BLACKJACKS IN THE COMMUNITY
BlackJacks
Everywhere Tour
Basketball goes beyond game night. Discover how the BlackJacks are connecting with schools, young athletes, organizations and communities across Ottawa and the surrounding region.
Explore The Tour →FOR SCHOOLS
School Day
Roadshow
Bring BlackJacks basketball directly to your school with an energetic, interactive experience built around movement, teamwork and the game.
Explore The Roadshow →
FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
BlackJacks
Mini Camps
High-energy basketball clinics designed to get young athletes moving, learning and enjoying the game in communities across the region.
Explore Mini Camps →
RECENT NEWS
By Alex Forbes
•
August 28, 2026
New community initiative will bring BlackJacks programming directly to schools, gyms and communities throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa BlackJacks announced today the launch of the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour , a new community initiative designed to bring basketball, movement and meaningful community experiences directly to neighbourhoods throughout Ottawa and the surrounding region. The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour represents an expanded commitment to connecting with communities beyond the team’s home court at TD Place. Through a growing collection of programs, the BlackJacks will visit schools, community gyms and local organizations across Eastern Ontario, creating opportunities for young people and families to experience basketball in their own communities. The initiative will reach communities throughout Ottawa as well as surrounding areas including Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Brockville, Cornwall, Kemptville and Clarence-Rockland to name a few. “Being Ottawa’s professional basketball team means being part of the entire community, not just on game days,” said Jason Winters, President of the Ottawa BlackJacks. “The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour is about going directly into communities, meeting young people where they are and using basketball to create positive experiences and lasting connections. We want kids throughout our region to feel that the BlackJacks are their team.” Two programs will help launch the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour: the School Day Roadshow and BlackJacks Mini Camps . SCHOOL DAY ROADSHOW The School Day Roadshow brings the BlackJacks directly into local schools for energetic, basketball-focused experiences led by BlackJacks community and basketball staff. Students participate in sessions built around basketball fundamentals, movement, teamwork, challenges and friendly competition. The program is designed to be inclusive and engaging for students of all experience and skill levels. The first stop of the School Day Roadshow will take place on September 22 at R. Tait McKenzie Public School in Almonte, Ontario, providing a fitting starting point for the initiative. Almonte holds a special place in the history of basketball as the birthplace of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game. More than a century after Naismith created basketball, the BlackJacks will begin the Everywhere Tour in the community where his story began. “Starting in Almonte makes the launch particularly meaningful,” added Winters. “Basketball has grown into a global game, but its roots are right here in our region. Beginning this initiative in the birthplace of James Naismith is a great reminder of the connection our communities have to the game and the opportunity we have to help introduce the next generation to it.” BLACKJACKS MINI CAMPS BlackJacks Mini Camps will bring another element of the Everywhere Tour into community gyms across the region. The camps are designed to give young athletes an engaging basketball experience close to home, combining skill development with movement, teamwork, competition and the energy of the BlackJacks. The first Mini Camp is scheduled for September 26 at The Carambeck Community Centre in Carleton Place and October 17 in Clarence-Rockland, with additional communities and dates expected to be announced as the program expands. Registrations are open for Carleton Place now . MORE THAN BASKETBALL While basketball is at the centre of the Everywhere Tour, the initiative is ultimately about connection. The BlackJacks believe a professional sports organization can play an important role in strengthening the communities it represents. By taking programming outside of TD Place and into schools, gyms and neighbourhoods, the organization hopes to create more opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence, work together and develop a stronger connection to basketball in their community. The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour will continue to grow with additional programming, community stops and initiatives planned throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. For more information about the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour and its community programming, visit the Ottawa BlackJacks website. ABOUT THE OTTAWA BLACKJACKS The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca. ABOUT THE CEBL The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Join us on social media Instagram: ottawablackjacks X: Ott_BlackJacks Facebook: OttawaBlackJacks TikTok: ottawablackjacks For further information, please contact: Alex Forbes Brand and Creative Manager Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club aforbes@theblackjacks.ca
By Farrah Philpot
•
August 12, 2026
Nine-year-old Carter Wheaton is a huge basketball fan. That’s why for his wish through the Make a Wish Foundation, the Ottawa local chose to spend his weekend with the city’s basketball team. Carter signed an honourary one-day player agreement contract with the team. On Saturday, he attended practice and then went to the game on Sunday, against the Niagara River Lions. The contract that Carter signed named him an honourary member of the team for an unforgettable day. It was stated that while the contract is ceremonial, he will now forever stand beside our players in spirit. While at practice, Carter was able to watch how Head Coach Justin Mazzulla runs a practice. He sat courtside, met the team and spent some time on the court, shooting around with the players after practice was over. He also received a jersey that was then signed by all the players. Carter came alongside his brother, Evan Wheaton, his father, Robert Wheaton and his father’s girlfriend, Mandi Freestone. Together they all shared an unforgettable day with Carter and the BlackJacks. Carter suffers from Coffin Siris Syndrome, and is confined to a wheelchair. The Make a Wish Foundation told the BlackJacks that “Even with all of that, his love for basketball shines through in a big way.” Carter communicated to the BlackJacks that he was not able to choose a favourite player, because his brother was his favourite player. His brother, Evan plays for the Ottawa Shooting Stars, in the under-12 division.
