Project rebuild leaves Fraser Valley Bandits with future blueprint for success
Emily Wilson • November 3, 2020
After finishing in last place in their inaugural season, the Fraser Valley Bandits went back to the drawing board determined and focused on rebranding themselves as true competitors.
When the Bandits returned to play nearly a year later, the new-look organization had engineered a sharp turnaround, proving themselves to be a championship contender by finishing as runners up in the 2020 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
But with such a dramatic turnaround, where do the Bandits go next?
Led by new head coach Kyle Julius, the organization travelled almost 4,500 kilometres from Abbotsford, B.C. to St. Catharines, Ont. to participate in the ‘bubble-style tournament’ for a pandemic impacted season.
Their opponents were familiar, but the Bandits looked reborn. The team sported a new roster with just one returning player in B.C. native, Marek Klassen. Right from the start, they had a game plan moving into year two.
“The first thing that we did as the team [was] just mostly reflecting after year one. We were the worst team based on record in year one, we lost a lot of close games but there was definitely an edge that we were missing and right away we knew that we had to rebuild,” said Bandits vice president Dylan Kular.
“We knew that we wanted to be the developmental hub for the CEBL. We wanted to make sure that if players were coming to the Fraser Valley, that they knew they were going to get the best medical treatment, the best basketball development, they're going to develop as people and they are going to propel their careers.”
Starting from scratch might have been seen as a setback, yet the Bandits held a slight advantage as Julius knew most of the players and their playing styles from previous years. With those connections, it didn’t take long for the team to make themselves known in the CEBL.
“My coaching style is process-driven and I wanted a group of guys that I knew were going to play as hard as they could,” said Julius on constructing the roster. “I wanted a group of guys that really wanted to be there in the CEBL and specifically for the Bandits.”
“What you saw was what we planned to do.”
Kular echoed the same thoughts. “We knew if we brought those kinds of people in that we were going to give ourselves a really good chance to be successful in the Summer Series and that ended up being the case.”
However, while the prior on-the-court experience enhanced the team’s cohesiveness, it was the individual drive that pushed them to be their best and earn a spot in the final.
“Coach Julius gathered a bunch of guys who had something to prove, myself included,” said guard Jahenns Manigat. “A bunch of guys who have felt underappreciated, undervalued.”
“In the locker room, it was just a bunch of guys who are hungry, who were eager to prove something not only to the public but to themselves as well. We just all kind of took that as like our warcry and carried it with us with every game.”
Message received. The CEBL took notice as opposing teams took note of the chip on Fraser Valley’s shoulder.
Right from the opening tip-off, the Bandits impressed many as the team finished with a 4-2 record in the round robin, earning themselves a berth in the playoff semifinals against the Hamilton Honey Badgers.
In group play, the Honey Badgers were one of the two teams to defeat the Bandits, handing them a 102-96 loss. But with a spot in the final on the line, Fraser Valley wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip.
The match-up was a tight contest as the Bandits won 76-75 after overcoming a 14-point fourth quarter deficit.
“That semifinal was a crazy comeback,” Kular said. “We had guys puking in the changeroom after the game and then less than 24 hours later we got ready for another game.”
When it came time for the final, Kular said the Bandits had just simply run out of gas as they lost 90-73 to the top-seeded Edmonton Stingers.
Despite not going home with any hardware, the team returned to B.C. with their heads held high and most importantly, a new foundation for the organization.
“Our goal was to win. So on that Sunday afternoon after we lost we were all deeply saddened about it. We didn't want to go home without that number one spot. But when you look at it, in hindsight, we did a really good job,” Manigat said. “We've proved that the right pieces could have an immediate effect.”
“Our goal was to show fans a type of a basketball that is gritty and people that want to lockdown on defence and are going to give their full effort night in and night out,” Kular said. “I think we achieved that. Fans back in B.C., and even across the country, were letting us know that.”
Whether or not the same players and coaching staff return for the 2021 season, the redevelopment of the organization leaves a solid blueprint to refer to for future success.
“If you understand how to build a team, if you understand how to get a coach who knows how to coach up his players and to have players who are willing to listen and give 110 per cent effort, then you're going to move in the right direction,” Manigat said.
“I think that's what the Bandits learned this past summer and I think that's what they're going to look forward to continuing to build in the future.”
Kular emphasized that plan, “We're looking forward to what 2021 holds.”
