Bandits, Rattlers Fight to Remain Only Undefeated Team
July 28, 2020
Blowouts, upsets and surprise performances have been a regularity at the CEBL Summer Series thus far. With each team playing only six round robin games following a one-week training camp, they have been tasked with learning on the fly and adjusting to the exciting new format of the Elam Ending. Although no comebacks have been witnessed yet, the Elam Ending has forced some teams to revisit how they close out games.
The Fraser Valley Bandits, for example, were outscored by the Edmonton Stingers 20-9 during the Elam Ending on Sunday. The Rattlers on the other hand have not had much to worry about thanks to a convincing 96-79 opening game win over the Niagara River Lions. Despite bringing back only a few pieces from last year’s Championship roster, and having a new coach in Chad Jacobson (formerly Greg Jockims’ assistant coach last season) at the helm, the Rattlers looked ready to pick up where they left off last season by dismantling 2019’s top regular season CEBL team.
Both the Bandits and Rattlers sport 1-0 records and are the only two teams that have yet to lose a game.
Tuesday’s game is available to watch on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Gem App and Twitch (CEBLeague). Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT; 4:30 p.m. PT).
Scoring by Committee
Niagara’s bench was outscored by Saskatchewan’s second unit, 36-28, in Sunday’s contest. Rashawn Browne scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds in his first professional game, and Shane Osayande was his usual Energizer bunny self as he posted 14 points and seven rebounds (three offensive) in just 17 minutes of action. If the Rattlers can continue to get that type of production off their bench in support of their starting unit, then Saskatchewan will continue to be tough to beat.
Factor in solid output from starters Kevin Bracy-Davis, Negus Webster-Chan and Kemy Osse, who combined for 53 points against Niagara, and the Rattlers are a formidable group.
Who are the Fraser Valley Bandits?
It took 10 games for the Fraser Valley Bandits to record their first win in team history last season. That win came against the Rattlers, who owned a 3-1 record against the Bandits in 2019. Despite last year’s disappointing campaign, the Bandits are a new group lead by a new head coach and general manager in Kyle Julius and feature a collection of players that have experience at the international and professional level together. That rapport proved crucial in a decisive opening game thumping of the Edmonton Stingers, who were outscored by the Bandits 85-67 through the first three quarters of Sunday’s game.
Although the Bandits were stellar through the first 30 minutes of the game, they struggled to put the finishing touches on what should have been a wider margin of victory.
Each member of the Bandits’ starting five—Marcus Capers, Malcolm Duvivier, Cameron Forte, Kyle Johnson and Junior Cadougan scored in double figures—but Fraser Valley’s inability to cleanly close out the game left some room for concern. If the Bandits can prove they are capable of dealing that final blow, then they will be a tough matchup for any team.
Battle of Tempos
The Rattlers and Bandits feature a contrast in playing styles. Saskatchewan brings a more structured and gradual approach on offence that sees a flurry of screens and off-ball movement open up room for its shooters. Fraser Valley offers more of a run and gun style. The Rattlers scored 11 fast-break points in their previous tilt against Niagara on Sunday, while the Bandits adopted a fast-paced approach against Edmonton, which helped them rack up 40 fast-break points.
Both styles have their pros and cons, but whichever team is able to dictate the pace of play and disrupt that of the opposition will have the best chance to win tonight’s game.
Next Up
Following Tuesday’s game, Fraser Valley takes on Ottawa (0-2) on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Saskatchewan’s next game is Friday against the Guelph Nighthawks at 5:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. MT).
LATEST NEWS
This weekend, youth across Haida Gwaii will have the opportunity to learn and sharpen their basketball skills from British Columbia’s professional basketball team. Through the generous support of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) and Langara Island Lodge, the Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation will be hosting free-of-charge youth basketball camps across Haida Gwaii, marking the organization’s first community visit to the North Coast region. “Haida Gwaii means a great deal to us, and we know how much basketball means to these communities. The game gives young people a place to grow, brings families together, and creates opportunities for teams to proudly represent where they come from,” said Yos Gladstone, Sales Coordinator, Langara Island Lodge. “The young players, coaches, families, and teams here deserve every opportunity we can help bring their way. We are grateful to the Vancouver Bandits, I∙SPARC and the Bandits Community Foundation for their commitment to make this program happen, and especially to those in Haida Gwaii who give so much of their time, energy, and efforts to basketball year-round.” “For us, supporting this program is personal. We care about the communities and the people who make them so special. If this visit from the Vancouver Bandits gives local players more time on the court, encouragement to keep going, and a chance to connect through the game, that is something we are proud to be part of.” The camps are hosted in collaboration with I∙SPARC, Bandits Community Foundation, Haida Gwaii Recreation and School District 50 Haida Gwaii. Across three days, over 200 youth athletes aged 10 to 17 and their families will gather in gymnasiums across Haida Gwaii for camps and workshops led by Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation staff members. Youth participants will also receive complimentary Vancouver Bandits merchandise. "Haida Gwaii holds a legendary place in this province and Indigenous basketball culture and being on the ground in Masset and Skidegate truly showcases how powerful this sport is," said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. "The competitive drive and skill level of these youth are incredible, but what is even more inspiring is how basketball acts as a heartbeat for the entire region. Seeing the immediate connection between the youth, the coaching staff, and the local fans highlights exactly why we wanted to bring the Bandits to Haida Gwaii.” “We want to extend our deepest thanks to the Haida Nation and our partners at I∙SPARC and Langara Island Lodge for hosting us and sharing their incredible hospitality. This visit marks an exciting milestone for our organization, and we look forward to building on this relationship for years to come." The camp schedule for this weekend is as follows: Friday, October 2 Kwiiyaans Community Hall, Old Massett 12:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Daaxiigan Sk’adáa Née School, Masset 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3 George Brown Recreation Centre, Skidegate 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, October 4 George Brown Recreation Centre, Skidegate 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The forthcoming camps are part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, representing the ongoing collaboration between I∙SPARC and the Vancouver Bandits, and build upon recent previous community visits to Williams Lake and Bella Coola earlier this year. Established in 2023, ongoing and past projects through the Collective include camps and clinics for Indigenous youth and coaches, building new basketball courts in Indigenous communities, and hosting the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament.