By Farrah Philpot
•
August 11, 2026
Alex Fudge has been nominated for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award by the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). This nomination comes after Fudge’s first year in the CEBL and third professional season. The 23-year-old G League player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce played 23 games for the BlackJacks this summer and averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Fudge led the league in blocks after just a few games, and held onto that title for the majority of the season. By the end of the 2026 regular season, he had cemented himself as the league’s 2026 leader in total blocks with 40 on the season. For this reason, it is no surprise that Fudge would be nominated for the DPOY award, as he made his presence in the paint known. Fudge’s best game came on June 23 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. He finished that game with 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. “Alex Fudge, I mean, he's elite. He's really elite,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla about Fudge and his game. Fudge is also eighth in the league for total defensive rebounds, another reason why he has been nominated for the award. He shines in protecting the rim and totaled 103 defensive rebounds on the season, averaging 4.4 per game.
By Farrah Philpot
•
August 10, 2026
As the Ottawa BlackJacks' season came to an end on August 6 in Brampton, ON, it was a season of reflection, new beginnings and most importantly, great hoops. The Ottawa BlackJacks lost in the Eastern Conference semi-finals to the Brampton Honey Badgers, a team they had yet to beat all season. In a game that came down to the last possession, the BlackJacks just couldn’t rebound before Matthew Moncrieffe did, and just like that, the BlackJacks' season was over. But the season came with a lot of positives, both on the court and in the stands. This year’s BlackJacks squad broke multiple franchise records, including points for Javonte Smart, blocks for Alex Fudge and the first time in franchise history that two players have scored 35 points or over. For Smart, breaking records just seems to be a part of his role in Ottawa. In his second season with the team, he averaged 23.8 points per game, 3.6 three-point shots per game and 6.9 assists per game. Last season, he became the franchise-record holder for points in a single game, and this season he overtook Tyrell Tate for second in total points. By the end of the regular season, he finished 15 points shy of first place with a total of 951 points, just behind current franchise leader Deng Adel, who has 966. A new face for Ottawa and a new record for blocks came with Alex Fudge. The Sioux Falls Skyforce forward came to Ottawa with what seemed like springs in his shoes. He averaged 5.8 rebounds per game along with 1.7 blocks per game. He will now go back to South Dakota knowing he led the league in blocks with a total of 40 on the season. He also officially passed Zane Waterman as the record holder for blocks, and held the franchise record for a portion of the season. He was eventually surpassed by fellow big man Christian Rohlehr. This was Rohlehr’s second season with the BlackJacks and fourth in the CEBL. He previously played for the Montreal Alliance for two seasons before heading closer to his hometown of Toronto. In his first season with the BlackJacks, he finished with a total of 13 blocks. In the 2026 season, he doubled that stat, finishing with a total of 31, and now holds the franchise record for blocks with 44. He became an important part of Ottawa’s game down low, averaging 2.3 rebounds per game and 1.5 blocks. He did this while averaging just 8.6 minutes per game. Another dominance in the paint came midway through the season with the return of third-year veteran Isaih Moore. In just 12 games played with the team this season, he was able to rack up 197 points, 110 rebounds and six double-doubles. He calls Ottawa his second home, and he sure plays like it. In his third season with Ottawa, he became the team’s record holder for rebounds with 419, surpassing Deng Adel, who previously held the record with 356. Moore also added to his previous franchise record of total double-double games, and is now sitting at 22 career double-doubles with the Ottawa BlackJacks. He can sit comfortably knowing he’ll hold onto this accolade for a while, as runner-up Javonte Smart sits at seven. What could be called the BlackJacks' biggest win of the season was their game against the Vancouver Bandits on June 2. Justin Harmon and Matthew Cleveland both cemented themselves in BlackJacks history that night, being the first duo to both score 35 points or over. The G League players from the Salt Lake City Stars officially dubbed themselves the Salt Lake City BlackJacks after that historic night. Harmon became an important piece of the BlackJacks puzzle and finished the season averaging 12.6 points, 2.