LATEST NEWS
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that Dylan Kular, President of the Vancouver Bandits, has been named the 2025 CEBL Executive of the Year, earning the honour for a league-record third time (2021, 2022). The recognition comes a day after the Bandits secured the 2025 CEBL Community Champion Award, marking the second Business Award for the franchise this season and the fifth in just two years . The CEBL has now revealed three of its four annual Business Award winners this year, with the Calgary Surge capturing the Digital Excellence Award on Monday. The league’s 2025 Franchise of the Year recipient will be announced tomorrow (October 30). EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR Awarded to a team executive who best lives the values of the CEBL by leading with integrity and good governance, fosters a positive organizational culture, leads a franchise that has demonstrated success on the basketball court, in the community and with the overall performance and development of their club’s business during the past year, demonstrates a long-term vision to grow their franchise in its market, and contributes to the success of the league beyond their own club while being an inspiration and valued colleague to peers around the CEBL. 2025 Winner: Dylan Kular, President, Vancouver Bandits Under Dylan Kular’s leadership in 2025, the Vancouver Bandits combined on-court excellence with strong business and community performance. The team finished the regular season with the league’s best record (19-5), led all CEBL franchises in ticketing and group sales growth, and achieved the highest year-over-year gains in digital engagement and social media followership. The Bandits also earned top individual basketball honours this summer at the 2025 CEBL Awards , including Coach of the Year (Kyle Julius), MVP (Mitch Creek) and Canadian Player of the Year / Clutch Player of the Year (Tyrese Samuel). Off the court, Kular oversaw the successful launch of the Bandits Community Foundation, leading to the aforementioned back-to-back Community Champion Awards, and helped secure the addition of renowned basketball content creator and viral sensation Tristan Jass to the CEBL , in collaboration with the league and Electrolit Canada. Other notable off-court highlights include: Fifth Business Award in two seasons for the franchise Expansion of fan and group engagement initiatives across British Columbia Kular’s leadership continues to set the standard for excellence in the CEBL, blending competitive success with business growth, community engagement, and innovation. The 2025 CEBL Business Awards consist of four awards, given in recognition of accomplishments at both the team and executive levels ( Award – Announcement Date – Winner): Digital Excellence Award – Monday, October 27 – Calgary Surge Community Champion – Tuesday, October 28 – Vancouver Bandits Executive of the Year – Wednesday, October 29 – Dylan Kular, President, Vancouver Bandits Franchise of the Year – Thursday, October 30 – TBA Award winners were voted on by various groups comprised of league and team executives, including, but not limited to, members of the CEBL’s Leadership Team and all 10 team presidents.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that the Vancouver Bandits have been named the 2025 CEBL Community Champion, earning the honour for a second consecutive season . The Community Champion Award is the second of four 2025 CEBL Business Awards to be presented this week.  COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD Awarded to the franchise that has demonstrated a dedication to and understanding of local communities through notable, creative, and sustainable outreach that prioritize the CEBL values of innovation, inclusion, diversity, and meaningful experiences for fans and others. 2025 Winner: Vancouver Bandits In 2025, the Vancouver Bandits expanded their community reach through the launch of the Bandits Community Foundation , a charitable organization overseeing programs such as the Community Champion Initiative, Indigenous Basketball Collective, First Buckets, Secondary Buckets, and Inspiring Bandits Scholarship. The club also became the first CEBL team to unveil a Filipino Heritage jersey and logo , with proceeds benefiting United Way BC and the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by events following the Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day Festival. Continuing their commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation, the Bandits signed a multi-year partnership supporting Canadian cancer research, including the return of their Terry Fox tribute jerseys. Community engagement remained a cornerstone of the Bandits’ efforts this year, with additional highlights including: Hosting the fourth annual BC Basketball Festival at Langley Events Centre Awarding six scholarships through the Inspiring Bandits program at the BC High School Basketball Championships Delivering 77 on-court sessions and 12 free coaching clinics through Secondary Buckets, led by Bandits head coach Kyle Julius Refurbishing Grays Park in South Vancouver through the Court Projects initiative Hosting three cultural heritage theme games (Filipino Heritage, South Asian Heritage, and Indigenous Celebration), each ranking among the club’s top five attended home games in 2025 The Bandits also launched a successful bid to host the 2026 Junior All Native Basketball Tournament, one of the largest youth basketball events in Canada, in partnership with Kwantlen First Nation and Vancity Nation youth basketball. The 2025 Community Champion Award recognizes the Vancouver Bandits’ sustained leadership and impact across British Columbia, reflecting their ongoing commitment to community, inclusion, and excellence in basketball. The 2025 CEBL Business Awards consist of four awards, given in recognition of accomplishments at both the team and executive levels ( Award – Announcement Date – Winner): Digital Excellence Award – Monday, October 27 – Calgary Surge Community Champion – Tuesday, October 28 – Vancouver Bandits Executive of the Year – Wednesday, October 29 – TBA Franchise of the Year – Thursday, October 30 – TBA Award winners were voted on by various groups comprised of league and team executives, including, but not limited to, members of the CEBL’s Leadership Team and all 10 team presidents.
