Ransford Brempong uses poetry to voice frustrations on racial inequality and to push for positive change
Liam Fox • September 30, 2020
Ransford Brempong made his name on the hardwood, but he leans on spoken word poetry as an intellectual and creative outlet. He has used it this year as a form of expression and commentary on the inequality that he sees in the world around him.
The 39-year-old spent last summer with the Fraser Valley Bandits after a lengthy playing career in Europe and with the Canadian national team. Now, Brempong is encouraging other Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) players to use their platform to create positive messages that inspire fellow Canadians to use their voice.
“Before I knew it, I had written that poem and it’s very relevant to what is going on,” Brempong said. “It’s just encouragement to everyone, like we can do better.”
Brempong’s poem – titled ‘Dap That’ – explores issues of social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement following the killing of George Floyd.
“It was the physical manifestation of 21 seconds of silence. Long enough to feel the violence,” states Brempong in his poem.
Part of why Brempong played in the CEBL last summer was because he wanted kids in Vancouver to see that they could play professional basketball in Canada. Inspiring the next generation has been a driving factor for him in pushing messages of justice and equality though his poetry as well. He thinks the CEBL and its players have an opportunity to make an impact in their respective Canadian communities.
“I would encourage the players in the CEBL to use their voice,” Brempong said. “What an opportunity to make a change for them in their lives. Also – more importantly – for your kids. They’re going to be the generation that’s coming up. As a basketball player, that’s kind of your job.”
“For players right now in the middle of their career, the prime of their career, your responsibility is to look out for that next generation through basketball. That’s the vehicle we are using, but it’s bigger than ball.”
Brempong is a basketball lifer, describing his recent career as going the “Vince Carter route” in terms of his longevity in the sport. Basketball, which included eight years spent with Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team, taught him how to push himself to be in uncomfortable situations and navigate a way through them.
That meant self-improvement.
Even though he practiced with Steve Nash and played against Kobe Bryant, Brempong understood the importance of also pushing himself off the court.
Brempong first got involved with spoken word poetry around 2011. He was playing professional basketball in Düsseldorf, Germany and was reading Jay-Z’s memoir, Decoded. In the book, Jay-Z reflects on his younger self coming up with rhymes in his head and never having to write them down to remember.
Brempong did not consider himself to have a great memory but wanted to challenge himself with doing the same. He spent a lot of time in Germany with his own thoughts, coming up with new rhymes and expanding on his poetic skills. It became a strong muscle for Brempong and led him to creating full-length poems.
He has lived among a variety of communities in and outside of Canada, granting him experiences that have given him plenty of perspective and material for his poetry.
Brempong grew up in Winnipeg and is a self-proclaimed “prairie boy at heart.” His parents are from Ghana, however, and he moved to Toronto in high school. Brempong was part of a diverse Toronto basketball scene with immigrants and cultures from across the globe. The sport took him next to college in North Carolina, which set the stage for a six-year stint as a European pro in Germany and Holland.
“All of those different cultures and different scenarios and people I met along the way just gave me a very open perspective to things that are happening daily to everyone,” Brempong said. “All of that came together in the poems that I wrote.”
He finds that poetry is a strong vehicle to bring ideas and experiences together. It also makes it easier for people to understand and relate to. Brempong has performed his poetry at various events in B.C. and has spoken about the racism he has seen in Canada.
“It’s good to spread a message. I feel like my message is one of inclusiveness,” Brempong said. “If you do it in a creative or eloquent way, a lot of the time people are able to accept it easier.”
Brempong now describes himself as a basketball consultant. He works with youth across North Vancouver, including an after-school program called 3PointBasketball. He got involved to help teach basketball technique to elementary school kids, knowing the importance of the grassroots level to growing the game.
Part of Brempong sharing his poetry is showing kids that trying to excel at something else does not take away from the type of athlete that you can be. He feels that social media often presents today’s kids with a mold where they think they have to fit. Brempong encourages kids to “write their own story.”
