WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Sea Bears are bringing in one of basketball’s most innovative minds for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, announcing Monday that Dr. Nick Elam, creator of the Elam Ending (known as Target Score Time in the CEBL), will join the club as its Target Score Time strategist. Elam will work alongside Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor and the Sea Bears coaching staff to analyze trends and inform late-game strategy. Known for revolutionizing how basketball games end, Elam’s expertise is expected to provide a significant competitive advantage under the CEBL’s unique format. “Coach Taylor reached out to me during the off-season about the possibility of teaming up with the Sea Bears to refine late-game strategy,” said Elam. “As the originator of the Elam Ending format used in CEBL and many other leagues and events, it was a call I knew would come eventually, I just wasn’t sure who would be the first team to reach out. I’m grateful to Coach Taylor for bringing me on board.” Taylor first encountered Elam’s work in 2018 while coaching Team Fredette at The Basketball Tournament (TBT), which uses the Elam Ending. The team reached the tournament’s final four in Baltimore. “It was my first experience with the Elam Ending and I loved it,” said Taylor. “I was intrigued by the strategy, and over the past few years in the CEBL, we’ve stayed in touch. Nick would always make time to answer my questions and talk about target score time. We’re really happy to have him officially join us.” Elam, who has spent thousands of hours researching the late-game format since first devising it in 2007, says his work with the Sea Bears will go beyond what’s been done before. “To this point, that research has been used to make late-game play more authentic and exciting,” said Elam. “There has been an untapped element of that research that can be used to help a team win. I’m glad the Sea Bears are the first team to seek the benefits of that research directly from the source.” Although Elam will work primarily remotely, he is expected to join the team in person during the season. “I am absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to make at least one trip to Winnipeg this season to meet the team in person, experience a Sea Bears game live, and explore the city,” he said. “Dining and sightseeing recommendations are welcome.” Elam’s role will include evaluating every target score time across the CEBL, identifying strategic tendencies, and providing insights to help the Sea Bears make better decisions in late-game moments. “Ever since the Elam Ending was first implemented at TBT in 2017, I have closely monitored various late-game strategies and their effectiveness everywhere it’s been played, including the CEBL, NBA G League, NBA All-Star Game, NBA Summer League, and others,” said Elam. “I see sound strategies used, and I see unsound strategies used. While no strategy can guarantee success, I am excited to work with the Sea Bears to implement strategies that offer the best chance of winning.” For Taylor, adding Elam is about gaining every edge possible. “We’ve featured an excellent analytics programme the last two summers, and now we’re looking to the inventor himself to bring his expertise to our team,” he said. “Nick is creative and thinks outside the box. We aim to create an advantage in different areas of our organization, and I believe Nick will help us do that.” The Sea Bears open their 2025 campaign with a renewed focus on precision in late-game situations, aiming to turn one of the game’s most exciting formats into a season-long advantage.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears have finalized their 2025 roster with the signing of dynamic American guard Terry Roberts, the club announced today. Roberts, a 6-foot-3 playmaker, joins the Sea Bears after two strong professional seasons, showcasing his versatility while averaging 6.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31 games with the Long Island Nets. He made headlines this season with his first professional triple-double, 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, against the Westchester Knicks and posted three double-doubles, displaying an all-around skillset and leadership on the court. A product of the University of Georgia, Roberts led the Bulldogs in points per game at 13.7, 4.0 assists per game and 1.5 steals during the 2022–23 season which had him consistently ranking among the SEC's top performers. Prior to Georgia, he earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors at Bradley University and was named the 2021–22 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. “I'm beyond excited to join the Winnipeg Sea Bears and bring my game to a city that's passionate about basketball,” said Terry Roberts. “I'm a defensive minded, playmaking point guard who can score at all three levels, and I pride myself on making a positive impact on both ends of the floor. I can’t wait to compete, represent Winnipeg, and help bring a winning mentality to the team.” Roberts' road to professional basketball is a story of resilience and determination. After suffering an injury in 2024 due to a stray bullet incident that left him in critical condition and relying on a ventilator, Roberts was unsure whether he would play basketball again. Less than 12 months later, he made a full recovery and returned to action in the NBA G League, further demonstrating the grit and toughness that define his game. “Terry Roberts has a really inspirational story,” said Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor. “Working his way back from the shooting, getting healthy and posting a triple double in the G League this year is something special. Terry is an athletic floor general who makes his teammates better and competes on both ends. I'm very excited to see Terry write the next chapter of his comeback story with us in Winnipeg.” At the collegiate level, Roberts earned a reputation as a dynamic scorer and creator, notching numerous 20-point games and racking up accolades including Sun Bowl Invitational MVP and multiple MVC Player and Newcomer of the Week awards. With the signing of Roberts, the Sea Bears now have a fully assembled and balanced roster heading into an exciting 2025 season.
