Let the Summer Begin: What to Know About the CEBL

The new CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League) has just begun as it runs from May through August. For those not familiar with it, the league was founded in 2017 and the first season was played in 2019. It’s also the only league in North America that is recognized by FIBA, and there are 10 teams across Canada. For the Eastern Conference, we have: Montréal Alliance, Brampton Honey Badgers, Niagara River Lions, Ottawa BlackJacks and Scarborough Shooting Stars. For the Western Conference: Calgary Surge, Edmonton Stingers, Saskatchewan Rattlers, Vancouver Bandits and Winnipeg Sea Bears. 

Courtesy of Nick Iwanyshyn / CP

Highlighting Canada's Presence on the Map

Even though OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just won the 2025 MVP title in the NBA,there are some other impressive Canadian players evolving in the most known league right now - like R.J. Barrett (Toronto Raptors), Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets), Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat) and  Bennedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers). However, Canada is still trying to improve its presence in the professional world of basketball. But in the CEBL, 75% of the rosters are Canadian players.

Courtesy of Michael Conroy / AP Photo

NBA and G-League Experience

One thing to know is to not underestimate the level of basketball that is played in the CEBL. Players have a background in NCAA programs, U SPORTS, CCAA, G-League and even NBA, with a record of 12 players having NBA experience in the 2024 season. As of this day, the league stated that “more than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year.” Some of them include A.J Lawson, a guard who  played for the Dallas Mavericks before recently signing a contract with the Toronto Raptors, and Trevon Scott, who is currently a forward for the Long Island Nets in the G-League but played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Courtesy of John E. Sokolowski / Imagn Images

5 Players to Watch Out For

1. Terry Roberts (#3, Guard, Winnipeg Sea Bears)

In his first three games of the season, Roberts combined for 43 points, averaging 14.3 PPG. He is already top 5 league leaders for assists (8.3 APG) and for steals (2.7 SPG). 

2. Kyle Mangas (#24, Guard, Vancouver Bandits)

It’s still early in the season, but Mangas is imposing himself as the league leader for three-pointers made, averaging 5 3 PM per game. His other stats show  a sheet of 21 PPG, 3.7 APG, 6.3 RPG and 53.6 TPP.

3. Tyrese Samuel (#8, Forward, Vancouver Bandits)

Averaging 24.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG and having a 63.5 FGP, Samuel’s name appears in the league leaders board as well for points (he comes second), rebounds (fifth place) and field goal percentage (third place).  

4. Cody John (#5, Guard, Saskatchewan Rattlers)

Although he has only played  one game at the moment, John is the league leader in points, with a remarkable 25 points. But the guard has been pretty solid for his past four seasons, going from the Badgers to the BlackJacks, then going back to the Badgers before joining the Rattlers in 2024 and returning for the current season. 

5. Sultan Haider Bhatti (#9, Guard/Forward, Montréal Alliance)

Haider Bhatti was the first overall pick in the CEBL 2025 draft. The player is known for his consistency and improvement. In 75 career games, he averaged 16.9 PPG and 8.9 RPG while shooting 46.8% from the field and 80.2% from the free-throw line.

Courtesy of CEBL.ca and Alliancemontreal.ca

For the First Time in Canada - "Éclipse: Match Sous Les Étoiles"

Last week, Montréal (Québec) hosted the very first outdoor professional basketball game in Canada. The matchup featured the Montréal Alliance vs the Ottawa BlackJacks. Unfortunately, the game was cancelled at the half, due to weather conditions that were putting the safety of the players at risk. It was surely a difficult but wise decision that had to be taken, but it didn’t take away the unforgettable experience that lasted for the first 24 minutes.

More than 9,000 people attended the game and fans could watch the sunset and the planes fly over the stadium. The Montréal Alliance team delivered a real, good show, with high-level basketball, leading 52-29 at the half. The face of the team, the man of the people, Quincy Guerrier (#6), put on quite the performance with 3-point shots and a dunk that got the public jumping out of their seats. Ben Stevens (#8) should also be applauded for his perfect stats at the half with 16 points and 4 rebounds, making it an 8/8 bucket score (100% FGP). 

Even if the BlackJacks have  some good players on their team and it will be interesting to watch them go through the season, the Alliance undeniably have a chemistry that can take them to the Championship.

Courtesy of Elsa Olano

Last Thing to Know: The Target Score

CEBL has introduced a brand new rule called “the target score,” with the aim of keeping the game the most entertaining possible until the final whistle. “The first time the game clock is stopped with 4:00 minutes or less in the 4th quarter of each game, timed play will end and a Target Score will be set, equal to the leading team's score plus nine (+9).” (CEBL).