The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of American Guard Brandon Sampson for the upcoming 2024 CEBL season. A six-foot-five guard from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sampson averaged 13.2 points across five seasons in the NBA G League. Recently, he completed a brief two-game stint with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, maintaining an average of 11.0 points in 26.0 minutes of play. Since beginning his professional career in 2018, Sampson has spent most of his playing career within the NBA G League, but has played in the NBA on 14 occasions, all during the 2018-19 season with the Chicago Bulls. After signing a two-way contract with Chicago in December of 2018, he made his NBA debut on January 30, 2019, putting up five points in a 105-89 win over the Miami Heat. He averaged 5.1 and 15.3 minutes in 14 games in the NBA and had two starts. Notably, he recorded 12 points on April 10 against the Sixers. Sampson is no stranger to the CEBL, having played for the Newfoundland Growlers in 2022. During his time with the team, he averaged 20.5 points and 32.3 minutes over 15 games, earning recognition on the All-CEBL Second Team. His achievements in the league include leading in free throw percentage (85.4%), ranking second in scoring (20.5), ninth in average steals (1.4), and sixth in average minutes (33.0). He recorded his best performance of the season on June 5 against the BlackJacks, scoring a career-high 42 points, with a shooting accuracy of four-for-five from three-point range and 12-for-13 from the charity stripe. Splitting the 2018-19 G League season between the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Windy City Bulls, Sampson had his best statistical campaign as a pro, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game across 37 games played with the two clubs. as a member of the Vipers, he scored a season-high 31 points, hitting five three-pointers on December 5 against the Clippers. Before beginning his professional career, Sampson played three seasons in the NCAA with his hometown team, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, where he was a part of the 2015 recruiting class alongside Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons. Prior to committing to LSU, Sampson attended Madison Prep in Baton Rouge where he led his team to the state championship in his senior year. For his efforts, he earned “Mr. Basketball” honours for Louisiana in 2015, an annual award given to the top high school male basketball player in the state. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 single game tickets are on sale now at https://www.theblackjacks.ca/single-game-tickets . The team's fifth season will kick off at The Arena at TD Place on May 29, promising professional basketball and exciting entertainment in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please visit www.theblackjacks.ca or contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: "I've heard great things about Ottawa's fans and team culture. I had the opportunity to play at TD Place back in 2022, but now I am excited to experience it as a BlackJacks player. I loved my experience in the CEBL and I'm looking forward to moving to Ottawa for the summer and meeting the rest of the team!” - Brandon Sampson, Guard, Ottawa BlackJacks "Brandon brings a wealth of experience from competing against top-tier talent in the NBA, as well as his extensive tenure in the NBA G League. He proved his leadership capabilities in the CEBL, landing in the top 10 across various categories during the 2022 season and delivering high-scoring performances against us. With his scoring ability, we're excited to welcome him to Ottawa.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the completion of its basketball operations staff for the 2024 CEBL season. Joining General Manager and Head Coach James Derouin and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd are: Assistant Coaches David DeAveiro, Damian Buckley, Michael L’Africain, and Jamil Abiad; Performance Director Sean Stoqua; Coordinator of Player Personnel and Strategy Hennessy Roppovalente; Equipment Manager Alexander Louis; Athletic Therapist Finley Miller; Medical Director Adrian Huynh; and Team Doctor Jessica Curran. Returning with the BlackJacks for a second season, David DeAveiro has been the head coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) men's basketball team since 2020 and has also enjoyed an extensive coaching history with Canada Basketball, including the men's senior, development and junior teams. He came to TMU after serving as head coach of the McGill University men's basketball team for 10 seasons. Prior to joining McGill, DeAveiro coached the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men’s basketball team for nine seasons. Damian Buckley , who is also continuing his tenure with the BlackJacks for a second season, serves as an assistant coach for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men’s basketball team under BlackJacks and Gee-Gees Head Coach James Derouin, where he won back-to-back National Bronze medals in 2022-23 and 2023-24 while securing the OUA Gold in 2022-23. Buckley has served as Head Coach for the Montreal Toundra in 2023 and 2024, carving out a path as a promising young coach at the pro level. Michael L'Africain's coaching journey saw him as assistant coach with the BlackJacks in 2021 and 2023, and with the Newfoundland Growlers in 2022. Transitioning from his illustrious playing career, L'Africain assumed the role of lead assistant coach of the University of Ottawa men’s basketball team in 2018, following a landmark five-year tenure as a player for the Gee-Gees from 2011 to 2016. L'Africain played two professional seasons in Europe before returning to Canada to focus on coaching. Returning with the Ottawa BlackJacks for a third season, Jamil Abiad spent the past two winters