 World Cup and U17 World Championships, and he went to school at Orangeville Prep where he won the Nike Hoops Summit Player of the Year in 2019. 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. ### 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 Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 season. Under the leadership of Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault, Alex Campbell steps in as Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager and Jeremy Wielenga, Ilarion Bonhomme and Steven Wesley have been named Assistant Coaches. Campbell served as lead assistant coach with the Saskatchewan Huskies over the 2025–26 season prior to joining the Sea Bears coaching staff. As a player, Campbell was a member of the league’s inaugural 2019 championship team with Saskatchewan and was named the first-ever CEBL Finals MVP that year. Campbell joined the Sea Bears in 2024 and made league history as the first Canadian to reach 1,000 career CEBL points on a buzzer-beater at Canada Life Centre, and he remains the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. “I’m excited about the staff we’ve put together for this summer,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “It’s a group that understands what’s required, and there’s a strong mix of experience and skill sets that will help us stay consistent and prepared all season.” Wielenga joins the Winnipeg Sea Bears following a lengthy collegiate coaching career as head coach at Keyano College since 2017. During his tenure, he compiled an impressive 131–27 record. Wielenga led Keyano to a CCAA National Championship in 2024, along with ACAC Championships in 2024 and 2026. His program has also secured ACAC silver medals in 2022 and 2025, and a bronze medal finish in 2019. He was named CCAA Coach of the Year in 2022 and earned ACAC Coach of the Year honours in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Prior to Keyano, he held assistant coaching roles at the University of Winnipeg, Lakehead University, and Brandon University. A native of Brandon, Manitoba, Wielenga is known for his strong leadership and player development. Bonhomme currently serves as head coach of the Brandon University women’s basketball program, building a competitive culture within Canada West. A native of Washington, D.C., Bonhomme began his collegiate career at Brandon University, earning Canada West Rookie of the Year honours in 2011–12, before transferring to the University of Manitoba where he helped lead the program to a U SPORTS Final 8 appearance. He went on to play six years professionally across Europe and Australia. Off the court, Bonhomme holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on gender equity in sport. Wesley joins the staff with a focus on player development following a professional playing career. He currently serves as an assistant coach with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen and as head coach of the Manitoba 14U Provincial Team. Wesley is also the founder of World Class Hoopers, one of Winnipeg’s fastest-growing youth basketball development programs. He has played an instrumental role in the development of Northstar Prep and continues to be actively involved in the program. Single game tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale and can be purchased here . The home opener takes place May 16 at Canada Life Centre. ###

The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed 23-year-old American forward, Trey Townsend, for the upcoming 2026 season. A versatile and high-motor player, Townsend joins the team following a professional journey that includes experience in the NBA G League, NCAA Division I, and international competition. The Michigan native joins the CEBL for the first time after playing most recently with the Salt Lake City Stars (Utah Jazz affiliate) in the G League, where he played a significant role. During the 2025–26 G League season, Townsend appeared in 24 games, showcasing efficiency and versatility while averaging 4.6 points. Known for his ability to stretch the floor, he shot efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc, including over 40 percent from three-point range during his previous stint with the Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks affiliate) Prior to his time in the G League, Townsend gained valuable international experience with the Köping Stars in Sweden, making an immediate impact on the roster. He started 87% of his 16 games played and averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. “We’re thrilled to welcome Trey to Saskatoon,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of Saskatoon Mamba “He’s a player who competes at a high level, elevates his teammates, and fits perfectly with the culture we’re building here.” Townsend built an impressive collegiate career at the NCAA Division I level, competing with both the Arizona Wildcats and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Over five seasons, he averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a dominant 2023–24 campaign at Oakland where he was named Horizon League Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. He then transferred to Arizona for his final season, where he averaged 8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds while facing top-tier competition. “I’m super excited to join the team and ready to get to work,” said Townsend “It’s an awesome opportunity to be able to play with the Mamba this summer and I can't wait to get out there.” Fans can expect Townsend to bring energy, big plays, and a team 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 .

