The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed Portland Trail Blazers and Rip City Remix experienced guard Taze Moore for the club’s upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season at Langley Events Centre (LEC). Taze Moore appeared in four games for the Trail Blazers this past 2023-24 NBA season, most recently suiting up in Portland’s regular season finale against the Sacramento Kings where he scored an NBA career-high 12 points, eight rebounds (four offensive) and four assists in 30 minutes of action. Prior to being called up to the NBA, Moore played 22 games for Portland’s G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, where he averaged 15.6 points, 7.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game on 49.8 per cent shooting from field goal range over 22 games played. “I am excited to be part of the Vancouver Bandits family and to work relentlessly toward winning a CEBL championship,” Moore said. A native of Southaven, Miss., Moore becomes the second member of the Bandits to play in the NBA, joining MJ Walker who played for Vancouver last summer and suited up for the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22. When Vancouver tips off its highly anticipated home opener against Montréal on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. PT, Moore will cement himself as the latest addition to a growing list of players–19 in total once Moore takes the hardwood at LEC–that have played in at least one CEBL and NBA game. Tickets for the home opener and all regular season games are on sale now at this link . Moore turned pro in 2022 after playing five seasons of NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Houston (2021-22) and California State University, Bakersfield (2016-21). He averaged 10.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 30.1 minutes per game for a Houston Cougars squad that advanced to the Elite Eight at the 2022 March Madness tournament. To cap off his impressive collegiate career, Moore showcased his high-flying skillset by winning the 2022 NCAA slam dunk contest . In addition to his athleticism, Moore is a two-way player that impacts the game on both sides of the basketball. He was named to the All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament team in 2022 and ranked in the conference’s top 10 leaders in the categories of assists, minutes played, defensive and offensive rating, offensive rebounds, steals, two-point field goal percentage and win shares. “We are all incredibly excited to work with Taze and for the Bandits to be a part of his development. He is one of the best athletes I have ever seen and his overall skillset and feel for the game is even better. We think he is the perfect addition to our already strong roster because he will also have the opportunity to be a leader and push us towards competitive greatness,” said Bandits’ head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. Prior to Portland, Moore also spent time as a member of the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks’ NBA Summer League rosters in 2022 and 2023, respectively. 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 . 

LANGLEY, B.C. , April 12, 2024 – The Vancouver Bandits announced Friday that the club has re-signed 2024 U SPORTS most valuable player Diego Maffia for the club’s upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season at Langley Events Centre (LEC). Maffia appeared in 14 contests (four starts) with the Bandits last summer and averaged 7.1 points, 2.4 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 15.2 minutes per game in his first season of professional basketball. In his first pro career start on June 3, 2023, Maffia recorded a double-double and the game-winning basket as part of a 15-point, 11-assist performance against the Calgary Surge. This will be the Bandits’ sixth season and Maffia’s second with the club. A native of Victoria, B.C., and an alumnus of Oak Bay Secondary, Maffia returns to Vancouver on a ‘developmental contract,’ which allows the 22-year-old guard to retain his eligibility for a fifth year at the University of Victoria, where he has starred for the Vikes since 2019. Prior to the 2023-24 U SPORTS season, Maffia spent last summer with the Bandits after being drafted sixth overall in the first round of the 2023 CEBL Draft. “After a great experience last summer, I knew that I wanted to run it back. We have some unfinished business to take care of and I can’t wait to do it in front of the best fanbase in the country!” Maffia said. Maffia has enjoyed a decorated U SPORTS career to date. He has been named a first team all-Canadian and Canada West player of the year twice in consecutive years (2022-23 and 23-24), and has led the Vikes to three straight Canada West championships and U SPORTS Final 8 appearances. Over the course of four seasons at Victoria, Maffia is averaging 28.3 minutes, 20.1 points, 3.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 3.4 three-pointers made per game on 34.8 per cent shooting from long range across 75 games played (56 starts). “I felt it was important to sign and announce Diego as a standard player. He will have a development contract to maintain his eligibility but I view him as a high level pro who has earned a proper roster spot with us. Diego has proven he belongs in this league and we are excited about working with him again this summer,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. Tickets for the Vancouver Bandits’ highly anticipated home opener on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. against the Montréal Alliance 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 .

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 .

