BlackJacks Media
Latest Videos
RECENT NEWS
By Farrah Philpot
•
July 13, 2026
Yesterday, the Ottawa BlackJacks took their first loss at home since June 21, against the Brampton Honey Badgers. The BlackJacks have been excelling at home since their loss to the Saskatoon Mamba. Head Coach Justin Mazzulla credits that a lot to the crowd. “That show was able to give them great spirit and joy. And that pumps up the bench because we feed off each other,” said Mazzulla. A big part of Mazzulla’s relationship with fans has been his post-game routine. Win or loss, he takes the entire team to centre court to clap for the fans, as they clap for them all game. “It's obviously evident when we clap after games, win or loss,” said Mazzulla. “They know that we're trying to put the best product on the floor, and they trust and believe in us.” The 105-98 loss was a tough back-and-forth game, the BlackJacks' deficit never falling to more than 11 points. It was a battle fought to the end, but the Honey Badgers were able to take this one. This was Ottawa's fourth time facing Brampton this season, and meeting them again in the playoffs is very likely. The BlackJacks are currently sitting at third in the Eastern Conference, and the Honey Badgers are in second. “They're a good team, and hopefully we don't see them too early in the playoffs,” said Brampton Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “A very well-coached team. So we're just happy that we're able to leave here with the win.” Despite the loss, the BlackJacks did a lot of things well. Holding the deficit to around five points for the majority of the game had a lot to do with their efficiency from the field. The team was shooting 52 per cent from the field and 65 per cent from 2. With the new mid-season signings, the BlackJacks have become very dominant down low. Isaih Moore and Alex Fudge have become known for their dunks, as well as their rebounds. The BlackJacks had a total of 40 rebounds yesterday, along with their 44 points in the paint. Yesterday, the Honey Badgers also had 40 rebounds, a statistic that captain of the team, Javonte Smart, was not satisfied with. “I think their rebounding hurt us,” said Smart. “[The game] came down to the stretch; they made some big shots, and they out-rebounded us.” Smart finished the game with the most rebounds on the team with seven. He also had 26 points, 13 assists and was shooting 72 per cent from two. Smart also officially reached 200 career assists within the first quarter of the game. He is known in the league for shooting, and fans have said he has a ‘Steph Curry effect,’ and will often be double-teamed by the opposing team's defence. He says this has only made his assist game stronger. “They kind of load up a lot on me. Try to take my offensive scoring out of the game,” said Smart. “So I think it kind of makes it easier for me to find my teammates, get them good looks and help us push.” He was most recently named captain on July 2. The BlackJacks will take a 5-day reset before heading to Scarborough to rematch the Shooting Stars on July 18. The Shooting Stars are the number-one seeded team in the conference and were the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot. Last time they faced the BlackJacks, they took their second loss of the season. Now, the BlackJacks head to their turf to play them for the third time this season.
By Farrah Philpot
•
July 12, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has re-signed Deng Adel for the 2026 Season. The 6’7 forward from Khartoum, South Sudan, has spent four previous seasons with the BlackJacks and has been with the franchise since the 2022 season. Adel is the franchise record holder for points with 964, rebounds with 356, assists with 319 and steals with 53. Adel has left his mark on the BlackJacks for the last four seasons, and has come prepared to do the same in his fifth. In the 2025 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played in 21 games and averaged 13.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. In the 2024 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played in just nine games, coming in halfway through the season and posted an average of 12 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. In the 2023 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played 17 games and averaged 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. In his first season with the BlackJacks and first season playing in the international basketball scene, Adel played in all 20 games and put up an average of 16 points, six rebounds and 4.5 assists. Adel is no stranger to the world of international basketball. He has played across Europe and Australia, playing in the Australian NBL, the Bulgarian NBL, the Danish Basketligaen and the French LNB. In his first professional season in the international basketball scene, he played for Illawarra, of the Australian NBL for the 2020-21. There, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists per game. Then for the 2022-23 season, he played with the BC Balkan of the Bulgarian NBL. There, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Then he headed to France to play Boulazac Basket Dordogne in the French LNB for the 2023-24 season. There, he played in 40 total games and averaged 7.7 points, three rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Most recently, in the 2024-25 season Adel played in the Australian NBL, with the Brisbane Bullets. There, he played in 10 games and averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds. Before moving to international play, Deng played in the NBA and NBA G League for three seasons. He began his career in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905, their G League affiliate team in the 2028-19 season. Adel played 25 games with the 905, and started in 24 of them. He averaged 13 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He was then waived by the Raptors and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played 19 games with the Cavs in the 2018-19 NBA season, and started in three. He averaged 1.7 points, and one rebounds per game. He then spent time with the Cavaliers G League affiliate team, the Cleveland Charge. He averaged 12 points, six rebounds and two assists across 12 games. In the 2019-20 season, Adel signed with the Long Island Nets, the G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. There, he averaged 11 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals. For the 2021-22 season, Adel played with the Maine Celtics, the G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. He averaged 7.7 points, four rebounds and 2.2 assists there. Before playing professionally, Adel played three seasons with Louisville in the NCAA, from 2015-18. Across three years there, he averaged 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and two assists. In the 2017-18 season, and his final year playing in the NCAA system, he was a ACC All-Honourable Mention. Born on February 1, 1997, the 29 year old played his high school years atVictory Rock Prep, in Sarasota, FL.
