Rattlers and Bandits square off to end CEBL’s regular season slate
By: Matthew Winick • August 10, 2021
The Saskatchewan Rattlers (1-12) and Fraser Valley Bandits (6-7) will put a close to the 2021 CEBL regular season on Tuesday night at the SaskTel Centre at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. CT.
A season that was unprecedented amongst Canadian sports leagues getting back from the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign was slightly delayed in order to follow health and safety protocols but has been up and running since the Niagara River Lions and Ottawa BlackJacks tipped off on June 24th.
After a slate of highlight plays, key storylines, Elam Ending game-winners and raucous crowds, the 49th and final regular season game is on tap. Should the contest between the Bandits and Rattlers be like what we’ve witnessed in the CEBL all year, it should be highly entertaining.
Recent Rematch
It won’t take long to search back and find the last time these two squads played, as Fraser Valley and Saskatchewan squared off on Sunday afternoon, with the Bandits pulling out an 85-79 victory and snapping a five-game losing streak.
Fraser Valley led almost the entire way, taking an advantage 3:10 into the game and never relinquishing it. Saskatchewan did make a run into the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just four, but it was too little, too late.
The Rattlers’ lack of depth really struggled on the court whenever the starters took a breather, as the team finished with only 10 bench points on the night compared to the Bandits’ 20. While Saskatchewan’s reserves will never be their biggest strength, having players like Mambi Diawara and Nervens Demosthene put together solid minutes headlined by scoring would be a major boost.
Award Races
With the regular season reaching its end, not only have CEBL fans seen great games, but they’ve also witnessed great individual player performances. With awards set to be distributed shortly, many of those athletes will soon be recognized.
Saskatchewan’s Devonte Bandoo will certainly be in the running for Canadian of the Year, as the Mississauga, Ontario native leads the Rattlers in points, assists and steals while ranking second in the entire league in three-pointers made.
On the other side, Fraser Valley’s 7-foot big man Brandon Gilbeck will be in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, as he leads the CEBL in blocked shots per game at 2.9 a night.
Look for both award competitors to play a large role towards their team’s performance on Tuesday.
Playoff Picture
Considering all teams except for these two have wrapped up their regular seasons, the playoff picture is finally set and stable.
For Saskatchewan, that means their season will be over once the final buzzer sounds against Fraser Valley. The Rattlers will use the opportunity to play in front of their fans one last time and start building towards next year’s team.
Fraser Valley’s attention will be shifted towards its quarterfinal playoff game, set for Sunday against the fifth seeded Guelph Nighthawks. The Bandits will surely use Tuesday’s game as a chance to prepare for the winner-take-all contest against the Nighthawks in just five days.
All CEBL games will be available for live streaming on the CEBL’s new OTT streaming service CEBL+, cbcsports.ca, the free CBC Gem streaming service, the CBC Sports App for iOS and android devices, and on Twitch.
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
LATEST NEWS
The Vancouver Bandits announced that reigning Canadian Player of the Year Tyrese Samuel has re-signed with the club for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Making an immediate impact during his debut CEBL campaign in 2025, Samuel led all players league-wide in field goal percentage (65.9) while finishing top three on the Bandits in points (21.7) and rebounds per game (10.8) in 15 games played. He broke the club’s single-game scoring record during his CEBL debut on May 15, 2025 recording 36 points along with 12 rebounds, and was named CEBL Player of the Week on August 11, 2025. “ We’ve got some unfinished business to take care of ,” said Samuel. The 6-foot-10, Montréal, Que. product capped off his dominant season by being named Canadian Player of the Year and a Second Team All-CEBL selection at the 2025 CEBL Awards . His stellar play also earned him a roster spot with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2025 NBA Summer League and an Exhibit 10 contract with the Phoenix Suns during 2026 NBA training camp. “We are all very excited that we get another chance to work with Tyrese, he is a special player and an even better person. Tyrese is one of the best Canadians to ever play in our league and we are looking forward to building our roster around him,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. The 25-year-old forward has spent the 2025-26 season with the Phoenix Suns’ NBA G League affiliate, Valley Suns, where he has appeared in 24 games and logged 8.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18.2 minutes played. A top Canadian prospect while in university, Samuel played four seasons at Seton Hall University from 2019 to 2023 before transferring to the University of Florida for his graduate year, where he earned Second Team All-SEC honours. Internationally, Samuel has represented Canada on two occasions, earning a silver medal at the 2018 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and appearing in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatchewan before coming home for two exciting matchups as part of 2026 Home Opener Weekend at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. The club will host the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT before facing the Calgary Surge on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. PT 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, 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+, 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. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter .
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.
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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.