Around the World: David Singleton and K.J. Smith bring international touch to Bandits coaching staff
By Contributing Bandits Writer: Grant Vassos • August 5, 2020
David Singleton never imagined it would happen this way. He was working as the assistant boys varsity basketball coach at his high school alma mater, Salesian College Preparatory, in Richmond, Calif., after helping his team to the 2014 CIF Northern California Division IV finals. That's when he received a phone call from Tim Fanning, the newest head coach of the Nelson Giants, a men’s professional basketball team in New Zealand's National Basketball League (NBL).
Fanning, a family friend and mentor to Singleton, asked the Oakland, Calif., native if he wanted to join him as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2015-16 season. He gladly accepted the offer. At 26-years-old, it became Singleton's first real breakthrough in a coaching journey that has since taken him internationally, and most recently, to the Fraser Valley Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
"Basketball wasn't truly on my radar," said Singleton, who played NCAA Division II football at Tiffin University in Ohio. “It wasn't that I ever gave it up. I always missed the game, and I always thought maybe what could have been if I kept playing and things of that nature. But I always had a calling towards it."
Following a one-year stint with the Giants, Singleton went on to coach professionally in Vietnam for four seasons in the Vietnam Basketball League (VBL) and the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) before coaching in Indonesia. Along with learning under former British national men's basketball head coach Tony Garbaletto, Singleton's time overseas as the lead assistant to then Saigon Heat head coach, and now Bandits bench boss, Kyle Julius was enlightening for the young coach.
Singleton says today's game is moving towards a more European, high scoring style. Out is the old-school era of mid-range jumpers, getting into the post, and relying on point guards to run plays through.
Now, the focus has turned to pace and space, spreading out the floor to create mismatches, fast transitions, high shooting efficiency, and strong defense – which Singleton prides himself on having.
"The last two years I was in Vietnam, we were number one in defense in the league. And so that's another part of it. If you're able to get up and down and shoot the ball and play fast, it's a great thing. But at the same time, you also got to defend, and you got to defend to win." Singleton said.
K.J. Smith, an advanced scout for the Bandits, grew up in a basketball-minded family with close generational ties like Singleton. As the eighth coach of a family lineage extending from the high school level to the WNBA, the San Ramon, Calif., native grew up listening to strategies and philosophies of his older family members.
It was about the individual player: a pattern of figuring out their tendencies on the court, which direction they prefer to go in specific situations, and even their particular go-to move.
"There's certain things that all teams have consistent within their philosophy, it's kind of like a fingerprint, and certain aspects of that fingerprint can't change no matter how much you try to coach it away," Smith said.
Always the observer, Smith continues to learn from watching his younger brother and cousins, three of which currently play Division I basketball. It was his grandfather, however, who helped shape Smith's perspective when he was in high school. The former Milwaukee Buck taught Smith the value of the mindset and character needed to drive the talent on his team.
"He was always a big proponent of if you have this really, really fast, high-speed car and it's not the right engine or not the right fuel; it doesn't really matter how good the car is," Smith said.
The 2018-19 season was Smith's first year as an assistant coach for Brazilian basketball club Basquete Unifacisa of Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), helping the team win its first Liga Ouro (second division) championship. He learned how to be open-minded to every possibility and how to communicate with players when he had no prior knowledge of speaking Portuguese. Singleton faced similar barriers coaching in Asia where he had to be aware of how people operated in a different culture, and which players could handle more criticism from coaches.
For the last three months, Smith has been in Brazil communicating with Singleton and the Bandits in preparation for the CEBL Summer Series and has continued to scout and analyze opposing teams throughout the Summer Series. Although there's no substitute for being in the gym where he can feel his players' presence and body language, according to Smith, his advantage comes from being able to watch games more closely from the outside.
Prior to the start of the CEBL Summer Series, Singleton and Smith spent the past month watching how teams in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) adjusted to the new Elam Ending rule. And have had "at least five to six different calls about it" with the rest of the Bandits coaching staff about strategy and recreating game situations in practice.
The rule is a new addition to the CEBL, where the winning team adds nine points to their score during the first stoppage of play in the final four minutes of the game. To emerge victorious, it is a battle of whichever team reaches the target score.
In 2018, Smith posted an article via Medium outlining the importance of practicing daily late-game scenarios – such as being down six points with one timeout and three minutes remaining – and conditioning players to execute clutch basketball while under pressure.
"You're entering a situation where it's almost a new game after that four-minute mark," Smith said. "So really being able to prepare and learn from the mistakes of others and their situations is invaluable."