By Farrah Philpot
•
July 9, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks secured a huge 104-77 win over Montreal last night to move up to third place in the Eastern Conference. As the CEBL heads into its final three weeks of regular season play, the playoffs are not far off, and the BlackJacks' jump to third place puts them in a more comfortable position to secure a playoff spot. “Every game from here on out is really important,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla. “We're taking care of what we have to take care of.” Three-point shots were the name of the game last night and helped the BlackJacks secure a comfortable lead early in the first quarter. As a team, they shot 53 per cent from beyond the arc, and made franchise history for most three-point shots in a single game as a team with 21. Eight of those came from star guard and franchise-record-holder for most points in a single game, Javonte Smart. He shot 66 per cent from three, and officially reached 100 career CEBL three-point shots. He also reached 750 career CEBL-career points after reaching 500 CEBL-career points just seven weeks earlier. After finishing the game with 38 points, six assists and six rebounds, Smart also surpassed Kadre Gray for all-time assists and now sits in second in franchise history for total assists with 195. “I like making my teammates look good. I'm a playmaker at heart,” said Smart about his multiple-record-breaking game. “I'll continue to work and continue to try to break records on any chance I get.” Another highlight of the game was the return of Tyrell Tate, a 5-year veteran on the team. He went down early in the season with a rib injury, but was back on BlackJacks home court for his first game after his return. “[It’s] been a long two months, so it just felt good to see [the ball] go in and hear the crowd,” said Tate about his first basket back. “When I checked in, hearing them go crazy, it showed me how much I missed them.” Tate finished the game with six points, three assists and three rebounds. The BlackJacks will face the Brampton Honey-Badgers at home on Sunday, July 12. Brampton is currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, so a win against them will only help the playoff run more.
By Alex Forbes
•
July 6, 2026
OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that multi-platinum Canadian recording artist Tyler Shaw will headline the halftime show during the team's Fan Appreciation Night on Wednesday, July 22, when the BlackJacks take on the Scarborough Shooting Stars at TD Place. One of Canada's most recognized pop talents, Shaw will bring an unforgettable performance to cap off the BlackJacks' regular season home schedule as the organization celebrates the fans who have supported the team throughout the 2026 campaign. A multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter, producer, and actor from Vancouver, British Columbia, Shaw first broke onto the Canadian music scene with his Platinum-certified debut single "Kiss Goodnight" in 2012. Since then, he has become one of Canada's most successful pop artists, earning multiple JUNO Award nominations, including Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, and Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. In 2022, Shaw's heartfelt reinterpretation of GAYLE's global hit "abcdefu," titled "Love You Still (abcdefu Romantic Version)," became a worldwide viral sensation. The track inspired billions of views across TikTok and accumulated more than 240 million combined audio and video streams, earning Platinum certifications in Canada and Taiwan and Gold certifications across Asia. Earlier this year, Shaw released "RUN TO YOU," the lead single from his upcoming fifth studio album, kicking off a new chapter in his career. He is currently preparing for a Canadian and European tour while continuing to release new music throughout 2026. Fans attending Fan Appreciation Night can look forward to an evening filled with exciting giveaways, special in-game experiences, and a live halftime performance from one of Canada's most recognized pop talents before cheering on the BlackJacks as they battle the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Tickets for Fan Appreciation Night are available now at theblackjacks.ca. About Tyler Shaw Tyler Shaw is a multi-platinum-selling artist, music producer, and actor. The Chinese-Canadian, originally from Vancouver, BC, released his breakout hit “Kiss Goodnight” in 2012, which quickly reached Platinum sales. In 2014, Tyler earned a JUNO Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and in 2015 he released his debut album, Yesterday . He received a JUNO Award nomination for Pop Album of the Year in 