Ottawa BlackJacks Announce 2022 CEBL U Sports Draft Picks
Two Quebec-born players selected
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday their two picks during the 2022 CEBL U SPORTS Draft, including Nervens Demosthene of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies (fifth overall) and Guillaume Pépin of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees (16th overall).
Demosthene, a six-foot-one guard from Terrebonne, Quebec, has averaged 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 77 collegiate games with the University of Saskatchewan and Bishop’s University. During the 2021-22 campaign, his first season with the Huskies, Demosthene scored 15 or more points five times and helped his team reach the U SPORTS national championship game.
Drafted first overall in the 2021 U SPORTS Draft by Saskatchewan, Demosthene averaged 6.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 16 games with the Rattlers last season. He finished third on the team in field goal percentage (.452), fourth on the team in steals per game (0.9) and assists per game (1.5). He recorded season highs of 18 points, four assists and four steals July 22 against Guelph.
Prior to moving to Saskatchewan, Demosthene played three seasons with the Bishop’s Gaiters, where he received several accolades. He was named RSEQ First-Team All-Star in 2019-20 and to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team in 2017-18. He also won the RSEQ Rookie of the Year award the same year.
Pépin, a six-foot-six forward from Montréal, Québec, was selected 11th overall by the BlackJacks during the 2021 U SPORTS Draft and played one game with the team during the 2021 post-season, totalling eight points and five rebounds in a crucial quarter-final victory at Hamilton.
Pépin has averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 52 games with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. This past season, he was named an OUA East First Team All-Star, starting all 16 games and averaging 15.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He recorded a career-high seven assists and a season-high three steals February 26 against Ryerson and scored a season-best 24 points February 12 against Queen’s. As a freshman in 2018-19, Pépin averaged 15.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He earned a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team, while also being named an OUA Second-Team All-Star and winning the OUA Rookie of the Year Award.
The BlackJacks draft picks are designated U SPORTS developmental players, which allows them to return to their respective university teams next season. As was the case in 2021, draft eligible U SPORTS players may have completed their university eligibility in 2020-21, or they may be returning to their university team in the fall and be classified within the CEBL’s U SPORTS Developmental player program.
In addition to their two U SPORTS draft picks, the BlackJacks have previously announced the signing of six players for the 2022 season, bringing experience from the NBA, the NBA G-League and top international leagues. The BlackJacks 20-game regular season will open up with a game at home versus Fraser Valley on May 25 at 7:30pm. In addition to 10 regular season home games, the BlackJacks will be hosting the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend from August 12-14, 2022.
BlackJacks single-game tickets are now available at theblackjacks.ca/tickets and start at only $30. Season and half season seat memberships, flex packs and group tickets are also available. Season seat members have exclusive access to 2022 CEBL Championship tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected].
Quotes:
“Nervens and Guillaume are two talented players with a lot of potential. Last summer, they showed us that they were able to compete at the CEBL level. They both had a successful season this year with their respective U SPORTS teams, and I am excited to watch them continue to grow this summer as they practice and play with some of the best Canadian and international professional players.”
- Jevohn Shepherd, General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations
Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
“I am thankful to play my second CEBL season with the BlackJacks. Ottawa is a great city, and I am ready to help the team win a title.”
- Nervens Demosthere, Guard, Fifth overall pick by the Ottawa BlackJacks
“I am excited to stay in Ottawa this summer. It’s great to be a part of the BlackJacks organization once again and to represent our city and community.”
-Guillaume Pépin, Forward, 16th overall pick by the Ottawa BlackJacks
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its second season, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2021 CEBL Championship Weekend in Edmonton. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, and Head Coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. The BlackJacks and the City of Ottawa have been awarded the rights to host the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend from August 12-14, 2022 with games taking place in the Arena at TD Place. The CEBL Championship Weekend will be a celebration of basketball, music, and local culture that will feature concerts, street festivals, the CEBL Awards, and several legacy projects to be announced at a later date. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
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Contact:
Marika Guérin
Senior Manager, Communications and Community
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club