In a shortened season where every game ends on a shot, scouting and coaching are vital. The pay-off from Smith and Singleton's expertise, and how it applies to coach Julius' system in a Canadian basketball environment may significantly determine who walks away with the Championship come Aug. 9.
LATEST NEWS
The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday the club’s 2026 CEBL regular season schedule, a 24-game campaign that will see the club open its eighth Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season on Thursday, May 14 in Saskatchewan at 6:30 p.m. PT. The Bandits will tip off the home portion of their schedule with a pair of games as part of Home Opener Weekend at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. The home opener will be played on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT against the Edmonton Stingers, while the second game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. when the Bandits host the Calgary Surge in a rematch of the 2025 CEBL Western Conference Quarterfinal. Fans can take advantage of a special Home Opener Weekend ticket offer; buy three tickets to either or both games and receive an additional ticket for free. Tickets for the Bandits’ Home Opener Weekend can be purchased here . The Bandits enter 2026 off the heels of the club's best regular season performance in its seven-year history, which included a 19-5 record and a league-best 7 sellout games last year in front of the best fans in the CEBL at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. The Bandits’ full season schedule can be accessed by clicking here . “Our 2026 schedule represents a major step forward for our club, community gathering and entertainment in British Columbia,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “Coming off our strongest season to date, we were intentional about building a fan-first calendar that reflects how our community wants to experience live sporting events with weekend games, accessible start times, and meaningful matchups at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. From Home Opener Weekend to our first-ever neutral site game, 2026 is about continuing to grow the Bandits as a team, a live experience and a community pillar. We are excited to welcome the best fans in the CEBL back and build on the momentum together.” Featuring the club’s most fan-friendly schedule to date, Bandits home games will feature start times on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. (3), Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m. (5), and Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. (2). Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre will be the place to be for professional basketball in British Columbia this summer, further solidifying the Bandits’ fast-growing reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live event offerings in the Lower Mainland. The 2026 season will also see the inclusion of the Bandits’ first-ever neutral site game when the club hosts Saskatchewan on Saturday, June 6. Further details of the game will be announced in the coming weeks along with upcoming theme nights and single-game ticket sales. The 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League Playoffs will begin with single-elimination Conference Semifinals on Thursday, August 6, where the 1st seed faces the 4th seed and the 2nd seed faces the 3rd seed in each conference. Winners will advance to the Conference Finals on Saturday, August 8, also single elimination, with higher seeds hosting each round. The CEBL Finals will be a best-of-three series from August 12–16, marking the first multi-game playoff series in league history: Game 1 – Wednesday, August 12 Game 2 – Saturday, August 15 Game 3 (if necessary) – Sunday, August 16 The lower seed team will host Game 1, while the higher seed will host Games 2 and 3 (if necessary), replacing the previous single-elimination Championship Weekend host team model. “These historic changes to our playoff format represent a major milestone for the CEBL and our fans, and they mark a natural progression as the league continues to grow and evolve,” explained CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw. “Our focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for our teams, players, and fans, and this is another step forward in fulfilling that mission. Our fans and communities have supported this league from the start, and we’re proud to give them a playoff experience that reflects their passion.” Mazereeuw added, “Championship Weekend played a key role in building the foundation of our league and grew into Canada’s largest annual celebration of professional basketball. While we’re proud of what it became, moving to an in-market model allows us to deepen connections with our local communities and create new traditions that reflect the growth and maturity of the league.” All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+ , and on CEBL Mobile, the official app of the CEBL (available on Android and iOS devices). The schedule of nationally televised games, along with broadcast and streaming information will be announced at a later date. Vancouver Bandits 2026 CEBL season schedule: Note: All times PT | Home dates are in bold | * June 6 game location TBA Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Saskatchewan | 6:30 p.m. at SaskTel Centre Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Edmonton | 6:00 p.m. at Edmonton EXPO Centre Friday, May 22, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Sunday, May 24, 2026 vs. Calgary | 5:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Friday, May 29, 2026 at Niagara | 4:00 p.m. at Meridian Centre Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Brampton | 4:00 p.m. at CAA Centre Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Ottawa | 4:30 p.m. at TD Place Arena Saturday, June 6, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. at Location TBA* Saturday, June 13, 2026 vs. Ottawa | 6:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Monday, June 15, 2026 vs. Scarborough | 7:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Winnipeg | 5:00 p.m. at Canada Life Centre Saturday, June 20, 2026 