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Welcome back to part seven 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, which will lead up to my complete 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 seventh edition of this series, we will be taking a look at a team that I am still trying to figure out where their direction of the roster is going, the Ottawa Blackjacks. The Blackjacks organization has been going crazy with signings over the last week and have added lots of players to their roster. While the actual limit is 14 per team, I am sure they will most likely have to make some decisions going into opening week. There is one part of their roster I really like, and another part I’m not sure will be talented enough to keep up with the best teams in 2024, but we’ll get to that later. 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)” Note: Ottawa’s current roster size is 19, and will shrink before the season starts. When that happens, this overview will be updated. Guards Javon Masters (C) Keevan Veinot (C) Ibrahim Watson (A) Brandon Sampson (A) Joel Brown (C) Kevin Otoo (C) Yasiin Joseph (C) Tyrrel Tate (C) Lloyd Pandi (C) Dragan Stajic (U) Forwards James Jean-Marie (C) J.D. Muila (C) Peter Jok (I) JaKeenan Gant (A) Jermel Kennedy (C) Abu Kigab (C) Alonzo Walker (C) Justin Ndjock-Tadjore (U) Michael Kelvin II (U) Complete Makeover Realistically, besides Jean-Marie, Tate and Kigab, this is a completely different roster in Ottawa this summer. Having lost Kadre Grey and Jackson Rowe to Scarborough, Maxime Boursiquot to Montréal, and a couple more players not returning, it’s going to be tough for the Blackjacks to hold up to last seasons standard. They’ve made up for it somewhat with bringing in Javon Masters. Ibi Watson and Brandon Sampson, but it still may not be enough talent to compete with the other top dogs in the league. Player To Watch: Brandon Sampson One of the best scorers the CEBL has has the privilege of showcasing has returned and he is joining the nation’s capital squad. Sampson has shown he can be a primary scorer for a club, doing it from all three levels. Having lost Grey, Adel and Flowers, three of their main scorers, Sampson may have the ability to make up for some of that production. Be on the lookout for him to have some crazy performances. Is It Enough? This Ottawa Blackjacks team may have one of the best scoring backcourts in the entire CEBL. What makes me worried about this squad is their forward talent and depth. There is no one that I think will be able to stack up to the talent the other top teams in the league have. For that reason, this Ottawa team might lag behind and will be in the “best of the rest” category of teams. Still a chance that guard play carries them farther than I think.

Welcome back to part five 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, which will lead up to my complete 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 fifth edition of this series, we are going to take a look at the 2024 Championship Weekend hosts, who have the potential to struggle mightily, the Montréal Alliance. While bringing back two of their most important contributors in Ahmed Hill and Alain Louis, the rest of the league has leveled up and Montréal’s overall roster is lagging behind. Let’s take a look at the 2024 Alliance. 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 Alain Louis (C) Ahmed Hill (A) Jahenns Manigat (C) Jordan Bowden (A) Bahaide Haidara (U) Renoldo Robinson (U) Forwards Elijah Ifejeh (C) Maxime Boursiquot (C) Chris Smith (A) Jaden Edwards (A) Shaquille Doorson (I) Ismael Diouf (U) Rough Road Ahead While I personally think that the 2024 Alliance roster is better than 2023’s, this is still going to be a tough season for Montreal. Bringing back Hill and Louis should keep some stability in the backcourt, but there are so many other question marks for this roster after those two. Losing Nathan Cato to the River Lions this year also hurts. They are either going to need a third player to step up, or make an addition once the season has begun. I will note that guard play did have the Alliance off to a hot start in 2023, and an injury was what slowed them down. Despite that I still don’t think it’s completely sustainable for 20 games. Player To Watch: Alain Louis Louis is one of my favourite players in the CEBL and I’m glad he’s returned for 2024. In the final stretch last season he really turned it on and showed why he is one of the better Canadians this league has to offer. His speed and size allow him to get to the rim really well. Louis has also worked on his jumper, which is becoming more reliable. One of my favourite parts of his game is his playmaking ability. He finds teammates well and is pinpoint with those passes. With his development finally turning a corner, this could be the season for him to really step into a bigger role next to Hill. A Dark Basement Awaits While this Alliance roster could be seen as an upgrade on the one from 2023, it is still weaker than the rest of the teams in the CEBL. While the entire league has leveled up in talent, it’s been hard on Montréal to keep up. They don’t have the inexperience that the Honey Badgers have on their roster, but expect these two to fight it out at the bottom. The only saving grace for this team is they are hosting Championship Weekend and get an automatic bye to the semi-final. With the current information we have about this team, I have a good feeling their playoff appearance won’t last too long.

