Welcome back to part two of my ten part series previewing every single team for the 2024 CEBL season. This is a daily series where I will choose to preview one of the 10 teams in the league, leading up to my 2024 overview and predictions piece! These articles will go over who is on each of the rosters, followed by some main headlines to lookout for, and ending off with a little sneak peak at my prediction for that teams finish.
In the second edition of this series, we are going to take a look at a team that I am the most familiar with, the Winnipeg Sea Bears. This is a team that’s had some turnover in terms of their roster make-up, but brought back some of the more important pieces. This is a pretty loaded roster that’s looking to compete towards the top of the Western Conference again.
Legend
-Sorted by “Guards” and “Forwards”
-Canadians will be identified by “(C)”
-American imports will be identified by “(A)”
-If applicable, International imports will be identified by “(I)”
-U Sports draftees will be identified by “(U)”
-If applicable, Development players will be identified by “(D)”
Guards
Teddy Allen (A)
Alex Campbell (C)
Mason Bourcier (C)
Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (C)
Tyler Sagl (U)
Shawn Maranan (U)
Forwards
Chad Posthumus (C)
David Muenkat (C)
Shane Osayande (C)
Darius Days (A)
Byron Mullins (A)
Simon Hildebrandt (U)
Boost to National Talent
One of the main issues for the Sea Bears in their inaugural season was the play of the majority of their Canadian designated roster players. Coach Mike Taylor made it known that it was going to be a priority for him in the offseason and he has more than followed through. Bringing in Bourcier, Campbell, JOJ, Muenkat and keeping Posthumus, Osayande, and Hildebrandt means that Winnipeg may have the best group of Canadians in the league. As well, safe from Muenkat (for the most part) those other three brought in are great shooters. Another major issue solved by Taylor.
Player To Watch: Teddy Allen
The MVP from 2023 is back. Allen was a workhorse for Winnipeg last summer. He was the main offensive option, while being a great rebounder as well. Once more he will be a key cog in the Sea Bears success this season. The main difference will be his supporting cast, having much better talent on the roster that might allow him to not carry the offensive load as much. After a great winter season in the BBL, I very much see him winning MVP once more.
Two Horse Race
This Winnipeg team came onto the scene as a surprise and competed towards the top of the Western Conference in 2023, largely based on Allen carrying. This summer, they will do so based on Allen’s return and the roster around him. While they aren’t the clear team at the top (you will soon find out who I think the other team that competes with them will be), it’ll be the Sea Bears and that other squad battling throughout the season. What I haven’t even mentioned yet is Taylor hitting on the American import slots as well. Days and Mullins should be very important contributors right away as well. Don’t forget returning CEBL U Sports Player of the Year Simon Hildebrandt, who I think will take another step forward in his development. There is tons to be excited for if your a Sea Bears fan this upcoming summer.
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