“I know for a lot of boys growing up, they try to take on the jock mentality,” he said. “I was always trying to buck the jock mentality. I was like, ‘I’m more than just a basketball player. Please don’t put me in that box.’”
Brempong says he recognizes that spoken word poetry is something that works for him personally, but he encourages the kids he coaches to experiment with creativity as a way to express themselves.
“Everyone has to find their own thing that works for them, but I definitely would say poetry or writing or any type of expression…that is going to stimulate your brain, it’s a good thing.”
LATEST NEWS
The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed current Los Angeles Lakers NBA G League guard Tevian Jones to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Jones, a 6-foot-7 guard, joins the Bandits from the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, South Bay Lakers where he averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20.5 minutes per game across 24 games during the 2025-26 season and helped his team to an appearance in the NBA G League Western Conference finals. Originally from Chandler, Ariz., Jones earned NBA minutes in 2023 when he was named to the New Orleans Pelicans’ training camp roster and suited up for the club during its pre-season campaign. ““I am really looking forward to playing for the Bandits and being in Vancouver! I can’t wait to get together with coach Julius and the guys this summer,” said Jones. “We definitely have some big things in store this season, y’all are going to see!” Jones has already proven his offensive talent in the CEBL, averaging 17.8 points across 33 games in two seasons between the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Saskatchewan Rattlers, and Scarborough Shooting Stars. Internationally, Jones was called up to the United States senior men’s national team this past February where he contributed to a 123-88 win on February 3, 2026 against Mexico as part of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. “We are really excited to add Tevian’s athleticism and competitive fire to our roster. He is coming off a strong season in the NBA G League and also earned a USA Basketball call-up this past February,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “He plays at a high level and fits our team identity of energy and effort, with a relentless approach on both ends of the court.” Prior to turning professional, Jones attended Southern Utah University where he developed into an explosive producer. In his fifth year during the 2022-23 NCAA season, Jones started 36 games for the Thunderbirds and led his program with 17.8 points per game en route to receiving Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First-Team All Conference honours. Prior to his success at SUU, Jones got his start at the University of Illinois, playing in 37 games from 2018 to 2020 The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. A full game schedule can be viewed here . Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV.
The Vancouver Bandits announced today that R.R. Plett Trucking has been named the club’s Official Transportation Partner, supporting the team’s growing footprint across British Columbia and helping deliver the Bandits’ game-day experience and community programming to fans and young athletes throughout the province.  As part of the partnership, R.R. Plett Trucking will assist with the transportation of equipment and event infrastructure for a number of Bandits initiatives, including community activations, youth basketball events and special showcase games across the province. R.R. Plett Trucking recently played a key role in the successful delivery of Guildford Town Centre 3x3 Clutch , a four-day 3x3 basketball tournament hosted by the Vancouver Bandits, Basketball BC and Guildford Town Centre, at Guildford Town Centre during Family Day long weekend. The event welcomed nearly 250 young athletes from across the Lower Mainland competing on a custom-built court setup, marking the first-ever 3x3 basketball tournament held inside a shopping centre in British Columbia. Looking ahead, R.R. Plett Trucking will also be instrumental in transporting the Bandits’ game-day experience to the Kelowna HOOPFEST showcase game on June 6 at Prospera Place , where the club will bring professional basketball and community programming to the City of Kelowna as part of a weekend celebrating the sport throughout the Okanagan region. “As we continue to grow the game across British Columbia, having the right partners in place is critical. R.R. Plett allows us to extend our reach beyond our home market and bring the Bandits experience to more communities in a real and tangible way,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “Whether it’s youth events like 3x3 Clutch or major moments like Kelowna HOOPFEST, this partnership helps us move with intention and continue building something that connects the entire province through basketball.” Through the partnership, R.R. Plett Trucking will help ensure that the Bandits can continue expanding their events and youth initiatives across British Columbia while delivering the high-energy game presentation the club has become known for. “R.R. Plett Trucking is proud to be the Official Transport Partner of the Bandits in advancing youth development and expanding the game across British Columbia. At R.R. Plett Trucking, we believe strong communities are built by investing in our youth. Partnering with the Bandits is more than a sponsorship for us, it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring young athletes, and helping the game grow across British Columbia,” said R.R. Plett Trucking COO Trevor Plett. “Seeing the excitement and energy around initiatives like the Kelowna event reminds us how powerful sport can be in bringing people together. We are proud to stand behind a local organization that is making a real difference in communities and helping shape the next generation both on and off the court.” The partnership reflects the Bandits’ continued commitment to growing basketball throughout British Columbia through professional games, youth development programs and community-driven events.