Welcome back to part six 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, which will lead up to my complete 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 sixth edition of this series, we will be taking a look at a team that's trying to more so bounce back this summer, the Vancouver Bandits. The Bandits hosted the 2023 Championship Weekend and received a bye to the semi-finals. They were a team that I thought would have finished better than 8-12 and last place in the west. With a couple new additions around the few returnees, I can see some improvement in 2024. 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 Kobe McEwen (C) Duane Notice (C) Zach Copeland (A) Diego Maffia (D) Taze Moore (A) Glen Yang (C) Jerric Palma (U) Forwards Nick Ward (A) James Karnik (C) Kur Jongkuch (I) Josip Vrankic (C) Adam Olsen (U) Connor Platz (U) Bounce Back After what can be described as a disappointing season for the Bandits in 2023, they are looking to come back and do better at competing in a talented Western Conference. Their roster last season was super talented, but they just could not put it together. This summer, they have a similarly talented roster, or maybe even slightly better. Keeping that level of quality was much simpler to do when the best big man in the CEBL Nick Ward returned. I feel very confident in also saying that they've hit on the other two American import slots, by bringing in Taze Moore and Zach Copeland. There is only one question that I do have about this roster, but I will save that for the final section when I make my prediction for their season finish. Player To Watch: Nick Ward As I mentioned above, Ward is the best big in the entire league. His back to the basket ability is second to none at this level, being at a high volume and percentage. He rebounds the ball really well, and is due for a double-double almost every single night. That goes along with also being a pretty decent rim protector. The only downside to his game is that he isn't much of a switchable defender and his foot speed at this point in his career is a little slow. Otherwise, he should be one of the leagues leading scorers, shooting at a high percentage, while also not being too much of a defensive liability. Ward is truly one of the CEBL's star players. Mid-Table Fight The Bandits are a team that I think have the quality to compete in the Western Conference and make it into a playoff spot. But you are all probably wonder, "What was that question mark he had about the roster?" Well, here it is: I'm not sure that Vancouver's Canadian talent is good enough to keep them up to pace with everyone else in the conference. While I have been intrigued by their moves, the quality may just not be there. Both Kobe McEwan and Diego Maffia will make their mark, (I think Maffia does even more than that, he's on professional breakout watch) I'm not sure there will be anyone else to go with those two to bring that depth they'll need to keep up with other teams. I feel like I can comfortably say that this is a playoff team, whether that be a third or fourth place finish, I'm just not sure if they make a run to the final.

I made the road trip from Saskatoon to Edmonton to watch over 120 teams gathered in Edmonton for the 2024 Good Hoops Classic. Having coached in the ACAC from 2002-2010, I was able to watch 40+ games in facilities that were very familiar to me. Having watched hundreds of players over the years in these gyms, I can say the talent I saw this weekend will all have amazing basketball careers and coaches at all levels need to take note. Favian Mbaoma Position: F Height: 6’9 School : WCPA Club: Good Hoops 18U/ UPLAY West EYCL Class: 2025 Favian was the dominate player in this tourney leading Good Hoops 18U to the platinum division title and picking up MVP honors along the way. He plays with a high motor that makes him a dominate rebounder and shot blocker. His ability to finish above the rim in traffic makes him a prospect that coaches can not afford to miss on. Biong Deng Position: G Height: 6'3 School : St Joseph's (Brooks,AB)/WCPA Club: Good Hoops 18U Class: 2025 Biong is an athlete that you notice the second the game starts, at 6'3 his length is impressive and he uses it very effectively. Biong stood out to me as he pressed opposing guards right from the opening tip and did not let up, his energy and motor were simply amazing. Liam Mitakaro Position: PG Height: 6'4 School: Harry Ainlay (2024/25) Club: Jr Bears U17/ Genesis EYCL Class: 2028 Liam is the entire package for a point guard, he showed poise leading his team to the championship game of the 18U division. He scored with ease at all 3 levels and showed maturity well above his years. It is hard to imagine that he was playing against kids 3 years older and he has not played a single high school game yet. Clarence Suter Position: F Height: 6'7 School: WCPA Club: Good Hoops 17U Class: 2026 Clarence had a huge weekend that showed off his complete skill set. He used his size effectively to win battles for rebounds and finish with authority. He showed great IQ and passing touch, as well as the ability to knock down shots from anywhere. The most impressive attribute was his compete level. In a close semi final game, he had 3 monster dunks in the final 2 minutes that gave his team the win. Isak Larsen Position: G Height: 6'1 School: Walter Murray (Saskatoon) Club: Rise Above 15U Class: 2027 Isak led a very good Rise Above Team from Saskatchewan to their division championship and was named MVP for his efforts. From pushing the ball on the break, to knocking down big 3's, Isak showed the ability to be a lead guard that coaches will love. He also has a physicality to his game that makes him a good defender at multiple positions. Aleksander Popovic Position: F Height: 6'7 School: St Francis Xavier (Edmonton, AB) Club: WEBA U17 Class: 2026 Aleksander is a big body that showed he can bang with bigger and older players throughout the weekend. Alek showed great ability to play in the post with soft hands and a nice finishing touch, he also knocked down shots all the way to the 3 point line. He will be a great prospect to watch as he progresses over the summer and gains strength. Azariah Bumhira Position: G Height: 6'0 School: Louis St Laurent (Edmonton, AB) Club: Good Hoops 15U Class: 2028 Azariah is an upcoming guard in the class of 2028 who has great size and physicality for his age. He demonstrated a high compete level all weekend with a willingness to get on the floor for balls as well as rebound and guard. He impressed with tough finishes at the rim and shows potential for a lot of growth in the coming years. Owen Cook Position: G Height: 5'11 School: Bishop James Mahoney (Saskatoon, SK) Club: Rise Above 14U/ Genesis MADE8 Class: 2028 Owen has the ability to score the ball and showed that with multiple 30 point games over the weekend. He combines a high IQ that lets him get out on the break quickly, a quick first step that helps him get to the bucket and an improving 3 point shot that needs to be defended. Combine this with a willingness to play defense with is long frame, he is a player to watch. Cole Miller Position: G Height: 6'3 School: Paul Kane (St. Albert, AB) Club: Nxt Up Class: 2027 Cole was impressive with his ability to shoot the ball in a variety of way. Off the break, catch and shoot, he showed an incredible ability to make tough shots throughout the tournament. Austin Kielstra Position: F Height: 6'4 School: Bert Church (Airdire, AB) Club: Rise Basketball Class: 2027 Austin is a 6'4 player who mixes his very good shooting on the offensive end with a scrappy defensive game. He demonstrated an ability to really rebound the ball all weekend.