Winnipeg, MB — The Winnipeg Sea Bears are proud to announce their full coaching and basketball operations staff for the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, a mix of returning talent and new energy set to lead the team into 2025. Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor returns at the helm after guiding the Sea Bears to a memorable debut season and back-to-back years with playoff appearances. Taylor brings a wealth of international experience and continues to shape the culture of the team both on and off the court. Ryan Thomson, Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, enters his third season with the Sea Bears. A long-time leader of the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, Thomson worked alongside Taylor with the then-Fraser Valley Bandits before joining Winnipeg during its inaugural campaign. His basketball IQ and player development insight have been instrumental in the team’s early success. Returning to the bench is Mike Raimbault, who brings significant local experience after a decorated run with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. Raimbault led the Wesmen to back-to-back Canada West silver medals and U SPORTS Elite Eight appearances in 2023 and 2024. He led the Wesmen to a program best finish in Canada West this season at 16-4. A Brandon, MB native and former standout player at Brandon University, Raimbault previously won a CCAA national championship and CCAA Coach of the Year honours in 2010 with the University of Northern British Columbia. Former basketball intern Braeden Floyd has been promoted to Assistant Coach, Video Coordinator and Chief of Staff. Floyd spent recent seasons with the Winnipeg Wesmen coaching staff and has earned this step up through his dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions. “Braeden Floyd is a great story. He has earned more responsibility within our Sea Bears organization impressing us with his work ethic and character,” said Taylor. “Braeden is an excellent young coach who is gaining experience at different levels and building himself up in a great way. I enjoy working with him and will be counting on him a lot this summer as Chief of Staff and video coordinator.” Also joining the coaching roster is Tevonn Walker, who will serve as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development. Walker, a former pro player, brings a modern player-first perspective to development, accountability, and performance improvement. After playing guard at Valparaiso from 2014-2018, Walker returned as an addition to the coaching staff and later joined the Oklahoma Sooners. “I'm really excited to add Tevonn Walker to our staff,” said Taylor. “We won a championship together in Hamburg Germany where Tevonn was our starting 2 guard and he has started his coaching career in impressive fashion, leading player development with the Oklahoma Sooners. At OU, Tevonn was instrumental in developing NBA first round draft pick Jeremiah Fears. Tevonn will bring his energy and player development expertise to our team this summer in Winnipeg.” The Sea Bears are also excited to welcome Basketball Interns Huy Luu, Omid Torabi, and Jonam Kazadi to the team. Supporting the athletes throughout the season is a dedicated medical and performance staff, including Athletic Therapist Kelly Chambers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches Jeff Wood and Matt Ginter, Team Doctor Dr. Gail Sawa, and Team Chiropractor Mike Minnena. With a dynamic and experienced staff in place, the Winnipeg Sea Bears are set to build on the momentum of their first two seasons and make an impact in 2025.
WINNIPEG, MB — The Winnipeg Sea Bears are thrilled to announce the signing of Winnipeg-born center Kyler Filewich, who is set to begin his professional basketball career at home for the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A proud product of Vincent Massey High School, Filewich was ranked the No. 1 high school basketball player in Manitoba in both 2018 and 2019. He began his NCAA Division I career at Southern Illinois University, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference (MVA) all-freshman team honours in his debut season. Filewich later transferred to Wofford College, where he continued to develop into a dominant presence in the paint. “Winnipeg's own Kyler Filewich starting his pro career as a Sea Bear is a great story,” said Sea Bears General Manager and Head Coach Mike Taylor. “Fresh from leading Wofford to a Southern Conference championship and NCAA tournament run, Kyler brings physicality and skill to our front court.” Filewich started all 35 games for Wofford in the 2024–25 season, averaging 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game to lead the team. He was named SoCon Tournament MVP, helped lead Wofford to an NCAA tournament appearance, and earned spots on both the all-tournament first team and all-SoCon third team. A consistent force on both ends of the court, he also earned CSC academic all-district honours and was named SoCon player of the week on Jan. 13. Throughout his collegiate career, Filewich built a reputation as a reliable and versatile presence in the paint, racking up double-doubles, leading his team in rebounding multiple seasons, and shooting with strong efficiency. He finishes his NCAA career with experience in more than 150 games played, bringing toughness, maturity and a deep understanding of the game to the Sea Bears roster. “I’m truly blessed and honored to sign with the Sea Bears for this upcoming CEBL season. The opportunity to play at home, in front of my family, friends, and the incredible fans of our city means the world to me.” said Filewich. “I’m excited to get to work with this team and give everything I have for the best fanbase and a basketball community that continues to grow and inspire.” Filewich also brings a unique shooting style to Winnipeg. After facing some challenges at the free throw line with Wofford, NBA legend Rick Barry stepped in to help. Kyler and Rick spent hours together working on the underhand ‘granny style’ free throw shot that debuted on February 5, 2025. The free throw technique went viral on social media and Filewich began to see a significant improvement in free throw percentage. The Sea Bears open their home schedule on May 16 at Canada Life Centre, where fans will get their first look at Filewich and the 2025 squad.