The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that centre Javonté Brown will return to the team for the 2026 season after making his professional debut in 2025. Brown, a key presence in the paint, brings size, physicality, and veteran leadership back to the Surge lineup. His return strengthens Calgary’s frontcourt as the team builds toward another competitive CEBL campaign. “Javonté is an important piece of what we’re building here in Calgary,” said General Manager Shane James. “His presence and growing professional experience make a significant impact for us on and off the court. We’re excited to have him back with the Surge for 2026.”  Brown, a 7’0”, 240-pound native of Toronto, ON, is a mobile big man known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and soft touch around the rim. His length and agility make him a valuable interior contributor on both ends of the floor. In the 2025 CEBL season, Brown averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The Surge also posted a 75 percent win rate in games he started, highlighting his impact and importance within the lineup. “Feels great to be back with the Surge. I’ve got a lot of love for Calgary and what we’re building here,” said Brown “I’m locked in on coming back better, competing every night, and doing whatever it takes to win a Championship. Can’t wait to get in front of the fans again.” During the offseason, Brown continued his professional career overseas with Grupo Ureta Tizona Burgos in Spain. He averaged 6.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive presence and ability to compete against high-level international talent. Brown played for the University of Rhode Island during the 2024–25 NCAA season, where he started all 31 games. He averaged 8.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in just over 20 minutes per game while shooting 65 percent from the field. He recorded a season-high 21 points and 10 rebounds against Temple and added multiple blocks in key conference matchups. Prior to Rhode Island, Brown gained NCAA Division I experience at Western Michigan (2022–23), Texas A&M (2021–22), and UConn (2020–21). At Texas A&M, he made 11 starts and helped the program reach the NIT Championship Game. Across his collegiate career, he developed under elite coaching staff while competing in both Power Five and mid-major conferences. The Calgary Surge tip off their 2026 CEBL season this spring. Additional roster announcements and schedule details will be shared in the coming weeks. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REAL) 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 Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that four-year pro Tajh Green has agreed to a contract for the 2026 season. The 6’8” South Carolina native will join the Honey Badgers for his first professional campaign in Canada. Green has already made his mark in several European countries including Bulgaria most recently, as well as Kosovo, Germany, and England. “Tajh’s motor, athleticism, and versatility on both ends of the floor will be a valuable addition to our rotation,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “His character, combined with his professional experience will have a positive impact on our young players and our team as a whole. We’re excited to welcome him to the Honey Badgers family.” For his career, Green has averaged 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 29.2 minutes across 157 professional games. He has put up career-highs of 35 points, 17 rebounds, and seven three-pointers made. He has also recorded a triple-double while playing with Manchester in England in 2023, logging 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. He has collected many achievements through his career thus far, including All-British First Team in 2023 with Manchester, five-time British BBL Player of the week from 2023 - 2024, and Kosovan League Player of the Week in 2025. “Tajh Green is the type of player every winning program needs - tough, competitive, and completely bought into doing whatever it takes to win,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He brings a relentless motor on both ends, plays with an edge, and elevates the guys around him. We’re excited about the impact he’s going to make on our culture and on the floor from day one.” Green had a six-year collegiate career with Benedict College and Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC). After two years at SMC, he transferred but had to sit out a season due to the NCAA’s transfer rules which are no longer in place. He thrived during his three seasons at Benedict, averaging 14.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. In his senior year he won the SIAC Player of the Year award while leading his team to an SIAC Tournament finale appearance. ### 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 .

Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui que l’équipe a signé l’attaquant Cyril Martynov en vue de la saison 2026. L’attaquant de 7 pieds originaire d’Oakville, en Ontario, se joint à Ottawa après une carrière universitaire au niveau de la NCAA Division I, ayant récemment évolué avec l’Université Fairleigh Dickinson. Lors de la saison 2024-2025, Martynov a pris part à 31 matchs avec les Knights, poursuivant son développement tout en apportant sa taille dans la raquette. L’entraîneur-chef des BlackJacks d’Ottawa, Justin Mazzulla, voit en Martynov un ajout important à la formation. « Cyril Martynov est un jeune joueur canadien talentueux, ce qui le rend spécial pour notre programme. Il est fier de représenter son pays et il est prêt à avoir un impact des deux côtés du terrain. Il est affamé et veut gagner. Il a un excellent sens du jeu offensif et comprend bien le jeu. Sa taille et son athlétisme nous permettent de jouer de différentes façons et il va très bien s’intégrer », a déclaré Mazzulla. Avant son passage à Fairleigh Dickinson, Martynov a évolué à l’Université Eastern Kentucky lors de la saison 2023-2024, où il a pris part à 30 matchs avec les Colonels. Martynov a également été impliqué dans le programme de Basketball Canada au cours de son développement. Né le 10 janvier 2003, Martynov a poursuivi son développement au sein du système canadien et a continué de progresser au niveau de la NCAA Division I. ###

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed forward Cyril Martynov for the 2026 season. The 7-foot forward from Barrie, Ontario joins Ottawa following a collegiate career in NCAA Division I, most recently competing with Fairleigh Dickinson University. During the 2024-25 season, Martynov appeared in 31 games for the Knights, continuing to develop his game while providing size in the frontcourt. Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla sees Martynov as a strong addition to the team’s roster. “Cyril Martynov is a young and talented Canadian player, which makes him special to our program. He takes pride in representing his country and is willing to impact the game on both sides of the ball. He is hungry and wants to win. He has a great feel for the offensive side of the game and understands how to play. His size and athleticism allow us to play in a variety of ways and he is going to be a great fit,” said Mazzulla. Prior to Fairleigh Dickinson, Martynov competed at Eastern Kentucky University during the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 30 games for the Colonels. Martynov has also been involved with the Canada Basketball program during his development. Born January 10, 2003, Martynov developed through the Canadian basketball system and has continued to progress at the NCAA Division I level. The BlackJacks will open their 2026 season in May at TD Place. ###

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.