Welcome back to part four 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, which will lead up to my complete 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 fourth edition of this series, we are going to take a look at a team that might be the king of the Western Conference this summer, the Edmonton Stingers. Having brought back many of the most important pieces from 2023, they have added so much more quality around those others. They definitely could be the team to beat in 2024. 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 Elijah Miller (C) Adika Peter-McNeilly (C) Mike Nuga (C) Davion Warren (A) Ryan Richmond (C) Jacob Evans III (A) Taye Donald (U) Nate Petrone (U) Forwards Brody Clarke (C) Nick Hornsby (A) Kameron Chatman (A) Jermaine Haley (C) Ben Krikke (C) Aaron Rhooms (U) Reloaded and Ready To Go Throughout this 2024 offseason, I have been more and more impressed by what the Stingers have been able to do with their roster construction. Bringing back Clarke, Hornsby, Miller and McNeilly, all while adding in Nuga, Krikke, Evans (and potentially Chatman) makes this Edmonton roster one of the best and deepest in the CEBL. I do wonder how a bunch of these guys do mesh, as coach Jordan Baker's system is one of "by committee" and he now will have the task of getting the ball in many of these players hands on offence. There may be some adjustments on either end, but once they get it sorted, watch out. Player To Watch: Brody Clarke While this new look Stingers roster has a couple guys that are going to have to get used to this new system, Clarke is not one of them. The prototypical modern big that has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, rebound well, can put the ball on the floor if needed and scores at all three levels. He is the main guy here in Edmonton and will always lead the charge whenever the Stingers take the floor. Watch for him to be a factor in almost every game this summer. 2024’s Top Dog For me, this is the team to beat in 2024. Between them and the Sea Bears, there will be a battle at the top of the Western Conference. While both teams are deep and rich with talent, Edmonton may have the edge currently just based on how I think this team should gel quite quickly, and their talent level might be just a bit higher than Winnipeg’s. But it will definitely be a two horse race this summer, and I think the Stingers might just pull ahead of the rest.

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.

We are inching closer and closer to the start of the 2024 CEBL season. While many rosters have mostly been solidified, the three round U Sports draft will help fill out a couple remaining spots. If you are unfamiliar with the new CEBL draft format, here is a link to explain how it works: https://www.cebl.ca/new-cebl-draft-format-unveiled-for-2024 With that being said, here are each teams three selections and my thoughts! Scarborough Shooting Stars Round 1: Malcolm Christie (Dalhousie University) Round 2: Koat Thomas (STFX) Round 3: Davante Hackett (Brock University) I thought it was only fitting to choose the 2023 champs as the first set of picks to cover. They had two of their draft picks be pivotal parts of their rotation late in the season and all the way to their eventual championship win. While one of them was no longer draft eligible (David Muenkat), and they decided not to go with David Walker either. I love the pick of Malcolm Christie. Fantastic shooter with good athleticism as well. His defending isn't the best, but in a bench scorer roll he would do really well. He has had some really big performances the last two seasons for Dalhousie and it's great to see him get a chance at the pro level. As for the other two selections, both Thomas and Hackett are coming off their first seasons in U Sports. Both of them had more minutes played down the stretch, and I assume these are picks more so for the future. Neither are great shooters but seem to be able to finish around the rim decently well. Interesting enough that all three of their selections are guards, but I would assume that Christie will be the only one getting important playing time. Calgary Surge Round 1: Dondre Reddick (STFX) Round 2: Mike Demagus (McMaster University) Round 3: Noah Wharton (University of Calgary) If we started with the reigning champs, we should go next to the 2023 runners up. Another team to select all guards, which to me, with the Surge especially is weird. Not sure how much time each of them will get, but it should be interesting. All three of Reddick, Demagus and Wharton are coming off of great seasons and hopefully can keep that momentum going. Both Reddick and Demagus are not shooting threats, better at getting to the rim and are great in transition. They are taller guards that will bring a different element to the team. When it comes to Wharton, he brings a little bit of a different style than the other two picks. He is super shifty and more of a distributor. He also is a great three point shooter, having bounced back from a slump last season. Interesting selections from the Surge. Niagara River Lions Round 1: Jordan Tchuente (Brock Unversity) Round 