vs. Brampton | 6:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Saturday, June 27, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 6:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Friday, July 3, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Sunday, July 5, 2026 vs. Calgary | 12:30 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Saskatchewan | 6:30 p.m. at SaskTel Centre Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Calgary | 6:30 p.m. at WinSport Events Centre Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Edmonton | 6:00 p.m. at Edmonton EXPO Centre Friday, July 17, 2026 vs. Montreal | 7:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Calgary | 6:30 p.m. at WinSport Events Centre Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Winnipeg | 5:00 p.m. at Canada Life Centre Saturday, July 25, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Montreal | 4:30 p.m. at Verdun Auditorium Sunday, August 2, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 12:30 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre
The following is a letter to Vancouver Bandits fans from Dylan Kular, Bandits team president: As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank the entire Bandits Basketball community for another unforgettable season. In 2025, you once again proved why this organization is built on more than basketball. It’s built on people, connection, and belief. From the energy inside Langley Events Centre to the impact we continue to make in schools, gyms, and neighbourhoods across British Columbia, this year reinforced what makes the Bandits special. Together, we’ve continued to grow the game, strengthen our community roots, and push forward with purpose both on and off the court. Your passion, loyalty, and support fuel everything we do. It’s felt by our players, our staff, our partners, and every young person who connects with the game through the Bandits. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. As we turn the page to 2026, we do so with momentum, ambition, and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you for believing in this journey and for standing with us every step of the way. From all of us at Vancouver Bandits Basketball, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season, and a healthy, successful New Year. Thank you for being the heartbeat of our organization. Together, we move forward. With gratitude, Dylan Kular Team President, Vancouver Bandits
Vancouver Bandits guard Kyle Mangas has signed a two-way contract to join the San Antonio Spurs. The news was announced Saturday by the NBA G League on social media. Mangas was a key member of the Bandits’ best season in franchise history as the club amassed a 19-5 record. During the 2025 summer campaign, Mangas finished top five in points (15.3), rebounds (4.6), assists (3.3) and steals (1.3). His stellar performance earned him a call up to the San Antonio Spurs’ NBA Summer League squad in July 2025. At the conclusion of the 2025 CEBL season, Mangas suited up for San Antonio’s NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, dressing in 10 games. Mangas becomes the third player to sign an NBA two-way contract after playing for the Bandits; the most from any Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) franchise (2023: DJ Steward - Chicago Bulls, 2024: Tazé Moore - Portland Trail Blazers). Mangas is one of two Bandits players to have signed with an NBA organization in 2025-26. Tyrese Samuel signed an Exhibit 10 contract in September 2025 and is working his way towards a two-way contract. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter . Fans interested in learning more are kindly invited to subscribe to Bandits Insider for updates or contact the Bandits at 604-455-8881 or tickets@thebandits.ca.
The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have teamed up with Envision Financial , a division of First West Credit Union, in a groundbreaking partnership that redefines the fan experience and deepens community connections. Under this multi-faceted agreement, the Bandits’ home court at Langley Events Centre will officially be known as “Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre.” This move marks a significant milestone in the Bandits’ growth and underscores Envision Financial’s deep commitment to the communities of British Columbia. The relationship extends well beyond venue naming, aligning both organizations around culture, youth development, and community engagement. “This partnership with Envision Financial represents an investment in the long-term growth of basketball in British Columbia,” said Dylan Kular, President of the Vancouver Bandits. “Their values align deeply with our commitment to community, accessibility, and creating meaningful experiences for families across British Columbia.” Beyond the naming rights, the partnership delivers impact: Heritage Series: Co-presented by Envision Financial, these marquee game nights will honour Indigenous, South Asian and Filipino communities, creating vibrant cultural celebrations for fans. School Tour: Envision Financial joins the Bandits Community Foundation to expand youth leadership and basketball education. Last season, the program visited 77 schools and hosted 12 free coaches’ clinics. “Partnering with the Vancouver Bandits is about creating something meaningful together, " says Tamara Hendsbee, President at Envision Financial. “By bringing culture and sport to the forefront, we can help communities flourish and open doors for youth to learn and grow. Naming the court is just the beginning; through the Heritage Series and School Tour, we’re proud to work alongside the Bandits to deliver experiences that unite fans and build stronger communities across British Columbia.”  This upcoming season the Bandits will carry forward this strategic collaboration with Envision Financial as a cornerstone of their game-day identity, cultural engagement and community legacy.
LATEST VIDEO
A message from Vancouver Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius on the 2025 season and thoughts on the CEBL Western Conference Semifinal.
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on July 25, 2025.