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He also became quite a character on the bench and was known by fans for his animated celebrations. Cleveland could be called the final piece of the BlackJacks puzzle. The 23-year-old Salt Lake City Star player lit up the Ottawa frontcourt, averaging 21.2 points, 3.1 assists and seven rebounds per game. He also cemented himself in BlackJacks history and is now second in points per game, just behind Javonte Smart. “He’s a menace in a good way,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla in his final interview in Brampton. “He’s just a specimen in transition.” Cleveland also got engaged while in Ottawa, so this city will always mean something special to him besides basketball. In his fifth season with the BlackJacks and seventh in the CEBL, Tyrell Tate was able to help out his teammates and prove himself as a veteran leader. A fan-favourite, he averaged 6.3 points per game in his 12 games played due to a rib injury in mid-season. Tate continues to lead the franchise in games played with a total of 85 and 3-point shots made with 146 after this season. Three Ontario-grown stars were able to make their mark on the Ottawa BlackJacks this season as well. Wilson Dubinsky from Ottawa, ON, Kobe Elvis from Brampton, ON, and Marko Maletic from London, ON all consistently contributed to the BlackJacks when it came to points on the board. Dubinsky averaged 4.2 points per game in his professional debut. He also signed his first professional contract in his hometown coming out of Marshall University, which was really meaningful to him. Elvis and Maletic averaged 6.4 and 5.4 points per game, and started 11 and seven games each. The 25-year-olds spent last season playing overseas, but got to come back to play in Canada for their summer. Another Canadian local from across the bridge in Gatineau that made an impact, especially in their Eastern Conference semi-finals, was Justin Ndjock-Tadjore. The University of Ottawa alum averaged four points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His best game came when it was needed in their conference semi-finals match against Brampton, when he had 17 points and eight rebounds. He was personally mentioned in the CEBL’s profile on coach Mazzulla as someone coach saw potential in and wanted to help grow his game. Coach Mazzulla was also a record-breaking coach. The 27-year-old was the youngest head coach in CEBL history. But when it comes to his accolades and the successes he had this season, he credits the staff he had to support him. “There's countless learning lessons, but I think most importantly, relationships and the people that you surround yourself with are super important, and here at Ottawa, we're surrounded by such great people,” said Mazzulla.
By Alex Forbes
•
August 28, 2026
New community initiative will bring BlackJacks programming directly to schools, gyms and communities throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa BlackJacks announced today the launch of the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour , a new community initiative designed to bring basketball, movement and meaningful community experiences directly to neighbourhoods throughout Ottawa and the surrounding region. The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour represents an expanded commitment to connecting with communities beyond the team’s home court at TD Place. Through a growing collection of programs, the BlackJacks will visit schools, community gyms and local organizations across Eastern Ontario, creating opportunities for young people and families to experience basketball in their own communities. The initiative will reach communities throughout Ottawa as well as surrounding areas including Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Brockville, Cornwall, Kemptville and Clarence-Rockland to name a few. “Being Ottawa’s professional basketball team means being part of the entire community, not just on game days,” said Jason Winters, President of the Ottawa BlackJacks. “The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour is about going directly into communities, meeting young people where they are and using basketball to create positive experiences and lasting connections. We want kids throughout our region to feel that the BlackJacks are their team.” Two programs will help launch the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour: the School Day Roadshow and BlackJacks Mini Camps . SCHOOL DAY ROADSHOW The School Day Roadshow brings the BlackJacks directly into local schools for energetic, basketball-focused experiences led by BlackJacks community and basketball staff. Students participate in sessions built around basketball fundamentals, movement, teamwork, challenges and friendly competition. The program is designed to be inclusive and engaging for students of all experience and skill levels. The first stop of the School Day Roadshow will take place on September 22 at R. Tait McKenzie Public School in Almonte, Ontario, providing a fitting starting point for the initiative. Almonte holds a special place in the history of basketball as the birthplace of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game. More than a century after Naismith created basketball, the BlackJacks will begin the Everywhere Tour in the community where his story began. “Starting in Almonte makes the launch particularly meaningful,” added