2: Luka Syllas (Queen's University) Round 3: Jerry Jr. Mercury (Mohawk College) With the new format, there was the ability to now draft CCAA players, not just U Sports athletes and we didn't have to wait too long to find out if one would be selected. First off, the River Lions bringing back Tchuente is great. This will be his fourth year with the team, and I think it will be the one where he contributes the most. He is a do it all forward who can score at three levels, rebound and isn't afraid to have the ball in his hands. Their second round pick was also a good one, bringing in one of the Syllas brothers. Luka had a breakout season this past year, being the main scoring option for the Gaels. He showed the ability to rebound his own misses inside and distributed the ball decently well. And now to the first ever CCAA draft pick. Mercury dominated the OCAA this year, playing more so as a forward. He showed a great blend of scoring and rebounding, doing most of his damage on the inside at both ends. He is a streaky three point shooter, but when hot, he can't miss. Interested to see how each of their roles shake out, as I can definitely see Tchuente playing. Not sure about the other two. Vancouver Bandits Round 1: Adam Olsen (UBC) Round 2: Jerric Palma (Western University) Round 3: Connor Platz (TWU) The Bandits went with a little mix of older and younger players here in 2024. Their first round selection Adam Olsen is a first year forward that saw lots of playing time with the Thunderbirds. Scoring well at a decent clip and showed he can do it inside and a little bit outside. He has size, but played more so on the perimeter. Intrigued to see how much he plays. Palma from Western had a super hot beginning to 2023, then cooled off quite a bit into 2024. But nonetheless, he's a good scorer and really good shooter that can fill it up. Being more experienced as a fourth year, I would be curious to see if he gets some run. Platz is a bit more in the middle as a third year (and also being a centre) who showed decent ability to be a force on the inside. He took a lot of shots on the inside, but also showed that he's been working on his range from deep. I could see all three of these guys get an opportunity to play a little bit and be somewhat effective. Ottawa Blackjacks Round 1: Dragan Stajic (U of Ottawa) Round 2: Justin Ndjock-Tadjore (U of Ottawa) Round 3: Michael Kelvin II (Queen's University) Some interesting selections from the Blackjacks. In 2023 they did not use many of their U Sports players, mainly using those roster spots as ways to develop players. This season I believe they are doing the same and also selected some very close to home talent. This will be Stajic's second season with the Blackjacks, after being a selection in 2023. A great defender, Stajic is due for some steals, getting his hands in on ball handlers quite often. He rebounds well for a guard and is a good passer. Not a great scorer, but shoots decent percentages when he does. His teammate Ndjock-Tadjore was also selected by the Gee-Gee's. He brings size, athleticism and good inside scoring. He rebounds decently for playing mostly on the wing. I can see Ndjock-Tadjore getting some playing time with his playstyle for the Blackjacks. Finally, the third round pick, Kelvin II has a similar build to Ndjock-Tadjore, but has a better ability to hit shots on the outside. Kelvin only ended up playing in one game this season, so I am curious to see if this is mainly just a development slot for him to get prepared for next season. An interesting group of players that I am not 100% sure where they stand on their roster. Edmonton Stingers Round 1: Aaron Rhooms (TMU) Round 2: Taye Donald (Wilfrid Laurier University) Round 3: Nate Petrone (University of Calgary) This class might be one of my favourites of the ten teams. All three of these players are bucket-getters that can fill it up anywhere on the floor. Each of them were their leading scorers on their team and all three should be contributors for the Stingers this summer. While Edmonton is one of the deeper teams once again in 2024, not so much in the guard positions. I would expect to see at least one of these guys crack into coach Jordan Baker's typical rotation. Great gets for the Stingers and should allow them to be even deeper for the upcoming summer. Brampton Honey Badgers Round 1: Callum Baker (Toronto University) Round 2: Cole Syllas (Queen's University) Round 3: David Walker (TMU) Next to the Stingers class, this one from the Honey Badgers is another one of my favourites. It is a mix of a returnee, and two new players, but with familiarity in the CEBL. Callum Baker was with Brampton last season and had a couple opportunities to showcase his abilities, which he did decently well. He is a great shooter and scores the ball really well. He is also a really good ball handler and could most certainly run the point for long stretches. My assumption is that with Baker having taken another step this season with the Varsity Blues, he will get more run this summer. That is also to say that with the Honey Badgers current roster makeup, that would allow any of these