FRASER VALLEY BANDITS SIGN MARCUS CAPERS
Fraser Valley Bandits • May 27, 2020
Defensive Player of the Year and two-way guard brings experience, versatility and a winning pedigree to the Bandits.
ABBOTSFORD, B.C., May 27, 2020 –
The Fraser Valley Bandits announced Wednesday that the club has signed former Washington State University guard and defensive specialist Marcus Capers.
Capers is coming off one of his most successful seasons as a professional. The 2019-20 campaign was his fifth consecutive season with the London Lightning. Throughout his professional career Capers has proven that he is a defensive stalwart capable of guarding multiple positions. This past season Capers averaged 38 minutes, 13.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. For his efforts, Capers won NBLC Defensive Player of the Year.
Capers’ grit and energy on the defensive end were a large part of the Lightning’s ability to hold opponents to a league-low 32.5 per cent from three-point range, and the second-lowest points per game at 105.9 and opponent field goal percentage at 43.3.
Capers was a member of the 2016-17 edition of the Lightning that won the NBLC title and was led by current Bandits Head Coach and General Manager Kyle Julius as part of a historic campaign that saw the team finish the regular season 35-5 and 46-7 including postseason competition.
“I’m excited to play and compete for Coach Julius again. We had tremendous success together in London and I’m keen to bring my high-octane style of play and defensive intensity to the Bandits,” Capers said. “The coaching staff has made it clear that this group will lock in on both ends of the floor and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
Capers started 109 of the 135 games he played at Washington State University. The Cougars relied on Capers for energy on both ends of the floor and over the course of four seasons he averaged 5.1 points per game on 51.8 per cent shooting from the field, as well as four rebounds and 1.7 assists. Capers played three NCAA seasons alongside current Golden State Warriors all-star Klay Thompson, including two appearances at the 2009 and 2011 National Invitation Tournaments (NIT) before beginning his professional career in 2012.
“Marcus is like family to me. He was an integral part of our first team together in the NBLC. We have won two championships together – one in Canada and one in China. Marcus is a world-class athlete and a special teammate. He is one of the best defenders and smartest players that I’ve ever had,” Julius said.
“Marcus can literally play all five positions and change the game defensively. I am really looking forward to getting back on the floor with Marcus.”
A 6-foot-4 guard from Winter Haven, Fla., Capers has played professionally in Finland, Japan and Canada.
For more information on the Bandits, follow the team’s journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Savory, Director of Operations, (604) 217-6213, asavory@thebandits.ca
About the Fraser Valley Bandits
The Fraser Valley Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the club is proud to call Abbotsford Centre home. The Bandits offer a riveting entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue. Head to thebandits.ca for more information.
About the Canadian Elite Basketball League
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is a new basketball experience that features world-class professional basketball in a fan-friendly entertainment environment across seven cities in Canada. The 2019 inaugural season saw more than 100 Canadian and international players take to the court, culminating with the Saskatchewan Rattlers earning the first CEBL championship trophy. CEBL players come from NBA G League clubs, top NCAA programs, the Canadian national program, U SPORTS and other Division 1 FIBA leagues. As the First Division Professional League partner of Canada Basketball, all games are live streamed on the CBC Gem app, CEBL.TV and the Island Sports Network. Head to cebl.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more.
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