Ottawa BlackJacks Sign G League Guard Matthew Cleveland

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed guard Matthew Cleveland for the 2026 season.

The 6-foot-7 guard from Atlanta, Georgia joins Ottawa while currently competing in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. During the 2025-26 campaign, Cleveland has appeared in multiple contests with the Stars, continuing his transition into the professional ranks following a strong collegiate career at the NCAA Division I level.

Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla, who also serves as an assistant video coordinator with the Utah Jazz, has had the opportunity to closely follow Cleveland’s development within the organization’s G League system.

"Matthew Cleveland is a game-changer for our roster. His combination of size, athleticism, and professional experience within the Utah Jazz organization gives us a versatile weapon on both ends of the floor. He’s a high-character guy who knows what it takes to win at a high level, and we can’t wait to get him to Ottawa." said James Derouin.

Cleveland began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars during the 2025-26 season, gaining valuable experience in the NBA’s primary development league.

Before turning professional, Cleveland concluded his collegiate career at the University of Miami during the 2023-24 season. Appearing in 37 games for the Hurricanes, he averaged 13.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field. He helped lead Miami to an NCAA Tournament appearance while serving as a key two-way contributor.

Prior to Miami, Cleveland spent two seasons at Florida State where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. During the 2021-22 season, he earned All-ACC Freshman Team honours after averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He followed that up with a strong sophomore campaign, averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds during the 2022-23 season while establishing himself as one of the conference’s most versatile wings.

Born September 24, 2002, Cleveland attended Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was regarded as a four-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the state. 

Single tickets are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets. 

BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email ticketing@theblackjacks.ca or call 613-294-1133.