in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he coached the U18 and U21 Valur men’s basketball teams, reaching the league’s semifinals twice. Abiad also served as the lead assistant coach for Valur men’s professional team, winning the regular season title and the Super Cup. Following a two-year professional basketball career in Lebanon and five collegiate seasons with the Bishop University Gaitors, Abiad dedicated his time to growing the game of basketball in the nation’s capital. Sean Stoqua graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Acadia University, where he was an active member of the Axemen football and basketball teams from 2011 to 2015. Following this, he pursued his master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Ottawa from 2017 to 2019, during which time he also represented the Gee-Gees basketball team. As a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and registered Physiotherapist, Stoqua has spent the past five years honing his craft, specializing in training, and rehabilitating a diverse spectrum of athletes. His clientele ranges from NBA, G League, and Euroleague players to professional footballers, soccer players, dancers, and BMX bikers. Hennessy Roppovalente serves as an assistant and analytics coordinator for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men’s basketball team under Head Coach James Derouin. Roppovalente joined the BlackJacks during the 2023 season, serving as the team’s Equipment Manager and Performance Analytics and Scouting Advisor. An Ottawa native, Roppovalente is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Finance and Business Analytics at the University of Ottawa. Alexander Louis will be taking on the role of Equipment Manager for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the upcoming 2024 season. Concurrently, he is pursuing studies in Marketing and Finance at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. Louis' journey into basketball operations began in 2023 when he assumed the position of Basketball Operations Coordinator for the Gee-Gees men's basketball team, working alongside Head Coach James Derouin. Finley Miller currently lends her expertise to the men's football team at Carleton University. During her academic years, she gained valuable experience working with a diverse range of sports teams, including the Ottawa REDBLACKS, University of Toronto's men's football team, and York University's women's volleyball team. Equipped with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, coupled with a certification in Athletic Therapy, Miller brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her practice. Adrian Huynh is an athletic therapist at Carleton University with extensive experience across various sports organizations. He previously served as Athletic Therapist with the BlackJacks from 2021 to 2023 and worked with Canada Soccer, Atlético Ottawa, Montréal Impact, and Ottawa Fury FC. Huynh completed his undergraduate degree in Integrated Science at Carleton University in 2013 and his Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy at Sheridan College, winning the Dr. Tim Fried Leadership Award in 2017. That same year, he obtained a Diploma in Pedorthics from Western University. A Chief Doctor for Team Canada for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, Dr. Jessica Curran has been a team physician with the Canadian women’s national basketball program since 2011 and the Canadian men’s national volleyball team since 2022. She is currently the team physician for the Carleton Ravens men’s football team and has worked with various other varsity teams, including men’s and women’s soccer and basketball teams. Serving major multi-sport Games, Dr. Curran was a member of the medical team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, 2015 and 2019 Pan American Games, 2015 Winter Universiade, and 2013 Summer Universiade. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 single game tickets are on sale now at https://www.theblackjacks.ca/single-game-tickets . The team's fifth season will kick off at The Arena at TD Place on May 29, promising professional basketball and exciting entertainment in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please visit www.theblackjacks.ca or contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: "At the core of our mission is building a robust basketball operations team dedicated to our players' well-being and performance. We aim for them to excel on the court, stay healthy and depart our team better than they came, with a reliable support system in place. I'm proud of the crew we've assembled, not only for their expertise but also for their deep-rooted connection to Ottawa, and I'm certain it will pave the way for success, both on and off the court.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of American Guard Ibrahim Watson for the upcoming 2024 CEBL season. A six-foot-four guard from Pickerington, Ohio, Watson averaged 13.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 23.7 minutes across 72 games played in Sweden and in the NBA G League. Currently concluding his 2023-24 campaign with Boras Basket in Sweden, Watson is averaging 21.2 points, 4.9 rebounds in 32 games played this season, with a noteworthy .423 average from three-point range. He scored 25 or more points 10 times, including three performances of over 30 points. Watson has two years of NBA G League experience, having competed with the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, from 2021 to 2023. In his debut professional season, he averaged 7.0 points and 2.7 rebounds, with a season-high performance of 22 points, seven rebounds, and one assist against Capital City Go-Go on February 23, where he made four triples. Additionally, Watson participated in the 2021 NBA Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks, maintaining averages of 4.4 points and 2.0 rebounds across five games. Collegiately, Watson split his career between the University of Dayton (2019-21) and the University of Michigan (2016-18). As a senior with Dayton, Watson was named Third Team All-Atlantic 10 (A-10) after finishing 11th in A-10 in scoring (15.8), fourth in minutes (37.1) and fourth in both three-pointers percentage (.416) and three-pointers per game (2.6). He was the only A-10 player listed in the top five in both three-point categories. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 single game tickets are on sale now at https://www.theblackjacks.ca/single-game-tickets . The team's fifth season will kick off at The Arena at TD Place on May 29, promising professional basketball and exciting entertainment in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please visit www.theblackjacks.ca or contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: “I'm very grateful and excited for the opportunity to play for the BlackJacks this year and can't wait to get started.” - Ibrahim (Ibi) Watson, Guard, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club “Ibi Watson comes from two great college programs in Michigan and Dayton. He is a young player who is climbing the professional ranks overseas, completing at MVP level this season in Sweden. He is on the rise, and we are thrilled to have him.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday their three picks from the 2024 CEBL Draft. Selections included Dragan Stajic of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (seventh overall), Justin Ndjock-Tadjore of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (14th overall), and Michael Kelvin II of the Queen’s University Gaels (27th overall). Dragan Stajic, a six-foot-two guard from Waterloo, Ontario, averaged 6.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over four seasons with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. This won't mark Stajic's first encounter with the Ottawa BlackJacks, as he was previously signed to a Developmental Player Contract with the team on June 24, 2023, and made appearances in two games. Recently concluding his fourth year with the Gee-Gees, Stajic posted career-best averages of 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 24 games. He was named an OUA Third Team All-Star and helped his team win bronze at the U SPORTS Championship. Notably, he recorded four triples and 15 points in the U SPORTS semifinals on March 9 against Queen’s University. In the previous year, he earned spots on both the U SPORTS Tournament All-Star Team and the OUA Third Team All-Star roster. Justin Ndjock-Tadjore, a six-foot-seven forward from Gatineau, Quebec, played his first season with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees in 2023-24, after transferring from the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies in the NCAA Division I, where he played one season. With the Gee-Gees, Ndjock-Tadjore averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 28.3 minutes in 23 games played. He grabbed five or more rebounds 12 times and nabbed two steals five times. Prior to university, he attended Cégep de l'Outaouais in Gatineau where he was an RSEQ All-Star in 2019-20, averaging 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game with the Griffons. Michael Kelvin II, a six-foot-six forward from Ottawa, Ontario, recently completed his third season with Queen’s University. Across three years, he averaged 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 22.5 minutes in 43 regular season games. In the most recent campaign, he posted averages of 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 25.6 minutes in 25 games with the Gaels. His contributions helped the team achieve a league record of 19-3 and an overall record of 30-6, capturing the OUA Championship and reaching the U SPORTS finals. Kelvin II recorded notable performances such as making a career-high six triples on January 20 against Toronto, dishing out a career-high six assists on December 1 against Laval, and tying his career-high of 24 points on November 11 against Nipissing. In the preceding season (2022-23), he averaged 9.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 27 games with Queen’s. In March, the CEBL announced a newly rebranded and expanded draft format beginning in 2024 that includes all eligible Canadian U SPORTS and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) student-athletes. The CEBL Draft presents a coveted opportunity for top players in U SPORTS and the CCAA to get a chance to experience professional basketball by practicing and playing alongside veteran pros from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international leagues. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 home opener will take place at the Arena at TD Place on May 29. Fans can now purchase BlackJacks season seat memberships, Flex Packs and Voucher Packs at theblackjacks.ca/tickets . For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: “The CEBL Draft offers a significant pathway for local talent to gain professional experience. Our three picks all have ties to our capital and are proud to represent it. They are hardworking individuals who displayed impressive performances for their respective U SPORTS teams this past season. I've had the honor of coaching Dragan and Justin and have faced off against Michael for the past three seasons. This firsthand experience gives me confidence in their abilities, and I'm excited to see the energy they'll bring to our training camp next month.