Robert Sacre Returns to the Bandits as Senior Advisor

February 25, 2022

Former Los Angeles Laker and Gonzaga Bulldog enters his second season with the Bandits front office

LANGLEY, B.C., February 25, 2022 – The Fraser Valley Bandits announced Friday that former Los Angeles Laker and Gonzaga Bulldog, Robert Sacre, is returning to the front office of British Columbia’s professional basketball team in an expanded role as senior advisor to the president, Dylan Kular.


This will be Sacre’s second season with the club. He was previously announced as the club’s assistant general manager on March 11, 2021 ahead of Fraser Valley’s third season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).


“A key part of our team culture in Fraser Valley is continuity. Rob proved to be an important member of our front office last season because of his charisma, international network of current and former players, as well as his sports business acumen. I am thrilled to welcome him back,” Kular said.


“Rob has played in sold-out venues around the globe and continues to maintain relationships with coaches, as well as front office executives of leading international clubs. Through these connections and experiences, Rob has helped build bridges for the Bandits and this new role will allow him to continue to do so with increased emphasis on the business development side of our organization.”


Together with general manager Kyle Julius, Sacre focused last season on liaising with prospective players and agents and supporting the Bandits’ efforts to build pivotal relationships throughout BC and Canada’s basketball communities.


In his new role as senior advisor to the president, Sacre’s job scope has been broadened to give the former NBA and Team Canada centre the opportunity to provide insight on both basketball operations and business development, including game day experience, sponsorship activations and player wellness programs.


Fraser Valley announced its relocation to Langley Events Centre (LEC) last September ahead of its fourth CEBL season. The move has resulted in strong growth in key areas of the organization, including sponsorship, season ticket sales and community development. 


Now located in the heart of the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland at LEC, an integral goal of the Bandits is to establish deeper connections with local basketball clubs and leaders, and to expand Fraser Valley’s brand presence throughout British Columbia and beyond. 


“The Bandits envision a roster that is dedicated on both sides of the ball and works together to put on a show for fans. There is a clear mandate in the front office to build a culture that is inviting for both local businesses and corporate clients of all sizes,” Sacre said.


“In this new role, I am looking forward to channeling my experience as a player and my connections in the Canadian and international business communities that I have built throughout my career to help the Bandits foster relationships with new players and organizations, both in Canada and abroad.”


Sacre’s insight is derived from a decorated playing career that has seen the former 2006 AAA provincial champion (Handsworth Secondary) and MVP achieve success on the biggest basketball stages, both in British Columbia, across North America and overseas. Notable achievements include five consecutive trips to the NCAA March Madness tournament (2008-12), playing alongside Kobe Bryant as a member of the Lakers (2012-16) and representing Canada’s senior men’s national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey and 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico.


The final stop of Sacre’s illustrious playing career saw the North Vancouver native play for Sunrockers Shibuya from 2016-2019 in Japan’s B.League. Sacre averaged 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 48.9 per cent shooting from field goal range before retiring from professional play in the summer of 2019 and returning to Spokane, Wash. He left a cemented legacy in Japan as a fan favourite thanks to his dedication to making community appearances, engaging with fans and his all-star level of play. In his final season, Sacre scored 44 and 46 points in consecutive games.


Since retiring, Sacre completed his master’s degree in organizational leadership at Gonzaga and continues to be a contributing facet of the Bulldogs community, co-hosting the “Sac and Jack” podcast with fellow Gonzaga alumnus Jack Ferris.


Season tickets for Fraser Valley’s highly anticipated season at Langley Events Centre (LEC) are on sale now at thebandits.ca/tickets. Fans are kindly asked to call (604) 866-0529 or email tickets@thebandits.ca for any questions or ticket related inquiries. Fans can also fill out this form to register their interest and be contacted directly by a team representative.


Fraser Valley opens its season on the road on Wednesday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m. PT against the Ottawa BlackJacks. Following a three-game road swing to open the year, the Bandits will make their debut at LEC against the Saskatchewan Rattlers on Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m. PT.


All CEBL regular season games will be livestreamed on the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices and CEBL+.


Head to thebandits.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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By Roid Chand • July 29, 2026
A season-high 25 points from Shamar Givance wasn’t enough as the Vancouver Bandits came up short in the final road game of the season. The Montreal Alliance defeated the Bandits 87-82 on Tuesday night, a game where three Bandits recorded their highest point totals of the season. Along with his 25 points, Givance also added eight rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes of action. “He was the definition of a warrior tonight,” said Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong. Givance, who came off the bench, took a bulk of the guard minutes after leading scorer Jarkel Joiner exited the game in the first half. “He picked up 94 feet and he went over every screen. It’s commendable. That’s why we brought Shamar here for the effort he gives,” said Brempong. Stephen Zimmerman in just his second game with Vancouver recorded 13 points and six rebounds. Jarrell Eddie scored a season-high 17 points and notched his first double-double of the season with 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. “Certain guys were thrust into positions they’re not normally in and that’s growth,” said Brempong. Both teams struggled offensively, particularly outside the paint, but what they lacked in offence was made up by their defence. The Bandits shot 9-33 from beyond the arc, and the Alliance cashed in on just 11 of the 32 three point opportunities. The Bandits recorded seven blocks and six steals, while the Alliance recorded four blocks and six steals. Montreal native Tyrese Samuel recorded 16 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. He played just 22 minutes after picking up two early fouls in the first quarter. No Canadian player has scored more points than Tyrese Samuel’s 358 points this season. Neither team separated themselves as the game stayed close for all four quarters. The largest lead of the game was eight, which belonged to Montreal. Vancouver exploded in the third quarter and outscored Montreal 27-17, yet their scoring wouldn’t translate to the fourth quarter. The Bandits offence lacked consistency all night, scoring just 16 points in the final frame. Quincy Guerrier led the Alliance with 26 points and seven rebounds. The Bandits will head home for the final game of the regular season against the Winnipeg Sea Bears. The Bandits (14-9) currently sit top of the Western Conference while the Sea Bears (13-10) sit in second place. “The mission is still the same.”

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By Rois Chand • July 26, 2026
Five players were in double figures as the Vancouver Bandits defeated the Saskatoon Mamba 104-97 on Saturday night. The Bandits led for the entirety of the game, leading by as many as 17 points. Vancouver now sits atop of the Western Conference at 14-8, topping the Winnipeg Sea Bears (13-9). This win also secured home court advantage in the playoffs for the Bandits, who will officially begin the postseason on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Tevin Brown led the Bandits in scoring with 23 points and seven three pointers made. “My teammates did a good job of getting me open,” said Brown. “They just let me play my game. (We) play a fast-paced offence and that’s where I thrive.” James Karnik followed with 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Bandits jumped out to an early 31-15 lead as Brown scored 11 of his 23 points in the first quarter. The Mamba went on a 29-21 run in the second quarter to cut the lead to 52-44 by halftime. Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong applauded his team for their resilience in the wire-to-wire win, even as the lead dwindled. “They might fight back but (we) still have to stay aggressive,” said Brempong. “Credit to Saskatoon. They made their run, but I’m more proud of the team and the resilience they’ve shown during the last handful of games.” All 11 players who played tonight recorded a made basket. Former NBA draft pick Stephen Zimmerman made his Bandits debut, recording two points and four rebounds in just three minutes of action. “It’s going to take everybody. Whether you come off the bench, I don’t care. Be strong enough that you affect the game and you impact winning,” said Brempong. Brempong said the Bandits are still bought into the mentality of being “on the hunt”, despite being first in the Western Conference. Brempong also said they can’t take their recent success for granted. “Don’t let it lull you to sleep. You still have to stay sharp,” he said. A layup from Shamar Givance won the game for the Bandits in target time. He finished with nine points and eight assists. Next, the Bandits will head on the road for a matchup with the Montreal Alliance on Tuesday, before wrapping up the season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

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By Rois Chand • July 24, 2026
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