3 key takeaways as the CEBL reaches the halfway point

Heated rivalries, exciting new players, and the pressure of target time are just the beginning of another record-breaking year for the CEBL

We have reached the halfway point of the CEBL season, which has already seen a variety of firsts and records for the league and individual franchises. To highlight only a small variety, the Saskatchewan Rattlers set a franchise record for season ticket memberships, the Vancouver Bandits broadcasted the first ever game in Tagalog as part of the Filipino Heritage game, and the Montreal Alliance hosted the Ottawa Blackjacks in the first ever outdoor game.

To add to the excitement, several new and returning players are signing on, many of whom are returning from successful seasons in international leagues. Many are fan favourites or bring NBA experience to the table, which continues to raise the calibre of talent that is present in the league.

This is the perfect point in the season to pause and consider some of the biggest takeaways thus far:

We’ve got some early contenders:

In the West, it’s undoubtedly the Vancouver Bandits. At 9-3, they have the best record in the league. It’s true, they’ve lost to Calgary and Winnipeg, but there’s little cause for worry. Their point differential is a whopping 148, more than 50 points greater than any other team. They also just re-signed Nick Ward, who averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds per game for them last season. Adding him to the already stacked roster alongside Mitch Creek (averaging 24-6-4), Tyrese Samuel (20-10), Kyle Mangas (17-5-4), and an experienced bench has created a recipe for success. They’ve beaten all three Eastern Conference teams they’ve played, including the reigning champions, Niagara River Lions, and handed out 30+ point losses to Edmonton, Niagara, and Saskatchewan.

Of course, the fact that Calgary has managed to beat Vancouver twice is nothing to overlook. Only a game behind, they boast a +/- of 94, with a talented roster led by Sean Miller Moore, who’s currently averaging 19-5-4 in his third season with the Surge. Jameer Nelson Jr., a newcomer to the league, is already leading in steals per game with 3.3, to go along with his 19 points, 5 rebounds, and almost 5 assists per game. Greg Brown III rounds out their top three, who’s been having a phenomenal season with nearly 21 and 7. It won’t be surprising if they make their way to Winnipeg in August.

In the East, things are a little bit more challenging. Niagara, the defending champions, have created another winning roster with most of the guys from last year returning. Ahmed Hill, the player with all-time most CEBL points, has stepped in as well. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to be “the guy” but is happy to be a role player on the team. Jahvon Blair, Kimbal Mackenzie, Nathan Cayo, Eddie Ekiyor, and Elijah Lufile take up the bulk of the minutes and have all been contributing well.

Of course, the final piece of the puzzle returned, Khalil Ahmad, and he’s back to his winning ways. Named the CEBL Clutch Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, he’s showing shades of that again.

In a recent interview with Victor Raso, head coach of the Niagara River Lions, I asked him if there’s ever hesitation to run late-game plays for Ahmad since the opposing team knows the ball is probably going to him. He said the thought has occurred to him to use him as a decoy, but “Khalil scores all the time, so no.. He just tends to get it done”. In a playoff situation, that’s the difference maker, and it’s one that Khalil and Niagara are not unfamiliar with.

The Scarborough Shooting Stars are right alongside Niagara, also with 7 wins, and some recent additions to their roster are rounding out a group that looks similar to their 2023 championship squad. Currently, Donovan Williams and Terquavion Smith, both guys with NBA experience, are each averaging about 25-4-3. They have been at the helm of most of the production for the roster, but the return of Cat Barber, David Walker, Hason Ward, Danilo Djuricic, and now Kalif Young rounds out a roster with lots of potential.

Mid-season additions matter:

With so many players finishing up overseas contracts, it’s not uncommon for guys to show up around the midway point. While it is tough sometimes for teams to get going initially, often the second half of the season can look very different.

The best example? The Ottawa BlackJacks.

Splitting their first two games at home and starting a road trip against some of the toughest teams in the league, they started the season 2-6. Then, Zane Waterman joined the team, Isaih Moore returned from injury, Keevan Veinot was back, and Javonte Smart signed on. Since then? 3-0. The truth is, with most of those games, they were already close, but those additions have pushed them over the edge, especially with their help during target time.

David DeAveiro, the head coach of the BlackJack,s noted the difference, saying “We (have) got to have a guy in this league, especially in target time, that can get you a bucket”.

So far, Smart has been that guy for them, saying, “We know what’s at stake. I know everybody wants to win it… I’m going to make the right play”. He has delivered on that, with 13 target time points over his first three games, including two game winners.

Reality is, one or two guys can make all the difference, and despite a rough start, they could be the BlackJacks seem to be positioning themselves as the risers of the second half of the season.

Canadian basketball continues to grow:

The CEBL prides itself on developing Canadian talent, and while there are import players that are leaving their mark on the league as well, it’s hard not to notice the contributions and development of the Canadians this season.

Simi Shittu has returned to the league this year after missing the 2024 season, now with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. He’s been putting up numbers, with over 25 points in three of his first five games. He’s also grabbing over 9 boards and dishing 3 assists per game, along with 3 stocks. Undoubtedly one of the strongest performing Canadians so far this season.

Tyrese Samuel and Sean Miller-Moore, whom I’ve already mentioned, would have been electric for their respective teams as well, both with championship aspirations this year.

Quincy Gurrier, a mainstay for Team Canada during this AmeriCup run, took the opportunity to return to his hometown of Montreal to play for the Alliance. “I’m pretty excited about this league… There are a lot of pros,” following up with the thought that this will be a great opportunity for him to “keep developing”.

Now we shift to the final half of the season, and teams will start to look towards the championships that will be held in Winnipeg, August 22-24. There’s a lot of basketball between now and then, with most teams still having 12 regular-season games left on schedule.

With heated rivalries and other monumental games still on the upcoming calendar, there’s no time like the present to join in.

On July 9th, the Calgary Surge will host the Montreal Alliance in the Saddledome during the Calgary Stampede, poised to be another record-breaking night for the league.

On July 25, the Vancouver Bandits will have one last chance against the Calgary Surge to take back a win against the only team that has beaten them more than once.

On July 31, the Niagara River Lions will host the Ottawa BlackJacks in their final matchup of the season, which has proven to be one of the biggest rivalries this season.

And the list goes on…

Tune in on TSN or CEBL+, or find your city’s team so that you can join in on one of the most fun atmospheres in sports.