Ottawa BlackJacks 2023 Season Recap

Another season has come to an end for the Ottawa BlackJacks. From improved play on the court, to a greater fan experience built around the game, to even more work being done within the community, the year will go in the books as the most successful to date.

The team saw a total of eight players from last year’s squad return this season, with General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd hoping that continuity would help the team succeed. The move paid dividends, as the BlackJacks posted a franchise-best 12 wins on the year, including an 8-game win streak – good for the second longest in league history.

“Continuity played a big role from coaching staff down to players,” Shepherd said. “It helps having familiarity with the league and players, in addition to having a group of guys that clicked with one another - you can always scout and put a team together that fits based on skill set but the unknown is always how guys will gel on and off the court. I have to give our coaching staff tremendous credit for their preparation and creativity throughout the season.”

The success of the team led to a number of players rightfully being recognized with individual awards. Kadre Gray was named CEBL Canadian Player of the Year after posting a league-leading 6.2 assists per game to go along with a career high 16.3 points per game. On top of being named to the All-Canadian team, Gray also earned a spot on the All-CEBL Second Team.

Joining him on the All-Canadian Team was teammate Jackson Rowe. The two-way forward averaged 15.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game, good for third and second on the team, respectively. He, along with Maxime Boursiquot, would also be selected to represent the Eastern Conference at the Quebec City Clash in August.

International import Deng Adel was also named to the Second Team after leading the team with 17.2 points per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds (third on the team) and 4.2 assists a contest (behind only Gray).

On top of improved play, the BlackJacks also built upon the gameday experience. 2023 saw the debut of the Capital Crew, the dance pack that kept fans entertained during stoppages throughout the game. Furthermore, fans had the opportunity to witness eight local visual artists create an original art piece live on court level for the duration of games thanks to the new partnership between the BlackJacks and the Ottawa Arts Council. And as always, the excitement continued through halftime as nine local artists and groups such as Makhena Rankin-Guérin, Temi & Aletta, EazyFinesse, and Culture Shock offered their talents to keep fans entertained.

The total package proved to be a can’t miss event, as attendance growth saw a 25% increase compared to last season. Post-game surveys directed at BlackJacks ticket holders confirmed as much, with an NPS Score well above standards, indicating gameday experiences were very positive and exceeded the goals set out by the organization.

“Ottawa-Gatineau is an incredible city filled with talent and we want to foster a sense of togetherness and celebrate the cultural richness of our community,” said Marika Guerin, BlackJacks Vice President. “It is important for us to support and highlight local talents, whether it is on the court or off the court. We want the youth to be inspired by our Game Day performers – we want them to realize that their aspirations are limitless and achievable.

We’re constantly on the lookout for emerging talents to feature during our games. The 2023 season left its mark, and we’ll ensure that 2024 surpasses expectations.”

But the heart of the BlackJacks lies in the community, where the team continues to expand their roots. From inviting over 350 children, youth and family members from some of the city’s most vulnerable communities, to hosting basketball clinics and tournaments, to giving school presentations, the team showed that basketball extends beyond the court at The Arena at TD Place. It is thanks to the incredibly partnerships that the team has forged with organizations within the National Capital Region that allows them to provide these opportunities.

“The success of any professional sports team comes only from having the support of the local community, that being the fans, the minor basketball associations, and local partners,” said Guerin. “We recognize the importance of long and stable relationships with our partners and look to collaborate with members of the community with the same mindset, who see the relationship as more than just a business transaction.

Since our inception in 2020, we've been fortunate to forge strong bonds with local organizations that are truly making a difference in our community. We take great pride in building sustainable community partnerships with an emphasis on growing the game of basketball in the Nation’s Capital. We’ve been fortunate to engage with exceptional partners this past summer such as the City of Ottawa, Kids Up Front, EOBA, the Ottawa Arts Council, Ottawa Chinese Community Resource Centre, and Prezdential Basketball, among others.”

With the most successful season in franchise history in the books, the team has their sights set on an even better 2024. The new season means new opportunities to celebrate the game of basketball and everything else the BlackJacks experience entails in what is sure to be festivity filled season as the team celebrates their 5^th anniversary. But before getting too ahead of ourselves, Jevohn Shepherd has a message for the fans.

“I want to take a minute to thank our fans for their growth and tremendous support this season. The environment and the vibe felt throughout the city was amazing. Our fans can continue to expect a team that will fight and lay it out there night after night, which is what we all fell in love with this season with this group.”

Ottawa BlackJacks 2024 season seat memberships are available here and offer fans 25% off single game prices. Season Seat Members also gain access to other exclusive benefits reserved for BlackJacks Season Seat Members. To learn more, visit theblackjacks.ca.