players to get a lot of playing time. Cole Syllas was with the Ottawa Blackjacks in 2023, but somewhat like Baker, never really got an opportunity to play. While Syllas had a down year, he can still be an impact player for this Brampton roster. A great finisher and rebounder inside. He isn't a great shooter, but he did hit the game winning three in the OUA championship game, so go figure. David Walker is an absolute steal here in the third round. He got a lot of run in the back half of 2023 with the Shooting Stars and played really well along side David Muenkat off the bench. He is fantastic in the mid range and a great finisher at the rim. He is a good athlete and loves running the floor. With that athleticism, he is really good at jumping passing lanes. Great job from the Honey Badgers front office this year. Winnipeg Sea Bears Round 1: Simon Hildebrandt (UofM) Round 2: Tyler Sagl (Lakehead University) Round 3: Shawn Maranan (UofW) The Sea Bears decided to run it back in 2024, while bringing in another player they are really familiar with in the third round. Simon Hildebrandt was the 2023 CEBL U Sports Player of the Year and showed that his breakout wasn't just a fluke when he made it to the pros. Hildebrandt is the primary player for the Bisons, and has more in a bench role with the Sea Bears. He is a good shooter, while also being able to play on the perimeter and put the ball on the floor. He rebounded well for his first season and I expect him to have an even bigger role this summer. Tyler Sagl was also with Winnipeg last year and played sparingly. While he did not get too many opportunities, I thought he played well when given the chance. Sagl is a great spot up shooter that fights hard on defence. With the strength of the roster, I would assume he is in the same position as last year, but I may be surprised. The third and final pick was not a surprise to anyone if they watched any Wesmen games this season. You could call it a breakout year for Shawn Maranan if you didn't know he had that ability. A shifty point guard that distributes to teammates really well and shoots the three at a good clip. While Sagl may not get much time, I could see Maranan getting a good amount of run because of the current roster make-up. But we will have to see how the rest of the roster shakes out. Montreal Alliance Round 1: Ismael Diouf (University of Laval) Round 2: Bahaide Haidara (UQAM) Round 3: Renoldo Robinson (University of Victoria) This is somewhat an interesting class for the Alliance. They have been very adamant about only bringing in local/French talent to their squad and they continued that here. Ismael Diouf was apart of this years Laval team that won the National championship. Only in his second season, he's shown the ability to score inside as a forward, have a bit of range and rebound at a decent rate. Haidara was a Alliance pick in 2023 and returns after another good season with les Citadins. A previous RSEQ Defensive Player of the Year, he continued that in 2023-2024. While his offence needs some work, he has showed flashes of being good on that side of the ball. My favourite pick of the three is Robinson. Playing next to Diego Maffia as a scorer isn't the best case scenario, but when Maffia went down Robinson showed he can be the next man up. He loves to get to the rim, but also has the ability to get hot from deep. To me, he is the best candidate to get some run with Montreal this summer. Saskatchewan Rattlers Round 1: Elias Ralph (University of Victoria) Round 2: Alexander Dewar (University of Saskatchewan) Round 3: Isaac Simon (University of Alberta) The tenth and final class is that of the Rattlers. Another somewhat interesting class, but one that makes sense for them. Their first round pick was the Robin to Diego Maffia's Batman in Victoria, Elias Ralph. He is a tall, smooth guard that can put the ball on the deck, finish a little at the rim and shoot the ball from deep. While playing more so on the perimeter, he rebounds really well. Really smart pick up for Saskatchewan. Their next pick, Alexander Dewar, had previously been with the Rattlers in 2021. Dewar is a great finisher with a little bit of shooting touch. Rebounds at a good rate for a guard, but really isn't too much of a playmaker. Solid choice by the Rattlers. The final pick that I will cover for this article is Isaac Simon. Simon was a choice by the Rattlers last season and will be with them once again in 2024. His time last summer certainly helped him in his second year at the U Sports level, as all of his counting statistics went up. He also looked more poised and comfortable playing at the collegiate level. He got a bit of playing time to begin the 2023 CEBL season, not sure if his role will expand this summer or not. I have now gone through all 30 selections from the 2024 CEBL Draft! While the off-season isn't over yet, most teams still have a couple spots left on their roster to fill. Keep up to date here on the Maple Minute with my running free agency article, updated almost every single day, and a lot more content coming up next month with team previews, as well as an overall league preview. Stay tuned!