2019, and in 2021 released his third studio album along with his first holiday album, A Tyler Shaw Christmas, which was also nominated for a JUNO Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year . In February 2022, Tyler released his viral rendition of GAYLE’s No. 1 hit “abcdefu.” “Love You Still” (abcdefu Romantic Version) has to date generated over 6 billion views of videos using the song on TikTok, more than 10 million views of user-generated content on YouTube, and more than 500,000 videos created using the track, with a combined total of over 240 million audio and video streams. The single was certified Gold in India, Singapore, and Malaysia, and Platinum in Canada and Taiwan. In 2023, “Love You Still” (abcdefu Romantic Version) was nominated for a TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award . In 2025, Tyler released “Fire” with superstar Polish producer and DJ Gromee, which reached No. 1 in Poland, and he performed on the Polish television show Polsat for their Magical End of the Summer show. In 2026, Tyler embarked on a Canadian and European tour and released new music this spring. One of Canada’s most recognized pop talents, with ten top-ten charting singles and a wide range of film, television, feature, and production credits to his name, Tyler Shaw remains one of the country’s most beloved artists. 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
•
July 13, 2026
Yesterday, the Ottawa BlackJacks took their first loss at home since June 21, against the Brampton Honey Badgers. The BlackJacks have been excelling at home since their loss to the Saskatoon Mamba. Head Coach Justin Mazzulla credits that a lot to the crowd. “That show was able to give them great spirit and joy. And that pumps up the bench because we feed off each other,” said Mazzulla. A big part of Mazzulla’s relationship with fans has been his post-game routine. Win or loss, he takes the entire team to centre court to clap for the fans, as they clap for them all game. “It's obviously evident when we clap after games, win or loss,” said Mazzulla. “They know that we're trying to put the best product on the floor, and they trust and believe in us.” The 105-98 loss was a tough back-and-forth game, the BlackJacks' deficit never falling to more than 11 points. It was a battle fought to the end, but the Honey Badgers were able to take this one. This was Ottawa's fourth time facing Brampton this season, and meeting them again in the playoffs is very likely. The BlackJacks are currently sitting at third in the Eastern Conference, and the Honey Badgers are in second. “They're a good team, and hopefully we don't see them too early in the playoffs,” said Brampton Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “A very well-coached team. So we're just happy that we're able to leave here with the win.” Despite the loss, the BlackJacks did a lot of things well. Holding the deficit to around five points for the majority of the game had a lot to do with their efficiency from the field. The team was shooting 52 per cent from the field and 65 per cent from 2. With the new mid-season signings, the BlackJacks have become very dominant down low. Isaih Moore and Alex Fudge have become known for their dunks, as well as their rebounds. The BlackJacks had a total of 40 rebounds yesterday, along with their 44 points in the paint. Yesterday, the Honey Badgers also had 40 rebounds, a statistic that captain of the team, Javonte Smart, was not satisfied with. “I think their rebounding hurt us,” said Smart. “[The game] came down to the stretch; they made some big shots, and they out-rebounded us.” Smart finished the game with the most rebounds on the team with seven. He also had 26 points, 13 assists and was shooting 72 per cent from two. Smart also officially reached 200 career assists within the first quarter of the game. He is known in the league for shooting, and fans have said he has a ‘Steph Curry effect,’ and will often be double-teamed by the opposing team's defence. He says this has only made his assist game stronger. “They kind of load up a lot on me. Try to take my offensive scoring out of the game,” said Smart. “So I think it kind of makes it easier for me to find my teammates, get them good looks and help us push.” He was most recently named captain on July 2. The BlackJacks will take a 5-day reset before heading to Scarborough to rematch the Shooting Stars on July 18. The Shooting Stars are the number-one seeded team in the conference and were the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot. Last time they faced the BlackJacks, they took their second loss of the season. Now, the BlackJacks head to their turf to play them for the third time this season.
