Ottawa BlackJacks Sign Forwards Zena Edosomwan and Shamiel Stevenson
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of American forward Zena Edosomwan and Canadian forward Shamiel Stevenson.
A six-foot-nine forward from Los Angeles, California, Zena Edosomwan has averaged 15.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19 professional games in Canada and in Mexico.
The Harvard University alumnus began his professional career in 2019-20 with the Gigantes de Jalisco in the Basketball Circuit of the Pacific Coast, a professional basketball league based in Northwestern Mexico. He spent the most recent campaign in Canada with the Sudbury five and averaged 16.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17 games.
Edosomwan played 107 games with the Harvard Crimson and finished seventh all-time at Harvard in blocks with 107. He had his best statistical season as a Junior in 2015-16, averaging 13.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 28 games. He was named to the NABC All-District 13 second team and All-Ivy League second team that year.
A six-foot-six forward from Toronto, Shamiel Stevenson has recently completed his first professional season in Serbia. He averaged 12.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18 professional games with KK Metalac Valjevo of the Basketball League of Serbia. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and season highs of 11 rebounds and two blocks during his first game with the team on December 8, 2021, against Sloga KR.
Collegiately, Stevenson played a total of 62 games with two different teams, including the University of Nebraska (26) and the University of Pittsburgh (36). He was one of the Huskers’ top reserves in 2020-21, playing in 26 games and averaging 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. As a freshman with Pittsburgh in 2017-18, Stevenson led the team in shooting percentage (.505) and total rebounds (141) and produced 13 double-digit scoring efforts.
A native of Toronto, Stevenson was selected to play in the 2017 BioSteel All-Canadian Game and won the slam dunk contest at the event. He was also named MVP of the North Pole Hoops Showcase in Ontario, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in the Top 20 Prospect Game.
Yesterday, the BlackJacks announced the signing of two Ottawa-native U SPORTS players, including six-foot-five forward from the University of Ottawa, Maxime Boursiquot and six-foot-two guard from Carleton University, Aiden Warnholtz. The final 2022 BlackJacks Training Camp roster will be announced on Monday morning, prior to Media Day.
The CEBL and the Ottawa BlackJacks have launched of a season-long national campaign entitled The Road to the Chip, in celebration of 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend being hosted in the nation’s capital. Season seat memberships are available at theblackjacks.ca/tickets and start at only $294. Season seat members have exclusive access to 2022 CEBL Championship tickets.
Quotes:
“We are extremely excited to have Zena a part of the BlackJacks family. He is a high motor big that runs the floor, plays above the rim and will be a great compliment to our guards. More importantly, we believe Zena’s ability to rebound the basketball at a high rate will give us the advantage and ability to play the up-tempo style we want and that has had success in this league.”
“Shamiel’s size and athleticism is intriguing. We feel he can help us rebound the basketball and put pressure at the rim with his ability to get downhill. He gives us the option to play small ball or big.”
-Jevohn Shepherd, General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations, Ottawa BlackJacks
“I am excited to join the BlackJacks organization with the opportunity to continue to develop, improve, and grow to ultimately compete for a championship and continuing to build a culture of excellence.”
-Zena Edosomwan, Forward, Ottawa BlackJacks
“I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity to play for the BlackJacks and I am ready to get to work.”
-Shamiel Stevenson, Forward, Ottawa BlackJacks
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its second season, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2021 CEBL Championship Weekend in Edmonton. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, and Head Coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. The BlackJacks and the City of Ottawa have been awarded the rights to host the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend from August 12-14, 2022 with games taking place in the Arena at TD Place. The CEBL Championship Weekend will be a celebration of basketball, music, and local culture that will feature concerts, street festivals, the CEBL Awards, and several legacy projects to be announced at a later date. 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
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Contact:
Marika Guérin
Director, Communications, Community and Brand
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club