Winters. “Basketball has grown into a global game, but its roots are right here in our region. Beginning this initiative in the birthplace of James Naismith is a great reminder of the connection our communities have to the game and the opportunity we have to help introduce the next generation to it.” BLACKJACKS MINI CAMPS BlackJacks Mini Camps will bring another element of the Everywhere Tour into community gyms across the region. The camps are designed to give young athletes an engaging basketball experience close to home, combining skill development with movement, teamwork, competition and the energy of the BlackJacks. The first Mini Camp is scheduled for September 26 at The Carambeck Community Centre in Carleton Place and October 17 in Clarence-Rockland, with additional communities and dates expected to be announced as the program expands. Registrations are open for Carleton Place now . MORE THAN BASKETBALL While basketball is at the centre of the Everywhere Tour, the initiative is ultimately about connection. The BlackJacks believe a professional sports organization can play an important role in strengthening the communities it represents. By taking programming outside of TD Place and into schools, gyms and neighbourhoods, the organization hopes to create more opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence, work together and develop a stronger connection to basketball in their community. The BlackJacks Everywhere Tour will continue to grow with additional programming, community stops and initiatives planned throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. For more information about the BlackJacks Everywhere Tour and its community programming, visit the Ottawa BlackJacks website. ABOUT THE OTTAWA BLACKJACKS The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca. ABOUT THE CEBL The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Join us on social media Instagram: ottawablackjacks X: Ott_BlackJacks Facebook: OttawaBlackJacks TikTok: ottawablackjacks For further information, please contact: Alex Forbes Brand and Creative Manager Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club aforbes@theblackjacks.ca
By Farrah Philpot
•
August 12, 2026
Nine-year-old Carter Wheaton is a huge basketball fan. That’s why for his wish through the Make a Wish Foundation, the Ottawa local chose to spend his weekend with the city’s basketball team. Carter signed an honourary one-day player agreement contract with the team. On Saturday, he attended practice and then went to the game on Sunday, against the Niagara River Lions. The contract that Carter signed named him an honourary member of the team for an unforgettable day. It was stated that while the contract is ceremonial, he will now forever stand beside our players in spirit. While at practice, Carter was able to watch how Head Coach Justin Mazzulla runs a practice. He sat courtside, met the team and spent some time on the court, shooting around with the players after practice was over. He also received a jersey that was then signed by all the players. Carter came alongside his brother, Evan Wheaton, his father, Robert Wheaton and his father’s girlfriend, Mandi Freestone. Together they all shared an unforgettable day with Carter and the BlackJacks. Carter suffers from Coffin Siris Syndrome, and is confined to a wheelchair. The Make a Wish Foundation told the BlackJacks that “Even with all of that, his love for basketball shines through in a big way.” Carter communicated to the BlackJacks that he was not able to choose a favourite player, because his brother was his favourite player. His brother, Evan plays for the Ottawa Shooting Stars, in the under-12 division.
By Farrah Philpot
•
August 11, 2026
Alex Fudge has been nominated for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award by the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). This nomination comes after Fudge’s first year in the CEBL and third professional season. The 23-year-old G League player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce played 23 games for the BlackJacks this summer and averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Fudge led the league in blocks after just a few games, and held onto that title for the majority of the season. By the end of the 2026 regular season, he had cemented himself as the league’s 2026 leader in total blocks with 40 on the season. For this reason, it is no surprise that Fudge would be nominated for the DPOY award, as he made his presence in the paint known. Fudge’s best game came on June 23 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. He finished that game with 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. “Alex Fudge, I mean, he's elite. He's really elite,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla about Fudge and his game. Fudge is also eighth in the league for total defensive rebounds, another reason why he has been nominated for the award. He shines in protecting the rim and totaled 103 defensive rebounds on the season, averaging 4.4 per game.
2026 CEBL Season
League Standings
Loading standings...
| RK | Team | GP | W | L | PCT | GB | DIFF | L5 | STRK |
|---|
Official CEBL standings
View full standings