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team, and the Bandits Community Foundation partnered with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) and Nuxalk First Nation to host a series of youth basketball clinics throughout the Bella Coola Valley earlier this month, marking the club’s first visit to the region. Led by Bandits Team President Dylan Kular and Community Manager Pavan Kalair, nearly 200 local youth athletes participated in free-of-charge workshops and basketball camps, furthering the Bandits Community Foundation’s goal of bringing more basketball to more people across the province. Beginning with a welcome ceremony from Nuxalk Nation community leaders and drummers, Bandits staff led PHE classes at Acwsalcta School, hosted skill development clinics at Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School (SAMSS), and assisted community coaches with tryouts for Nuxalk Nation’s U13 and U17 teams participating at the 2027 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament, taking place in March. "Bella Coola has one of the richest basketball traditions anywhere in this province, and you feel it the moment you walk into their gyms. The passion that Nuxalk Nation has for this game runs deep, and it gets passed down from generation to generation," said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. "What stood out to us all week was how basketball brings this community together. Elders, parents, coaches and kids were all in the same room, and that is what the game is supposed to look like. We are grateful to Nuxalk Nation for welcoming us, and to I∙SPARC for helping us get here. This is the first time we have made the trip to the Valley, but it certainly will not be the last." “It was a pleasure to host the Bandits in Bella Coola; we are super grateful for the Bandits and I∙SPARC for their partnership and making the trip to experience the passion and love that Nuxalk Nation has for basketball,” said Nuxalk Nation youth coordinator Cole Sankey. “As a coach, it was a great opportunity to bring high-level basketball minds to our community and show our youth a little bit of what professional players go through. Dylan and Pavan brought great energy to our workshops at Acwsalcta, SAMSS and Nuxalk Hall, and they emphasized in each session that the best players master the basic details every day. Stutwiniititsxw Vancouver Bandits and I∙SPARC!” The camps were part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, representing the ongoing collaboration between I∙SPARC and the Vancouver Bandits. Established in 2023, ongoing and past projects through the Collective include camps and clinics for Indigenous youth and coaches, building new basketball courts in Indigenous communities, and hosting the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament.
Former Vancouver Bandits guard Jarkel Joiner has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz. The news was announced by the Jazz via press release on Friday . During his time with the Bandits in the 2026 season, House made 10 appearances, including 9 starts, averaging 24.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game and earned CEBL Western Conference Player of the Month honours for May 2026. On June 18, 2026 at Winnipeg, he set the Bandits' single-game franchise scoring record with 42 points. Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team, hosted a youth basketball camp on Wednesday, September 9 in Williams Lake, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) and FortisBC. The Bandits welcomed over 40 local athletes and their families to the camp, with the main goal of building confidence, inspiring young athletes, and bringing youth sports development and mentorship to athletes across the province. Held at Lake City Secondary, the camp marked the first community visit by BC’s professional basketball team to the Cariboo region, bringing more basketball to more people across our province. “Community is a core pillar of the Bandits organization, and we are proud to host camps and opportunities that help shape and inspire the next generation of players and leaders,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “Thank you to our partners at I∙SPARC and FortisBC for their support in bringing this camp to fruition, and to the Williams Lake basketball community for welcoming our team this week.” "We're proud to support opportunities that help young people build confidence, strengthen their skills and create lasting connections," said Janet Devaney, senior manager, community & Indigenous initiatives at FortisBC. "Through initiatives like this basketball camp, Indigenous youth can connect with peers and mentors, develop new skills and experience the positive impact that sport can have on confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging.” The free-of-charge camp was part of the Indigenous Basketball Collective, representing the ongoing collaboration between I∙SPARC and the Vancouver Bandits. Established in 2023, ongoing and past projects through the Collective include camps and clinics for Indigenous youth and coaches, building new basketball courts in Indigenous communities, and hosting the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament.
LATEST VIDEO
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Mamba on May 14, 2026.
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.