Vancouver Bandits 2023-24 Offseason Preview

Jagraj Lalli • November 1, 2023

The Road To Redemption

The 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season featured highs and lows for the Vancouver Bandits as part of an audacious campaign that saw increased attendance and notable individual player performances but also faced the weight of championship aspirations as the host city for Championship Weekend. 


After a tough 1-4 start to the season, Vancouver responded with three straight wins to help the club level its record at .500. Sadly, the team could not maintain its momentum and struggled to find its rhythm; finishing the season with an 8-12 record heading into Championship Weekend. 


Vancouver won three of its last four games heading into the postseason, which proved to be a key bright spot given two of those three wins were against Ottawa and Scarborough – both of which sported records above .500 and were competing for playoff seeding. 


As hosts of Championship Weekend, Vancouver received an automatic berth in the Western Conference Finals against the Calgary Surge, whom the Bandits sported a 2-1 record against during the 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.


Late turnovers and a failure to execute proved costly as the Bandits endured heartbreak for the fourth straight season. 2020 ended with a championship game loss, 2021’s postseason ended in a semifinal three-point dagger, 2022’s playoff hopes were dashed prematurely in the play-in round and 2023’s dreams were put to rest with a three-point dagger from Calgary’s Stefan Smith that cemented a 77-75 defeat. 


Turning Progress into Momentum

The Vancouver Bandits are gearing up for 2024 with a clear focus on progression. Here are some key names to watch as the CEBL postseason ensues and members of the Bandits embark on their next overseas or U SPORTS playing opportunity. 


Diego Maffia made a notable impact during the 2023 season. He now returns to the University of Victoria for his U SPORTS season. The Oak Bay Secondary product showed flashes of promise, scoring 15 and dropping 11 assists in a June 3 home opener victory against Calgary, but struggled to find consistency with his shot, hitting 30 percent of his three-point attempts, while nailing  91.7 per cent from the free throw line. Maffia is a promising U SPORTS Development Athlete to watch and will be eligible to be re-drafted by the Bandits next spring. After leading U SPORTS in scoring with 24.5 points per game in 2023, he is primed for further development at Victoria after a 2022-23 season that saw him take the Vikes to the Final 8.


Earlier this fall the Bandits announced its protected list of players for the 2023 offseason. Notable players featuring an exclusive period to be re-signed by the Bandits for the 2024 season include Duane Notice and Nick Ward. Notice and Ward received defensive player of the year and most valuable player honours, respectively, as part of the Bandits’ team award proceedings, and now will look to assert themselves in the offseason. Nick Ward has taken his talents to Lithuania where he is playing for BC Gargzdai. 


Athletic big man Kur Jongkuch has joined Horsens in Denmark where he will continue to develop in his second professional season after graduating from Temple University in 2023.


2023 Areas of Success
In the 2023 season, the Bandits made a statement with their prowess in rebounding. Giorgi Bezhanishvili averaged 6.6 defensive rebounds per game and played a pivotal role in securing possessions for the team. The Bandits as a whole led the league with an impressive average of 42.7 total rebounds per game.


2024 Areas of Improvement
The Bandits need to bolster the club’s shot-blocking capabilities. Last season's average of 2.2 blocks per game was the lowest in the league, making it challenging to protect the paint. While Nick Ward led the team in blocks with 0.9 per game, there's room for improvement to enhance the team's rim protection.


Turnovers and fouls were also significant concerns in 2023. Averaging 16.2 turnovers and 19.2 fouls per game disrupted offensive flow and defensive stability. Reducing turnovers and fouls is essential to creating more efficient possessions and reducing the opposition's free throw opportunities.


2024 Outlook
The Bandits understand the need for a more consistent and athletic primary point guard for the upcoming season. A player who can contribute 12-16 points per game, prioritize ball security, and lead the team for an entire season of play is expected to be at the top of the agenda for Bandits head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius. While they can choose from both domestic and American or international free agent options, the primary point guard should be a reliable leader on and off the court.


In addition to the primary point guard, the Bandits can benefit from a secondary point guard to provide 15-20 minutes per game in support of the primary floor general. Someone who has a 35 per cent or greater three-point average and can exhibit smart decision-making to contribute quality minutes and get the Bandits’ secondary unit involved could be the missing piece needed. 


Improving offense and defense is crucial for the team's success in 2024. On the offensive front, the Bandits will aim to enhance shooting accuracy. With 71.4 field goal attempts per game, the team made an average of 30.4 of those shots. This indicates the importance of enhancing their accuracy to boost overall offensive efficiency and scoring output. They will also aim to continue promoting ball movement as the Bandits (18.8 assists per game) were just 0.8 shy from the league leader Ottawa Blackjacks dedicated effort in improving their teamwork, Vancouver can become a more competitive force in the league. Improving their free throw shooting is imperative. The Bandits attempted 22.1 free throws per game but made only 14.5 on average, resulting in a free throw percentage of 65.6 per cent, which was the lowest in the league. 


Defensively, they're working on reducing points allowed. In 2023, the Bandits committed an average of 16.2 turnovers per game, the most in the CEBL. By reducing turnovers, the team can improve ball possession and limit the opponent's scoring opportunities, while also creating turnovers through steals and blocks.