Ladies and gentlemen, hoop aficionados, and all you lovers of the game, gather 'round as we delve into the dynamic inner workings of none other than the towering force of nature, the 6'9 sensation, Ewan Steele! This Canadian baller is not just your ordinary forward, oh no! He's the best kept secret in the Great White North, and mark my words, folks, he's about to explode onto the scene like a basketball supernova! From the bustling courts of his childhood to the hallowed halls of Polaris Prep, Ewan's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Evolving from a young kid with hoop dreams to one of the most underrated prospects in the class of 2024, his story is one of relentless dedication, unwavering commitment, and a burning desire to leave his mark on the game he loves. But wait, there's more! With his brother headed into his 3rd season at Maine, Ewan's path has been paved with inspiration and invaluable lessons. And as he stands tall at 6'9, with skills that make the opposition quiver in their sneakers, Ewan is not just a forward, he's a game-changer. From his inside dominance to his silky-smooth shooting stroke, this young gun is an an absolute unit on the court, and he's only getting started! Can you tell us about your journey as a basketball player, and how you’ve evolved over the years to become one of the most underrated prospects in the class of 2024? I’ve been playing basketball since I was 5 years old, I’ve always wanted to get far with basketball and my main focus has always been improving my skill set, and winning as a team. With your brother already playing at Maine, how has his experience influenced your own path in basketball, and what lessons have you learned from him? He 100% has influenced me with wanting to get to that next level and follow with what he has done, he has taught me a lot, like just putting my head down and work as hard as you can, and find different ways to overcome challenges that I may face. Being a 6’9 power forward, what aspects of your game do you believe set you apart from other players in your position, and how do you continue to refine those skills at Polaris Prep under Ray Kim? I feel like being able to play inside as well as being able to stretch the floor with my shooting and my passing ability has helped set me apart from other players at my position. I refine my skills at Polaris by getting in the gym with Coach Stef in the morning, and getting a lot of reps in the gym with Coach Ray after school is finished. As someone who’s been described as “slept on” by many, how do you stay motivated and focused on reaching your goals despite the lack of recognition from some scouts or analysts? I’ve heard that a lot, but that doesn’t change my mindset about anything, I know what I am capable of, and I believe that things will fall into place if I keep working hard. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your basketball career, both in terms of college basketball and potentially beyond? I’m looking to get to the next level and help contribute to winning in any way I can once I get there. After that I have to see what options I have. I would love to continue playing as long as I can, and I will continue to look for the right fit for me. And there you have it, folks, the tale of Ewan Steele, the diamond in the rough, the unsung dynamic prospect of Canadian hoops. Despite the naysayers and the doubters, Ewan remains steadfast in his pursuit of greatness. With the guidance of his brother and the mentorship of Coach Ray Kim at Polaris Prep, he continues to refine his skills, hone his craft, and defy the odds. So, to all you scouts, analysts, and college coaches out there, pay attention! Ewan Steele isn't just a name on a roster, he's a game-changer, a difference-maker, and the future of basketball. Whether it's on the collegiate stage or beyond, this young phenom is destined for greatness, and we can't wait to see him soar to new heights. Keep your eyes on the prize, Ewan, because the best is yet to come!

Through the global advancement of basketball, one of the most compelling narratives has been the continued growth of women’s basketball. In recent years, the sport has witnessed a surge in popularity and recognition, defying expectations and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. With the NCAA Women’s Basketball shattering viewership records, and the WNBA 2024 draft averaging more views than the NHL and NFL drafts; the momentum behind women’s basketball is undeniable. Some call it the Caitlin Clark effect, as the former Iowa star took the NCAA by storm. After a championship loss to LSU in her junior year, Clark came back better than ever, continuing where she left off adding more prestigious awards to her astonishing resume. Not only did she set the record for most threes in an NCAA season, but she passed Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich and stands as the all-time NCAA Division I basketball leading scorer with 3,952 points. Her impact was felt throughout the basketball world, leading to the NCAA Women’s Basketball March Madness tournament breaking viewing records. The rematch against LSU in the Elite Eight set a record as the most-viewed college basketball game for ESPN ever with an average of 12.3 million viewers and peaking at 16.1 million viewers. And the momentum didn't stop there. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final between Iowa and South Carolina quickly broke the viewership record set by Iowa-LSU, drawing a record breaking 18.9 million views. For the first time ever, the women’s final charted more views than the mens final, which drew in 14.7 million viewers. This increased viewership also translated immediately to the WNBA. The 2024 WNBA draft marked a historic turning point in Women sports, boasting the highest viewership since 2004, when basketball icon Diana Taurasi was drafted. Back in 2004, the record stood at 601,000 viewers. Fast forward to the 2024 draft, the league saw an astounding 307% increase in viewership, totalling at a staggering 2.45 million views. When Caitlin Clark was undoubtedly the #1 pick by the Indiana Fever, fans couldn’t wait to show their support. In just an hour, Clark’s jerseys completely sold out and she wasn’t alone in this phenomenon. Her LSU rival, Angel Reese who was drafted #7 by the Chicago Sky, also saw her jerseys fly off the shelves within 48 hours of their release, further illustrating the growing popularity of women’s basketball. As the WNBA prepares to tip off its 28th season, the stage is set for the recognition of skill, diversity and endurance that the WNBA athletes have persevered through. This season is gearing up to be one for the record books. As it stands currently three WNBA teams have sold out their season membership tickets prior to season tip off - the Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Las Vegas Aces. In addition, WNBA teams such as the Aces and Mystics have agreed to play in larger arenas when playing against the Indiana Fever to accommodate Clark's growing fan base. As well, the WNBA has expanded its broadcasting rights and partners, expanding to broadcast live games in the UK and Ireland for the 2024 season. Canada’s influence on the growth of women’s basketball is undeniable and ever-expanding. With rising stars like Aaliyah Edwards getting drafted into the WNBA, joining fellow Canadians Kia Nurse, Laeticia Amihere, Bridget Carlton and Natalie Achonwa, the nation’s footprint in the sport continues to grow. The first WNBA game hosted outside the US was incredibly successful as Toronto, Canada hosted a sell-out crowd at the Scotiabank arena( Formerly the Air Canada Centre) and Canada is set to host its second WNBA game this season in Edmonton on May 4th at the Rogers Place. With talks of a potential WNBA expansion team in Canada on the horizon, the future shines bright for the continued growth and success of women’s basketball in Canada. IWhile Caitlin Clark’s emergence continues to make its mark and Women’s basketball continues to elevate, there’s still ground to cover for its full recognition to be felt and seen. As supporters of Women’s basketball, it’s imperative to maintain our unwavering support. The WNBA League Pass, priced at just $34.99 for the entire season, offers a prime opportunity to stay connected through 24/7 access. Let’s seize the moment to show our dedication, continue to praise these extraordinary athletes, and ensure that the future of Women’s basketball shines brighter than ever! So don't hesitate- secure your WNBA League Pass, get your tickets for the WNBA Canada Game, and continue to be a part of this amazing journey as the season unfolds! Writers: Emily Beazley and Ruhyi Ratansi Editor: Namz Sewali

Queens University in Kingston, ON just landed the best Glue Guy in Canada. Every single time I attended an event this year with Polaris Prep in action, it was evident that Tyson Lama would be the loudest player in the gym. Queens fell just short of the Championship this year, they had 3 of their players make the CEBL this summer via the USPORTS - CCAA Draft. With the addition of a highly talented, humble, hardworking recruit in Tyson Lama I believe the Gaels are primed for another deep run in the Final 8 next season. Crack open a pop and enjoy this 1 on 1 interview with Queens newest prospect, Tyson Lama. Congratulations on your commitment to Queen's University! As someone known as the best glue guy in the country, how do you define your role on the basketball court, and how do you plan to bring that same energy and leadership to Queen's? That kind of stuff comes second nature to me, I wouldn’t even call it a role more just the responsibility of being the best teammate you possibly can. I plan on staying true to that and just giving Queens all I’ve got. Playing under Head Coach Ray Kim at Polaris Prep, what aspects of your game do you feel Coach Kim helped you develop the most, and how do you think those skills will contribute to your success at the collegiate level? Coach Ray (Kim) has always harped on the intangibles so helping me develop that proper work ethic and attitude was huge for my growth. Also the ability to be effective without the ball in your hand and in a system will translate well to the next level. As a glue guy, you're known for your ability to do all the little things that contribute to team success. How do you maintain your consistency and focus on those aspects of the game, and how do you plan to continue to elevate your game at Queen's University? Those little things are what I focus on going into every game. Sometimes shots won’t fall or you will make bad plays and you cant control that, but you can always; bring energy, communicate, and make hustle plays. Just staying true to that mindset will allow me to build on those good habits and make them stronger. What influenced your decision to commit to Queen's University, and what are you looking forward to the most about joining the program? Queens was an easy pick for me; the school, the basketball program, the campus. The thing I’m most excited for is to be apart of such a strong culture and group of guys and do everything I can to build on it. With your commitment to Queen's, what are your goals for your collegiate basketball career, and how do you envision making an impact both on and off the court for the Gaels? My goal is to win a U sports title out the gate. That is a super realistic goal with the amount of talent there is on this upcoming Queens roster. I want to be able to be a strong 3 and D option for the team on the court and off the court just creating those bonds and relationships with everyone in the program. As Tyson Lama embarks on his journey with Queen's University, his dedication to being the best teammate possible and his focus on the intangibles will undoubtedly make a significant impact on and off the court for the Gaels. With a clear goal of winning a U Sports title and his commitment to being a strong 3-and-D option, Tyson's presence is poised to elevate the team's performance while fostering strong bonds within the program. Queen's University is fortunate to have Tyson Lama join their basketball program, where his leadership and skills will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success.