Winnipeg – The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce that the upper bowl at Canada Life Centre will officially open for the 2025 home opener on May 16. The club is excited to welcome fans back for another season of exciting basketball in the city. The home opener will see fans packed into the stadium for the first time in 2025. “We are incredibly grateful to the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba for their overwhelming support as we prepare to kickoff our 2025 season,” said Jason Smith, the team’s President. “Opening the upper deck is a true testament to how this city has embraced the Sea Bears. The energy in the building last year was unmatched, and we can’t wait to build on that as we tip off an exciting new season. With the addition of Championship Weekend in August, this is going to be a special year, and we’re so proud to share it with our fans and our community.” The team has announced Juno award winning artist, Maestro Fresh Wes as the halftime entertainment. He is the first Black Canadian artist to have a single or album reach gold and platinum status in Canada as well as the first to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Fans in attendance can expect to receive a commemorative gift and be present for a ceremony to honour and celebrate the Sea Bears' late captain, Chad Posthumus.
Brendan Amoyaw is no stranger to hard work. As one of the newest members of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, the rising basketball star is embracing the challenge of professional play — while completing a health sciences degree and continuing his passion for community outreach. “It’s a dream come true to be back in Winnipeg,” said Amoyaw. “The city’s thriving for CEBL right now, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.” For Amoyaw, though, success is about more than just points on the scoreboard. While navigating his first pro season, Amoyaw is also completing a degree in health sciences at McMaster University — a path he hopes will one day lead to medical school. Drawn to the connection between science and athletic performance, he has contributed to research at both the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the McMaster Sports Medicine Research Group. Juggling a full academic course load with the demands of basketball is tough, but Amoyaw has developed a system that works. “Google Calendar is my best friend,” he said with a laugh. “I break my day into blocks — practice, studying, and maybe a community outreach event. I try to be proactive and stay ahead, especially during busy times in the season.” That discipline, he said, is transferable. “The same mindset I bring to basketball — being serious, being prepared, and studying my plays — keeps me accountable.” While Amoyaw’s stats on the court are impressive, it’s his impact off the hardwood that truly sets him apart. As a workshop director for McMaster’s Black Student-Athlete Council, Amoyaw leads initiatives to support Black youth in sport and education. He also serves as an outreach executive with the Black BHSc Association, helping to recruit and support Black students in health sciences. “These groups mean a lot to me,” he said. “In high school and university, I was often the only Black person in the room. It pushed me to try and change that — to create spaces that are more inclusive.” Amoyaw’s leadership has already reached far beyond campus. During the pandemic, he co-founded Project Excel and partnered with Rising Stars to create a basketball mentorship camp, aiming to uplift young athletes in the community. “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” he said. “Seeing kids gain confidence, watching the community come together — it reminded me that basketball is a powerful tool for change.” That belief aligns well with the Sea Bears’ community-driven mission, and Amoyaw is eager to lend his voice to the team’s outreach efforts. “I think athletes have a platform, and we can use that to advocate for social justice and highlight what our communities need,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of that here in Winnipeg.” “Brendan is an impressive young man. He is intelligent, goal-oriented and hard-working in both his basketball and his education,” said head coach and general manager Mike Taylor. “Basketball is important and we love the game, but it's important for players to prepare for the next step in life after the ball stops bouncing in their careers. Brendan is an excellent example of a young man preparing himself for success in the future as he pursues medicine. We are really excited to work with him this summer.” Amoyaw says he’s inspired by his parents’ and grandparents’ tireless work ethic, as well as mentors like Amir Ali — a University of Manitoba alum who successfully balanced basketball and medicine. Even in rare moments of downtime, Amoyaw keeps his circle close. “I love calling my siblings, watching anime — Attack on Titan is probably my favourite — and catching March Madness,” he said. As for what success looks like? “It’s not just about stats anymore,” he said. “It’s about enjoying the process, being healthy, appreciating every day. On and off the court, I want to leave things better than I found them.” Long-term, Amoyaw hopes to continue playing professionally and eventually build a community organization that tackles systemic issues and uplifts the city he calls home. “My goal is to help people, however I can,” he said. “Whether that’s through basketball, medicine or mentorship, I just want to make a difference.” With a powerful combination of talent, heart and vision, Brendan Amoyaw is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in wins — but in the lives you impact along the way.