The 2023-24 CEBL offseason is a key opportunity for Julius to retool the Bandits, who are looking to make improvements on both the offensive and defensive side of the basketball. Anticipate a few returning players but also a new wave of athletic and polished talent that Julius will look to recruit from some of the top league’s around the globe. Consistent contributions from role players and elevated production from the team’s stars will inspire a fanbase that delivered multiple sell-out crowds in 2023 and is hungry for an improved contender in 2024.

LATEST NEWS

Bandits Fall To Montreal on Final Road Game of Regular Season

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.”

Bandits Pick Up Win Over Saskatoon, Secure Playoff Home Court Advantage

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.

Former NBA Draft Pick Stephen Zimmerman Signs With Vancouver Bandits

By Bandits Staff • July 24, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Friday that the club has signed former NBA draft selection and decorated overseas champion Stephen Zimmerman for the remainder of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A 7-foot centre hailing from Las Vegas, Nev., Zimmerman was selected 41st overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Draft and appeared in 19 games as a rookie. With the signing, Zimmerman becomes the first-ever NBA draft selection to sign with the Bandits. “Zimmerman brings additional size to our team and experience from the highest levels of the game around the world,” said Bandits general manager Kyle Julius. “His signing is part of our strategic plan to ensure we have a strong roster to compete in the CEBL playoffs.” A veteran of 10 professional seasons, Zimmerman most recently played for Gigantes de San Francisco in the Dominican Republic during the 2025-26 season where he helped lead the club to a Dominican LNB championship. He also earned championships in the Czech Republic, guiding ERA Nymburk to both a Czech Cup and Czech NBL title in 2021. His journeyman career overseas includes previous stops in Germany, Poland, Australia, Japan, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Malaysia and China. In addition, Zimmerman played parts of four NBA G League seasons with the Orlando Magic’s affiliate (Erie Bayhawks, now Osceola Magic) in 2016-17, the Los Angeles Lakers’ affiliate (South Bay Lakers) in 2017-18, the New York Knicks’ affiliate (Westchester Knicks) in 2018-19, and San Antonio Spurs’ affiliate (Austin Spurs) in 2022-23. Internationally, Zimmerman represents the United States. He competed for his country at the senior level at the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup and 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, and won a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2014. Before playing professionally, Zimmerman played one season of NCAA DI basketball for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). As a freshman, he started 24 of 26 games played and averaged 26.2 minutes, 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocked shots per game while shooting .477 per cent from the field.

Bandits Regain Top Spot in West after road win in Winnipeg

By Rois Chand • July 24, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB - July 23, 2026 - The Vancouver Bandits are back in the win column after a second half comeback against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Thursday night. The Bandits defeated the Sea Bears 92-77 to take them atop of the Western Conference, now tied with the Sea Bears at 13-8. “For the past two years, we’ve been in first place and we’ve been hunted. We’re the hunters this time around,” said Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong. Vancouver trailed for most of the game, and by as many as 14 points, before exploding in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Bandits shot just one-for-seven from three point range in the first half. “We’ll make mistakes but keep the game close and see if we can steal it, which is what we did.” Vancouver’s defence stepped up in the second half, holding Winnipeg’s best stars to a rough shooting night. Isiah Osborne, who averages 12.9 points, was held to four points on two-for-eight field goal shooting, while Emmanuel Akot made just one field goal for four points. CEBL scoring leader Teddy Allen scored 26 points, but he took 22 shots to do it and committed four turnovers. Jarkel Joiner’s 24 points once again led the Bandits. He also recorded three assists and two steals. “He’s quick and he’s strong,” said Sea Bears head coach Mike Raimbault about Jarkel Joiner. Joiner said there’s a “fight” within the team, especially with a close schedule remaining. “We know we’re fighting for homecourt advantage,” he said Bremprong praised the Bandits for sticking together in an unorthodox season. “This team is extremely resilient,” said Brempong about the Bandits’ second comeback win in three games. “The year has already thrown punches. We got thrown into the fire, but the fire is also a place where iron gets sharpened.” The paint was dominated by the Bandits as they scored 62 of their 92 points in the paint, including countless ferocious dunks from Tyrese Samuel and James Karnik. Rookie big man Dominic Parolin also poured in seven points, eight rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes of action. “We got those guys because they’re big boys and they’re Canadian,” said Brempong. Tied at 70 heading into the fourth, Tevin Brown was the answer Vancouver needed, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the final frame. Brown’s play catapulted a 22-7 scoring run in the fourth quarter to clinch the win. A putback layup by Karnik was the game winner. He finished with a season-high 17 points and season-high 12 rebounds. “To slay a Sea Bear isn't easy,” said Brempong. The Bandits will return home for a quick one game home stand on Saturday against the Saskatoon Mamba at 6 p.m. Tickets can be found at thebandits.ca . “Every game is a new challenge.”

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Full Game Highlights | Bandits at Saskatoon, 05/14/2026

By Bandits Staff • May 15, 2026
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By Bandits Staff • August 18, 2025
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Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Calgary Surge (08/16/2025)

By Bandits Staff • August 16, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.

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By Bandits Staff • August 4, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.