The Vancouver Bandits have announced that the club has signed current Cleveland Cavaliers NBA G League starter and former Indiana Hoosier and NBA G League champion Miller Kopp for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A 6-foot-7 forward from Houston, Tex., Kopp signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the 2025-26 NBA season, where he was named to the club’s Training Camp roster and appeared in two pre-season games. He is currently a member of the Cavaliers’ NBA G League affiliate, Cleveland Charge where he is averaging 11.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals through 25.5 minutes per game. Before joining the Charge, Kopp played two seasons with the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of the NBA’s Thunder, where he captured an NBA G League championship during the 2023-24 season. “I am excited to compete in front of amazing fans and impact winning in all areas,” said Kopp on joining the Bandits. Prior to turning pro, Kopp graduated from Indiana University where he helped lead the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA March Madness appearances. During his tenure from 2021 to 2023, he averaged 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks while starting in all 61 games played. He originally began his collegiate career at Northwestern University where he played three seasons for the Wildcats from 2018 to 2021. “Miller Kopp is an absolute marksman. What sets him apart is his relentless work ethic and high character,” commented head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius. “He has proven himself at every level from being a fan favorite at Indiana University, to shining in the G League and playing NBA minutes this season. He fits our culture of energy, effort, and enthusiasm.” Internationally, Kopp represented the United States at the 2025 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers appearing in games against the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter.
The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the club has signed Queen’s University forward Ashton Bain and University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) forward Dario Lopez for the 2026 season as part of CEBL Signing Day. “We are proud to announce these two local student-athlete signings, as building BC talent is a core mandate for our team,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “While these are key pieces, we are far from done. We will continue to actively scout collegiate athletes to further strengthen our roster this summer.” Bain, a 6-foot-9 forward from Vancouver, B.C., finished his second season at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. where he averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists through 24.2 minutes in 26 games (16 starts). In his freshman season in 2024-25, his Gaels team made appearances at the 2025 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference finals and U SPORTS Final 8. Prior to his time at Queen’s, Bain played high school basketball at North Vancouver’s Handsworth Secondary. Lopez, a 6-foot-7 forward originally from Madrid, Spain, recently completed his fifth and final season with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades where he earned Canada West First Team All-Star honours. In 2025-26, he played and started in 15 games while posting averages of 27.1 minutes, 15.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Before competing for UFV, Lopez was a member of Movistar Estudiantes U18 in Spain. Replacing the CEBL Draft, Signing Day marks the next evolution of the CEBL’s partnership with U SPORTS, established in 2019, and more recently the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The new approach creates a more direct and flexible pathway for Canadian student-athletes to transition from campus to the professional stage. “As Canada’s professional basketball league, our focus is on elevating the game and the athletes who power it,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “Signing Day gives student-athletes a direct path to the pro level, where they can test themselves against elite competition and contribute to an exciting, fast-paced product. With expanded visibility across CEBL+, YouTube, and CBC platforms, along with strong fan support in every market, it’s an opportunity to grow their careers within a league built from the community up.” “U SPORTS is proud of its partnership with the CEBL that allows our student-athletes to sign with clubs to continue meaningful development during the U SPORTS off-season,” said Matthew Davies, U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. “The CEBL teams' commitment to carry developmental players is a valuable opportunity for our student-athletes to fuel their growth as players and as people.” The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter.
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.