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of Canadian Guard Keevan Veinot for the upcoming 2024 CEBL season. A six-foot-four guard from Port Williams, Nova Scotia, Veinot averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 22.8 minutes in 87 professional games played in Canada, in Belgium, and in the Netherlands. Veinot is currently wrapping up his 2023-24 season with the Port of Antwerp Giants in BNXT, the highest professional basketball league in Belgium and the Netherlands. Across 25 games played, he has maintained an average of 8.9 points. On November 17 against Limburg United, Veinot scored a season-high 20 points, including two three-pointers, and contributing two rebounds, five assists, and four steals. In the preceding season, he played for LWD Aris Leeuwarden in the same league, where he averaged 17.0 points per game. One of his standout performances occurred on February 18 against Donar Groningen, where he scored a season-high 33 points, hitting all five of his three-point attempts and going four-for-four from the free-throw line. Veinot, selected in the first round by the Honey Badgers in the 2021 CEBL U SPORTS Draft, tipped off his professional basketball journey in the CEBL. Returning for a second season with the Honey Badgers in 2022, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 21 games. He posted eight multi-assist games and five double-digit scoring games. With a decorated collegiate career, Veinot represented Dalhousie University from 2017 to 2022, accumulating numerous accolades. These include being named Atlantic University Sports (AUS) First Team All-Star in 2019-20 and 2021-22, First Team All-Canadian in 2019-20, and AUS All Rookie Team in 2017-18, among others. In 2019-20, he secured the AUS Men’s Basketball MVP, a first in Dalhousie University's history. He led his team in scoring average (15.6), minutes played (30.3), rebounding (5.2), assists (5.5), and steals (2.3) that season. Veinot's basketball roots run deep in his family. His twin sister, Jayda Veinot, played for the University of New Brunswick (2022-24) and Acadia (2018-22). His father, Kevin Veinot, was an all-star at Acadia, notably contributing to the 1987-88 team that reached the national final. His mother, Jennifer Hale, achieved success as a two-time provincial high school champion at Cobequid Education Centre and as an AUAA MVP at the University of New Brunswick. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 home opener will take place at the Arena at TD Place on May 29. Fans can now purchase BlackJacks season seat memberships, Flex Packs and Voucher Packs at theblackjacks.ca/tickets . For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: “I'm very excited to be back in the CEBL and join the BlackJacks organization. I have a long-lasting relationship with Coach Derouin and I look forward to playing for him. Ottawa’s fanbase and basketball experience is one that I am familiar with as an opponent, and I can't wait to embrace it as a BlackJacks player.” - Keevan Veinot, Guard, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club “Keevan is a versatile and multi-faceted point guard who can play all three guard positions. He has a high IQ, and he is a high character player. He checks all the boxes for the Ottawa BlackJacks culture and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Ottawa.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club

FIBA’s streaming platform to deliver vibrant brand of CEBL basketball to global audience

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of South Sudanese-American Forward Peter Jok for the upcoming 2024 CEBL season. A six-foot-six forward from South Sudan, Jok averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 21.1 minutes across 166 professional games played in the NBA G League, in Spain and in France. Jok played six games for the Orlando Magic (2019) and the New Orleans Pelicans (2017) in the NBA Summer League. Notably, he recorded 22 points, one rebound, two assists and one steal on July 14, 2018, against the Nuggets. Currently concluding his NBA G League season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Jok spent the previous four years playing in Europe. Jok began his professional career in the NBA G League during the 2017-18 season with the Northern Arizona Suns and continued with them into the following season, averaging a career-high of 14.3 points in 43 games. He made five or more three-pointers in a game on six occasions, with a season-best of six triples on December 30 against the Warriors. Collegiately, Jok had an illustrious career with the University of Iowa Hawkeye, and averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 22.4 minutes across 125 games from 2013-2017. He finished his career ranked 15th in Iowa career scoring (1,508) and fourth in three-pointers made (216), making four or more three-pointers 17 times. He was also named Iowa's all-time best free throw shooter, boasting an .881 percentage (310-352). Jok had his best statistical season as a senior, averaging 19.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 30.7 minutes in 32 games. He garnered several accolades, including First Team All-Big Ten as voted on by league media and coaches, Senior Class Second Team All-American, as well as Iowa’s Male Athlete of the Year honors. The Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 home opener will take place at the Arena at TD Place on May 29. Fans can now purchase BlackJacks season seat memberships, Flex Packs and Voucher Packs at theblackjacks.ca/tickets . For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected] . Quotes: “I’m very excited to play in the CEBL and grateful to be representing the BlackJacks for my first time. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the organization and the fans. I can’t wait to experience the best fan base in the CEBL!” - Peter Jok, Forward, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club “Peter's a great three-point shooter who will open up the floor for us. He's got over three years of NBA G League experience under his belt and he's played alongside some top-notch talent in the NBA Summer League. He knows what it takes to be successful at the pro level, and he'll bring that experience to our team.” - James Derouin, General Manager and Head Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club