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

Vancouver Bandits and Sentinel Storage Extend Partnership Into 8th Season

By Bandits Staff • April 30, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits announced today a two-year partnership extension with Sentinel Storage that expands on the companies’ long-standing relationship and reinforces a shared commitment to youth, sport, and community in British Columbia. This renewed partnership builds on a foundation that dates back to 2020 with the Bandits Athletic Centre in Abbotsford, where Sentinel Storage played a key role in supporting multiple sport organizations at the grassroots level during the pandemic. Sentinel Storage and the Bandits are deepening their impact through two major initiatives: co-presenting the Bandits' annual School Day Game, and serving as the founding and presenting partner of the First Buckets program by the Bandits Community Foundation. The School Day Game, set to be held at Langley Events Centre during the Bandits’ 2025 season on May 8th, is a high-energy morning basketball game that invites thousands of elementary and middle school students for an unforgettable field trip experience. The event is designed to inspire youth through sport, while providing educators and students with a unique opportunity to engage with professional basketball in a fun and educational setting. "At Sentinel Storage, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting youth development through sport,” said Jenn Johnson, Director of Operations, Western Canada, Sentinel Storage. “We’re excited to be expanding our partnership with the Bandits to help make basketball more accessible to youth across British Columbia, while also fostering important life skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership. We’re proud to be a part of this journey and look forward to seeing how we can continue to make a difference in the lives of young athletes in B.C.” Sentinel Storage has also committed to leading the launch of First Buckets, a flagship initiative of the Bandits Community Foundation. This program delivers basketball starter kits to schools across British Columbia, helping introduce the game to new communities. Each kit includes basketballs, jerseys, and coaching materials, along with life skills curriculum and the potential for a visit from Berry the Bandit, the team’s beloved mascot. The program makes the sport accessible while championing important lessons in teamwork, resilience, and leadership. “We’re grateful to be partnered with a community-minded organization like Sentinel Storage who also took a chance on us in 2020 when we launched the Bandits Athletic Centre. Since day one with Sentinel Storage it has been evident that they passionately care about the power sport has on supporting youth in British Columbia,” said Dylan Kular, President of the Vancouver Bandits. “Together, through the Bandits Community Foundation, we are going to provide more basketball for more people across British Columbia with the First Buckets program and impact youth across all four corners of the province.”  The partnership between Sentinel Storage and the Vancouver Bandits is a testament to the impact that strong community-focused collaborations can have. With shared values at the core, this partnership is poised to make a lasting difference—on the court and beyond.

Vancouver Bandits Sign Grant Shephard for 2025 CEBL Season

By Bandits Staff • April 30, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that the club has signed 6-foot-10 forward Grant Shephard for its upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season at Langley Events Centre (LEC). Hailing from Kelowna, B.C., Shephard recently played for Swedish club Jämtland Basket in the Basketligan, the country’s highest division of men’s pro basketball. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 13.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 28.5 minutes in 32 games played while shooting 62 per cent from the field. Prior to Sweden, Shephard also played in Estonia (BC Kalev-Cramo, 2023-24) and Spain (Esguiera Basket, 2023-24). Shephard established himself as a dominant big man during his U SPORTS career, playing at the University of British Columbia (2017-20) before transferring to Carleton (2021-23). He captured a national championship with the Ravens in 2022-23 while also being named a U SPORTS Final 8 tournament all-star and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) second team all-star. “Grant has had two great seasons playing overseas since he was last with us. He is one of BC's best big men and I am really looking forward to getting back to work with him,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. This will be Shephard’s third stint with the Bandits and fourth overall in the CEBL. He made his league debut in 2019 with the Bandits as a Development Athlete, including playing in the club’s inaugural game on May 9, 2019, and made subsequent appearances with the Niagara River Lions in 2021 and with the Bandits a second time in 2023. Across three CEBL seasons, Shephard has appeared in a combined 22 games and averaged 8.1 minutes, 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. “I am grateful to be back with the Bandits this season and ready to grind. I can already tell that this summer will be special,” said Shephard. Prior to finishing his high school career at the prestigious Montverde Academy in Florida, Shephard attended Kelowna Secondary. Shephard helped guide the Owls to a B.C. AAAA provincial championship in 2016 while he took home MVP honours as a junior. On the international stage, Shephard has represented Canada at both the junior and senior levels. Most notably, he captured the FIBA U19 World Cup in 2017, alongside current Toronto Raptor RJ Barrett, and earned a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Vancouver Bandits, Bandits Community Foundation and Headlands Environmental Extend Partnership Through 2028 CEBL Season