By Farrah Philpot
•
July 12, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has re-signed Deng Adel for the 2026 Season. The 6’7 forward from Khartoum, South Sudan, has spent four previous seasons with the BlackJacks and has been with the franchise since the 2022 season. Adel is the franchise record holder for points with 964, rebounds with 356, assists with 319 and steals with 53. Adel has left his mark on the BlackJacks for the last four seasons, and has come prepared to do the same in his fifth. In the 2025 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played in 21 games and averaged 13.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. In the 2024 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played in just nine games, coming in halfway through the season and posted an average of 12 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. In the 2023 season with the BlackJacks, Adel played 17 games and averaged 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. In his first season with the BlackJacks and first season playing in the international basketball scene, Adel played in all 20 games and put up an average of 16 points, six rebounds and 4.5 assists. Adel is no stranger to the world of international basketball. He has played across Europe and Australia, playing in the Australian NBL, the Bulgarian NBL, the Danish Basketligaen and the French LNB. In his first professional season in the international basketball scene, he played for Illawarra, of the Australian NBL for the 2020-21. There, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists per game. Then for the 2022-23 season, he played with the BC Balkan of the Bulgarian NBL. There, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Then he headed to France to play Boulazac Basket Dordogne in the French LNB for the 2023-24 season. There, he played in 40 total games and averaged 7.7 points, three rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Most recently, in the 2024-25 season Adel played in the Australian NBL, with the Brisbane Bullets. There, he played in 10 games and averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds. Before moving to international play, Deng played in the NBA and NBA G League for three seasons. He began his career in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905, their G League affiliate team in the 2028-19 season. Adel played 25 games with the 905, and started in 24 of them. He averaged 13 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He was then waived by the Raptors and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played 19 games with the Cavs in the 2018-19 NBA season, and started in three. He averaged 1.7 points, and one rebounds per game. He then spent time with the Cavaliers G League affiliate team, the Cleveland Charge. He averaged 12 points, six rebounds and two assists across 12 games. In the 2019-20 season, Adel signed with the Long Island Nets, the G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets. There, he averaged 11 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals. For the 2021-22 season, Adel played with the Maine Celtics, the G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. He averaged 7.7 points, four rebounds and 2.2 assists there. Before playing professionally, Adel played three seasons with Louisville in the NCAA, from 2015-18. Across three years there, he averaged 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and two assists. In the 2017-18 season, and his final year playing in the NCAA system, he was a ACC All-Honourable Mention. Born on February 1, 1997, the 29 year old played his high school years atVictory Rock Prep, in Sarasota, FL.
By Farrah Philpot
•
July 9, 2026
The Ottawa BlackJacks secured a huge 104-77 win over Montreal last night to move up to third place in the Eastern Conference. As the CEBL heads into its final three weeks of regular season play, the playoffs are not far off, and the BlackJacks' jump to third place puts them in a more comfortable position to secure a playoff spot. “Every game from here on out is really important,” said Head Coach Justin Mazzulla. “We're taking care of what we have to take care of.” Three-point shots were the name of the game last night and helped the BlackJacks secure a comfortable lead early in the first quarter. As a team, they shot 53 per cent from beyond the arc, and made franchise history for most three-point shots in a single game as a team with 21. Eight of those came from star guard and franchise-record-holder for most points in a single game, Javonte Smart. He shot 66 per cent from three, and officially reached 100 career CEBL three-point shots. He also reached 750 career CEBL-career points after reaching 500 CEBL-career points just seven weeks earlier. After finishing the game with 38 points, six assists and six rebounds, Smart also surpassed Kadre Gray for all-time assists and now sits in second in franchise history for total assists with 195. “I like making my teammates look good. I'm a playmaker at heart,” said Smart about his multiple-record-breaking game. “I'll continue to work and continue to try to break records on any chance I get.” Another highlight of the game was the return of Tyrell Tate, a 5-year veteran on the team. He went down early in the season with a rib injury, but was back on BlackJacks home court for his first game after his return. “[It’s] been a long two months, so it just felt good to see [the ball] go in and hear the crowd,” said Tate about his first basket back. “When I checked in, hearing them go crazy, it showed me how much I missed them.” Tate finished the game with six points, three assists and three rebounds. The BlackJacks will face the Brampton Honey-Badgers at home on Sunday, July 12. Brampton is currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, so a win against them will only help the playoff run more.