As a massive advocate for College Coaches to recruit Canada, it's incredibly refreshing to see how the University of Buffalo has filled their recruiting class with Canadian prospects. Now the man I am about to interview below is not technically a Canadian but he played his finally year in the beautiful Edmonton, Alberta and by doing so he is now a honourary Canadian in my books. Introducing the newest Buffalo Bull, Kavon Bradford of Western Canada Prep Academy. Congratulations on your commitment to the University of Buffalo! What factors influenced your decision to choose Buffalo, and what are you most excited about as you prepare to join the Bulls? As soon as I spoke with Coach G and Coach Presutti I knew it was a perfect fit. The way they want to play and what they want at my position is a great fit. I am most excited to be competing and getting better at the highest level of college basketball. I am also excited to get out to Buffalo. Western Canada Prep Academy, under the guidance of Head Coach Sunny Sooch, has produced several talented players. How did your time at Western Canada Prep Academy help prepare you for the Division I level, both on and off the court? Coach Sunny has taught me so much on the court, we have put in countless hours working in the pick n roll and just sharpening my PG skills. Off the court he’s been teaching me the business side of basketball. WCPA gave me the platform, development and opportunity I needed to get to D1. What specific skills or lessons did you learn at Western Canada Prep Academy that you believe will translate well to your college basketball career at the University of Buffalo? As I said earlier, me and Coach Sunny have spent countless hours sharpening my PG skills I think my ability to get downhill and guard any guard put in front of me is what will translate best for me right away. With your commitment to the University of Buffalo, what are your personal goals and aspirations for your collegiate basketball career, and how do you envision contributing to the success of the Bulls? My main goal as I commit to Buffalo are to get better everyday playing against great competition and ultimately using this opportunity to prepare to get an opportunity at the pro level. I see myself being able to contribute right away by being a leader in the locker room and on the court, I also believe I can defend multiple positions right away and impact the game defensively for us at Buffalo. It's inspiring to witness the University of Buffalo's commitment to recruiting Canadian talent, underscoring the growing influence of Canadian basketball on the international stage. While Kavon Bradford may not be a native Canadian, his time spent honing his skills in Edmonton, Alberta, has undoubtedly earned him the title of an honourary Canadian. As we welcome the newest addition to the Buffalo Bulls, Kavon Bradford, it's clear that his decision to commit to Buffalo was influenced by more than just basketball; it was about finding the perfect fit both on and off the court. With a coaching staff that aligns with his vision and a desire to compete at the highest level of college basketball, Bradford is poised to make a significant impact. His experience at Western Canada Prep Academy, under the guidance of Head Coach Sunny Sooch, has equipped him with not only the skills to excel on the court but also the business acumen necessary for success beyond the game. As Bradford embarks on his collegiate journey, his dedication to continuous improvement and his commitment to contributing as a leader and defensive stalwart will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Bulls' quest for success. Congratulations to Kavon Bradford on his commitment to the University of Buffalo, where he's poised to leave an indelible mark both as a player and as a leader.

Josh Millican here with The Maple Minute & today we are bringing you an exclusive 1 on 1 interview with 2027 rising star — Rasheed Morrison of UPLAY Canada & Huntington Prep. Rasheed is an incredible talent for his age & quite frankly any age. His dynamic scoring prowess is one of the best in the class, goes to his pull up game consistently (as a fan of early 2000’s basketball this is something I hold near & dear to my heart). Pour yourself a pop or a cup of coffee and read more about this soon to be household name in Canadian basketball. You’ve shown remarkable growth since the 8th grade. What aspects of your game have improved the most, and how do you plan to continue developing your skills at Huntington Prep and with UPLAY Canada? Over the years, I would say my game has grown tremendously in my ball handling, mid-range, 3-point shot, decision-making, and leadership. I plan to further improve my game and take it to the next level by continuing to be a student of the game, being a sponge when it comes to taking information, and also putting in countless hours of gym time. As a top prospect in the class of 2027, what do you believe sets you apart from other players in your age group, and how do you plan to maintain your edge as you progress in your basketball career? What separates my game from others is definitely my facilitating. I can also rebound like a big, take charges, steal the ball, and make exceptional plays down the stretch, so basically I can do a little of everything and execute it well. Another part of my game that separates me from others is I’ll always encourage and make my teammates better players. Can you describe your current skill set and playing style? How do you adapt your game to different situations on the court? I can describe my current skill set as getting downhill, getting to my spots on the court so I can pull up, catch and shoot, and also blocking tons of shots away. I excel at getting my teammates open every time I drive. Looking ahead to the future, what are your goals for college basketball? Do you have a dream college or program you aspire to join, and what factors are most important to you in making that decision? Some goals for my collegiate career are to get a scholarship so I can pursue my education and make something out of myself to take care of all the people who loved and supported me. Some of the schools I’m interested in are UConn, Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky. With several years left to develop, what specific areas of your game are you focusing on improving, and how do you plan to work on them during your time at Huntington Prep and with UPLAY Canada? Some parts of my game I would like to improve are my shooting, like how I can shoot off the dribble, and I want to be able to catch and shoot better as well. I also want to deepen my bag so I can score in any scenario and from all five spots on the floor. I can work on these things and get better at them by staying in the gym, staying focused, and taking all advice from my mentors and coaches. What advice do you take from older players who you aspire to reach the same level of success as? How important is dedication and hard work in achieving your basketball goals? One thing that I take from most players older than me is that it's all just a long game, and if they don't see you now, then they will see you soon. I will say that dedication means everything to me because without dedication, you won’t be a better player on the court and you won’t be a better person off the court as well. Dedication plays into everyday life like going to school, talking to people with respect and manners, as well as coaches with respect and manners. It’s all about how you represent yourself at the end of the day, so when people look at you, they don’t see someone lazy; they see somebody who works hard at their craft. As Rasheed continues to hone his skills at Huntington Prep and with UPLAY Canada, it's evident that dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game are driving forces behind his journey. With clear goals for the future, including earning a scholarship and making an impact at the collegiate level, Morrison is a player to watch as they strive to reach new heights in their basketball career.