Jevohn Shepherd to Return as Ottawa BlackJacks General Manager for the 2022 Season
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the contract extension of General Manager Jevohn Shepherd.
Shepherd orchestrated one of the most unique weeks of basketball management in the CEBL. After some BlackJacks players were forced into COVID-19 protocols last week, Shepherd used Commissioner Exemptions to assemble a makeshift roster that upset third-seeded Hamilton in the CEBL quarterfinals.
Ottawa faces the defending champion Edmonton Stingers tonight in the second CEBL Championship Weekend semifinal at Expo Centre in Edmonton (9:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 p.m. MT on CBC Gem and CEBL+ / Replay on CBC TV on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET).
One of the most recognized Canadian basketball personalities, Shepherd enjoyed an 11-year professional career after playing collegiate hoops as team captain of the University of Michigan Wolverines. He was a long serving forward on the Canadian national team program, playing for than 60 international games for the maple leaf.
Shepherd has been a popular voice for basketball, having served as an analyst for CBC Sports during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, and the men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, in addition to calling Raptors 905 on NBA TV.
Shepherd was named general manager of the expansion BlackJacks on November 23, 2020.
Quotes:
“Jevohn is one of the bright basketball minds in Canada. Despite our regular season record, Jevohn worked tirelessly to always improve our organization, has brought quality individuals to the BlackJacks and understands the big picture for our community and the league. We believe in the same vision for this franchise and I couldn’t be happy that he will return for a second season.”
Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks
“I feel like we grew in the right direction this season. This was never about one year. It’s about building the foundation of a team that everyone can call their own. The Ottawa-Gatineau community has quickly embraced our team, and the BlackJacks players and coaches have loved being a part of the community. There’s lots of work to do and I’m excited to return.”
Jevohn Shepherd, General Manager, Ottawa BlackJacks
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks will showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. In its inaugural campaign, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2020 CEBL Summer Series. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by general manager Jevohn Shepherd, assistant general manager Andy Rautins and head coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa play its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks
Contact:
Marika Guérin
Manager, Communications and Community
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club