By Bandits Staff • April 25, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits announced today that Headlands Environmental has signed a three-year extension as an official partner of the club through the 2028 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The renewed partnership continues Headlands Environmental’s commitment to youth development, community building, and Indigenous reconciliation through basketball and environmental stewardship. A cornerstone of the collaboration is the Indigenous Basketball Collective (IBC) , a long-term initiative powered by the Bandits Community Foundation and supported by Headlands since its inception. “Headlands Environmental has been a driving force behind the vision and growth of the Indigenous Basketball Collective,” said Dylan Kular, team president of the Vancouver Bandits. “This renewed partnership is a reflection of shared values — using sport as a tool for access, empowerment, and opportunity in Indigenous communities.” Since 2022, the partnership has helped fund basketball camps for Indigenous youth, officials and coaches, many of whom are attending their first ever organized training sessions led by professional athletes and coaches. In addition, Headlands has played a key role in supporting Court Projects — a program focused on building and revitalizing outdoor basketball courts including in Indigenous communities across British Columbia to create more accessible, safe, and vibrant places to play. Bandits and Headlands worked specifically on the development of an outdoor basketball court in Shxwhá:y Village (near Chilliwack) . "Headlands Environmental is proud to be a founding partner of the Indigenous Basketball Collective (IBC). As avid basketball fans we believe in the power of sport, and giving back to the communities in which we work,” said Mike Hofer, principal and owner of Headlands Environmental. “We’re very excited to be working with the Vancouver Bandits and with our Indigenous partners to be a part of this exciting initiative and to build on this with future opportunities for youth and community development". In addition to supporting Court Projects and Indigenous Basketball Collective, Headlands has played a key role in supporting youth from Mission in basketball participation through the Community Champion program. The Community Champion program with Headlands specifically supports Mission groups such as schools, not-for-profits and charitable organizations. With the 2025 season approaching, the Bandits and Headlands Environmental are excited to expand the reach of the Indigenous Basketball Collective to more communities and continue making sport a sustainable pathway for connection, confidence, and cultural pride. 

Vancouver Bandits Re-Sign Guard Glen Yang

By Bandits Staff • April 24, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has re-signed 6-foot-4 Canadian guard and Hong Kong national team member Glen Yang for its 2025 season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Born in Burnaby, B.C. and splitting time between Hong Kong and Calgary, Alta. in his youth, Yang played five seasons of U SPORTS basketball starring at Mount Royal University from 2014-2019. “I’m extremely excited to re-join the Bandits and go after a championship after so much success as a team last season,” said Yang. “The fans, support and resources that both the city and team provide are unmatched. In terms of basketball clubs, the Bandits are as professional as it gets.“ The 2025 season will be Yang’s third in the CEBL. Making his league debut in 2023, he started in all 20 games with the Winnipeg Sea Bears during their inaugural season before signing with the Bandits last year where he appeared in 19 regular season games. “Glen is a tremendous Canadian player in our league. He is the consummate professional and makes everyone around him better,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “I’m really excited about getting back to work with Glen this summer.” Yang is currently in his fifth season of professional basketball, playing the 2024-25 season with Hong Kong-based club, Eastern, who competed in the East Asia Super League and Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup competitions. During his time in the PBA, he shot a career high 45 per cent from the three-point line while helping his squad reach the Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals. At the international level, Yang represents Hong Kong. He received his first call up to the national squad during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers this past February, suiting up in games against New Zealand and Chinese Taipei. Tickets for the 2025 season, including Season Tickets, Jam Packs and Single Game Tickets, are currently on sale for the Bandits’ seventh CEBL season and are available for purchase at this link . The Bandits tip-off the 2025 CEBL campaign on Thursday, May 15 when the club hits the road to take on the Saskatchewan Rattlers. Fans will have their first chance to watch the club at home on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. PT when Vancouver hosts the Niagara River Lions in a rematch of the 2024 CEBL Final. Vancouver will play a total of 12 regular season home games in 2025 between Thursday, May 22 and Sunday, August 3. The Bandits wrap up regular season action on the road in Ottawa on Sunday, August 10 at 12 p.m. PT. All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on TSN+, as well as the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+ , and on CEBL Mobile, the official app of the CEBL (available on Android and iOS devices). Individuals interested in learning more about tickets for the Vancouver Bandits’ upcoming 2025 season are kindly asked to call (604) 455-8881 or email tickets@thebandits.ca . A complete regular season schedule can be found by clicking here . More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter .

LATEST VIDEO

Bandits and City of Pitt Meadows Unveil Constable Rick O'Brien Court

By Bandits Staff • February 24, 2025
As part of the Court Projects initiative, the Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation partnered with the City of Pitt Meadows to refurbish and unveil the Constable Rick O’Brien Court. The court is named in honour of fallen RCMP officer Constable Rick O’Brien, who served in the Ridge Meadows community. The court is located at the Pitt Meadows Family Rec Centre, which he frequented during his seven years of service. Thanks to the City of Pitt Meadows, Joint Forces Foundation Standard Insulation Inc and Sherwin-Williams for their support making this project a reality. Learn more at https://www.banditsfoundation.ca/court-projects

Vancouver Bandits take over high school basketball courts

By Bandits Staff • February 18, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits have been busy this offseason visiting local high schools and lending his expertise to players and coaches. Head coach and general manager Kyle Julius and team president Dylan Kular speak with Global BC's Jay Janower. The Bandits Community Foundation School Tour is presented by Preston Chevrolet and University Canada West. Learn more at https://www.banditsfoundation.ca/secondary-buckets

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Niagara (08/11/2024)

By Bandits Staff • August 11, 2024
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Niagara River Lions on August 11, 2024.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Calgary (08/09/2024)

By Bandits Staff • August 9, 2024
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 9, 2024