Vancouver Bandits Select Trio of Local Talent at 2024 CEBL Draft

Bandits Staff • April 11, 2024

The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has drafted three homegrown players–all hailing from the Lower Mainland–in Adam Olsen from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Jerric Palma from Western University and Connor Platz from Trinity Western University (TWU) at the sixth annual Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Draft.


Olsen was chosen by the Bandits fourth overall in the first round, followed by Palma who was taken in the second round, 17th overall, and Platz, who was selected in the third and final round, 24th overall.


“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with all three of our draft picks this summer. The goal for our organization is to grow the game from the grassroots level and up. We want to help produce more professional players from B.C. and drafting talented local players is fundamental in the process,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius.


A 6-foot-7 swingman from Surrey, B.C., Olsen recently completed his freshman season with the Thunderbirds where he appeared in 20 contests (three starts) and averaged 17.8 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 three-pointers made per game.


Olsen was named to the Canada West all-rookie team following his impressive debut as a university freshman this past season. His best scoring performance of the 2023-24 campaign arrived on Jan. 13 when the skilled shooter nailed five three-pointers and racked up 24 points in 24 minutes of action against the Manitoba Bisons.


“I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Bandits family this summer. It is a great chance to grow my game and learn from a strong group of professionals who are committed to winning and building something special together,” Olsen said. 


Prior to UBC, Olsen starred at Elgin Park Secondary where he led the Orcas to a second place finish at the Triple A provincial championship in 2022. No stranger to playing on big stages, Olsen also suited up as a starter for British Columbia’s under-18 provincial team that earned a silver medal at the Canada Games in the summer of 2022.


“We are thrilled for Adam to be drafted by the Vancouver Bandits. It is an amazing opportunity for Adam and we appreciate the Bandits identifying him as someone that they want involved in their team and their organization. Adam is an elite three-point shooter that has deep range and can really stretch the defense,” said UBC Thunderbirds head coach Kevin Hanson.


“It is great to see the Bandits drafting local university talent and giving them the opportunity to play in the CEBL. Having the opportunity to play against professionals all summer bodes well for Adam’s development heading into the 2025 U SPORTS National Championships that UBC is hosting in March.”


The Bandits tabbed Palma in the second round. A 6-foot-1 guard from Richmond, B.C., he recently wrapped up his fourth year with the Western University Mustangs in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference, where he has enjoyed a tremendous U SPORTS career since debuting at the post-secondary level in 2019 after starring at St. George’s School in Vancouver. 


Palma is averaging 24.2 minutes, 13 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game on 41.2 per cent shooting from three-point range over the course of 77 games played (55 starts) for Western. 


“It is an honour to be selected by the Bandits as part of this year’s CEBL draft class. Playing professionally for my hometown team has always been a dream of mine. I am grateful to be joining an organization that focuses on player development and to be a part of a team with a progressive mindset. I am looking forward to this incredible opportunity to continue doing what I love,” Palma said. 


The Mustangs were a national contender in 2020 during Palma’s freshman season, earning a trip to the U SPORTS semifinals after finishing second in the OUA – a feat the Mustangs repeated this past winter only to fall to Brock University in the conference semis. 


“Jerric is an absolute pleasure to coach and is someone who works on his game relentlessly. Jerric is one of the best three-point shooters in Canada and has unlimited range. We are extremely excited for Jerric and support him every step of the way,” said Western head coach Brad Campbell.


Rounding out the Bandits’ 2024 draft class is towering centre and Walnut Grove product Connor Platz, who at 6-foot-11 has emerged as one of the elite shot blockers in all of Canada, leading not only Canada West in blocked shots last season, but all of U SPORTS.


Platz nearly averaged a double-double in 2023-24, posting imposing averages of 34.4 minutes, 12.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.9 assists per game. The skilled big man also hit 24 three-pointers in his third year with the Spartans, demonstrating an added dimension to his game by being able to stretch the floor with his long-range shooting.


“Being drafted by my hometown team is a special moment in my career. I am looking forward to working as hard as possible this summer to elevate my game and to learn from my teammates as well as the Bandits’ coaching staff,” Platz said.


No stranger to writing his name in the history books, Platz nearly recorded the first-ever quadruple-double in Canada West history on Feb. 7, 2024 when he racked up 13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and seven blocks. A month prior, Platz scored a career-high 26 points against the eventual Canada West champions, Victoria Vikes.


“We are thrilled for Connor to be drafted into the CEBL and to be part of a first-class organization and coaching staff in the Bandits. We have seen firsthand with Mason Bourcier the impact it can have on a player's game coming back in the fall for the U SPORTS season after a summer in the CEBL. I am very proud of Connor to achieve this honour to play in the CEBL and I know he will do great and make us proud,” said TWU head coach Trevor Pridie.


The Vancouver Bandits open the club’s sixth season when the club tips off on May 23rd at 7 p.m. for its highly anticipated home opener against the Montréal Alliance. Tickets for the highly anticipated opening night match-up are on sale now at this link.


Vancouver will play a total of 10 regular season home games in 2024 between Thursday, May 23 and Thursday, July 18. The Bandits wrap up regular season action on the road against Montréal on Sunday, July 28 at 1 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 ticket flexibility or purchasing a bundle of tickets are invited to consider a flex pack or season tickets. More information can be found at thebandits.ca/tickets or by speaking with a  Bandits representative by calling (604) 455-8881 or emailing 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.

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

By Bandits Staff • 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.”

Bandits Fall Short in Road Trip Opener Against Calgary

By Rois Chand • July 22, 2026
Tyrese Samuel’s ninth double-double of the season wasn't enough as the Vancouver Bandits fell 93-86 to the Calgary Surge on Tuesday night. Samuel poured in 20 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bandits’ shooting woes were the story of the game. “I expect it out of him, but expectations doesn't mean it will be easy. You still have to go out and do it,” said Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong about Samuel’s performance. The Bandits shot just 10-32 from beyond the arc while the Surge cashed in 14 of their 26 three point opportunities. Vancouver entered action with the second-best three point percentage in the league at 37.3%. Brempong mentioned tonight’s officiating, noting his team didn't have “control” over the game. “It’s frustrating when it’s not all in (the player’s) hands. There were some calls that were questionable,” said Brempong. The Bandits led by seven in the fourth quarter but watched their lead dwindle as the Surge went on a 21-7 run in the final seven minutes of the game. Vancouver led the game in bench points (34-25) and points in the paint (44-36), led by Jarkel Joiner’s 19 points. His 19.0 points per game this season lead the Bandits. Armani Chaney led the way for Calgary with 16 points and nine assists. Former Bandit Marlon Johnson Jr. put the final touches on the game when his three pointer was the game winner. Next, the Bandits will travel to Winnipeg for the second and final game of the road trip on Thursday. Brempong said his team is focused on finishing the season strong as they eye homecourt advantage in the playoffs. “We still control our destiny,” said Brempong. The Bandits (12-8) and the Sea Bears (13-7) are currently separated by one game for first place in the Western Conference. “We’re on a hunting expedition and we’ve got to find and hunt down the Sea Bears.”

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