The Vancouver Bandits unveiled Thursday a new logo and jersey designed in collaboration with artist Sandeep Johal to celebrate South Asian culture and to be worn this upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The jersey will be debuted in conjunction with the Bandits’ first-ever ‘South Asian Heritage’ theme game, taking place on Saturday, June 1 when Vancouver takes on the Calgary Surge in a rematch of last year’s tightly contested western conference finals matchup. The highly anticipated June 1st game will include various pre-game and in-game entertainment and production activations designed to showcase the beauty and culture of South Asia. Tickets for the game are on sale now at this link . Adult and youth sizes of the jersey are now available for sale as well. Adding to the various exciting facets of the game day is the debut of the new jersey, which features a custom logo designed by Johal to honour South Asian artistic traditions and design techniques. “It’s a celebration of being South Asian. It’s a celebration of our culture. It’s very vibrant. It’s very joyful. It’s very colorful and I bring that into my work a lot. I leaned into Phulkari, which is folk embroidery from Punjab,” Johal said. “When you see your culture being represented at such a grand scale, it makes you feel like you have the ability to be a part of that and that maybe this space is for you. I'm loving this shift, where we're seeing organizations open up those spaces for all of us.” The Bandits’ sixth CEBL campaign marks the first time that the club will host a theme game focused on bringing fans closer to the history, style and artistry of South Asia, which has grown to be an important part of British Columbia’s cultural fabric. As of 2021, 9.6 per cent of the province’s population is South Asian, according to Statistics Canada. Johal’s rendition of the Bandits’ logo champions a pink colour for the eye mask to evoke a sense of energy and passion. Central to her style is the use of the eye, which has been lengthened and defined to create a focal point. Further enhancing the reimagined logo is the incorporation of a paisley illustration, which takes its inspiration from a common pattern often seen in sari borders or different textiles. The use of paisley, or “ambi” in Punjabi, pays tribute to a popular motif in South Asian design. “Over the past few seasons we have had it in our plans to unveil a Vancouver Bandits South Asian Heritage Game. Through the support and encouragement from our fans, we are excited to unveil this inaugural event, which is bolstered by a special jersey designed by Sandeep Johal that represents the cultural diversity of the South Asian community in British Columbia,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. 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. 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 .

The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that Fraser Valley-based home improvement and hardware solutions company, RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies, has renewed its dedication to supporting Canadian professional basketball by extending its community and marketing partnership with the Bandits for the 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies has been aligned with Bandits Basketball since 2023 when its inaugural year of partnership was announced following the club’s ownership acquisition by Bandits Sports & Entertainment . The focus of Fraser Valley Building Supplies’ partnership with British Columbia’s professional basketball team is to contribute to the game day experience at Vancouver’s home venue of Langley Events Centre (LEC) and to support basketball communities throughout the Lower Mainland through the Court Projects program and the Community Champion Initiative where Fraser Valley Building Supplies supports hundreds of youth from the region through the sponsored provision of tickets to the game. Dave Deobald, Sales Manager at RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies, expressed, "Our ongoing partnership with the Vancouver Bandits reflects our deep commitment to supporting Canadian basketball and fostering community engagement. We are proud to renew our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits, reinforcing our commitment to fostering community development through the power of sports. We're looking forward to continue our support for initiatives like the Court Projects Program, which aligns with our core value of Community Connection." RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies is a leading home improvement and hardware solutions provider with locations across British Columbia. With a dedication to Helping Communities Prosper, RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies strive to support local initiatives and organizations that make a positive impact. “The Vancouver Bandits are grateful to build on our community-driven partnership with RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies for the 2024 CEBL season. Fraser Valley Building Supplies displayed their commitment in 2023 to growing the game of basketball at the grassroots level through their support of Court Projects and the Community Champion Initiative. RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies’ support of Court Projects has improved more than 25 outdoor courts in the Lower Mainland and has been integral in the development of four outdoor basketball courts in four Indigenous communities in British Columbia,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “RONA Fraser Valley Building Supplies has renewed their commitment of both Court Projects and the Community Champion Initiative for the 2024 season so that more kids can play and be introduced to the game of basketball.” Season tickets and flex packs for the sixth season of Bandits Basketball are available for purchase at this link . A complete CEBL regular season schedule is expected to be announced this winter. Individuals interested in learning more about tickets for the Vancouver Bandits’ upcoming 2024 season are kindly asked to call (604) 455-8881 or email tickets@thebandits.ca . More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok , as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter .