The Ripple Effect of the Edmonton Stingers

1. “Basketball is already exploding in Edmonton. Having a professional team that athletes can strive for only creates a greater pull for younger athletes. Being able to see the highest level of basketball within our country in our own backyard will be a great opportunity”.

2. “Edmonton has produced a lot of professional basketball players but they have all had to leave to pursue their dreams. Having a platform to showcase our local talent is a major benefit to the community and our USport programs. I expect to see a lot of Edmonton and Alberta talent on display. A particular athlete from MacEwan would be Denzel James. Denzel is MacEwan’s all-time leading scorer and last season played in the NBL (Kitchener-Waterloo). Denzel has been a role model in the community and created himself into an outstanding basketball player. I am excited that he would have the opportunity to come home and show everyone how he has grown as a player and to have a chance to impact his community”.

1) “It can do nothing but help. There is a basketball culture here that is trying to develop”.

2) “I am not sure there is a ton of ACAC talent from Canada that would be pro ready. It is great to give them an opportunity, however”.

Reagan Wood, Concordia University, ACAC

1. “Impact on minor basketball - I think this all depends on the outreach of the team into the minor basketball community. If the team is able to take time to meet with, work with and invest in opportunities with minor basketball then they can have a positive impact”.

2. “Effect on ACAC players - many of my players are intrigued by the opportunity to continue to play beyond University. If the CEBL can provide that and players are able to stay local and have that opportunity that would be great. If the league is sustainable and able to show that it is here to stay it will also be something we can sell players on in the recruiting process if we see ACAC players making it”.

Mike Connolly, NAIT, ACAC

1. “I think the CEBL will help grow and develop the quality of player in our minor basketball community in Edmonton. I think it will help develop coaches and players to understand what it takes to compete at the next level. Basketball is pretty strong in Edmonton and it has a storied past. But I think the CEBL will take basketball to a higher level and just add to the cities passion and commitment to basketball. The CEBL in Edmonton offer great development,  and will allow players to train and develop at a high level so if given an opportunity to play in the CEBL they will be ready. Hopefully the CEBL will be a realistic / obtainable professional goal for young basketball players in our minor basketball system in Edmonton”.

2. “I think it will give some of our guys an opportunity to train at a high level and improve their skills. Then when they graduate they will have the ability to play in a professional league in their hometown of Edmonton. Canadian and Edmonton content will increase the opportunity for our local good players to play in a league and develop and hopefully open more doors at the higher levels. I think it will be great for the ACAC to have representation in the CEBL. The ACAC has a great basketball conference, one of, if not the top conference in basketball in the CCAA. With ACAC players having opportunities to play in the CEBL, I think, in the long run, it will be good for our conference and good for improving the overall talent in our league”.

Final Thoughts