The Vancouver Bandits, Bandits Community Foundation, Vancity Nation Basketball and Kwantlen First Nation are proud to host the 2026 BC Junior All Native basketball tournament, taking place March 15-20, 2026 in Langley, BC. The Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) is the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in British Columbia and one of the biggest basketball tournaments in Canada, drawing over 1,200 youth athletes, over 10,000 travellers and over 100 teams from across the province. Additionally, more than 100 Indigenous communities will be attending and represented at the annual tournament. “Vancity Nation is proud to partner with Kwantlen First Nation, Bandits Community Foundation and Vancouver Bandits to bring JANT to Langley,” said Nicole Cardinal, team manager of Vancity Nation basketball club. ”This is an opportunity for Vancity Nation to showcase our urban youth who live away from their communities and play a sport they love with Indigenous youth from across BC. Vancity Nation is made of volunteer coaches and managers who provide low cost basketball opportunities for our youth, and together we hope we build pathways that strengthen identity, and community connection. This goes a long way in raising young, productive leaders in a sport they love.” Langley Events Centre will serve as the tournament’s primary venue, hosting the opening ceremony on March 15 and championship games on March 20. Games will also be played at venues that include RE Mountain Secondary, Langley Secondary, Walnut Grove Secondary, Peter Ewart Middle and Yorkson Creek Middle schools in Langley. The 2026 edition of the tournament marks the first time in eight years that the event has been hosted in the Lower Mainland, with the last occurrence in 2018 hosted at North Vancouver’s Capilano University. “On behalf of Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation, we are honoured to serve as custodians of the 2026 BC Junior All Native basketball tournament while standing side-by-side with Kwantlen First Nation and VanCity Nation Basketball. Basketball has always been a powerful connector and the Junior All Native basketball tournament is a testament to that,” said Dylan Kular, president of the Vancouver Bandits. “The Junior All Native basketball tournament represents the very best of what sport can do such as bringing people together, celebrating culture, and inspiring the next generation.” The Junior All Native Tournament has been a cornerstone event for nearly 50 years, uniting young athletes and their families from Indigenous communities across BC. The tournament aims to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue their goals and make the most of their potential, while improving their fitness and skill levels. The tournament rotates annually between the three regions of Northern BC, Coastal BC, and Interior BC, with the most recent tournament hosted by the Syilx Okanagan Nation in 2025. Information on the 2026 tournament, including team registration, can be found at www.jant.ca
Electrolit athlete and viral basketball sensation Tristan Jass has officially broken four Guinness World Records™ titles in just four hours. The record-shattering event took place at the home of the Vancouver Bandits — Langley Events Centre in Langley, British Columbia — with Electrolit fueling Jass’s monumental performance. With laser focus and electrifying energy, Jass shattered multiple Guinness World Records, each verified on-site by an official Guinness World Records judge, including: Longest Basketball Shot (Blindfolded) Farthest Basketball Bounce Shot Most Consecutive Behind-the-Backboard Shots Most Basketball Layups in One Minute With more than 10 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, Tristan Jass is a global sensation, known for his jaw-dropping trick shots and ball-handling skills. The record-breaking day marks another high point in Jass’s rising career, following his recent stint playing with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Watch the full video on Tristan Jass’ YouTube channel to see every record-breaking moment in action: https://youtu.be/_J6Z71vhe3U “Man, this is unreal. I’ve always been about doing things differently, pushing the limits, getting creative, and just having fun with the game. Breaking four Guinness World Records titles in one day? It was a grind. But Electrolit kept me hydrated, and that’s everything when it comes to performing at my best. I’m grateful, I’m hyped, and I’m just getting started,” said Jass. Electrolit is available at major retailers as well as online through Amazon, to support active lifestyles of all shapes and sizes, from work to play to sports. For more information, visit www. electrolit.com or follow them on Instagram or Facebook @Electrolit
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