4 FOR 4: 4 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE CALGARY SURGE'S FIRST 4 GAMES

June 9, 2023

Photo by Chris Lindsey


Written by Ethan Bomhof

We are only four games into the inaugural season of the Calgary Surge, but one thing is certain about the CEBL’s newest team: these guys can flat out ball. The Surge’s 3-1 record puts them at the top of the West Division in the league and despite Vancouver handing Calgary their first loss of the season, the Surge are still the team to beat in west. Here’s our four takeaways from the first four games of the Surge’s season:


1. This team is extremely athletic.

There is no shortage of speed, length and athleticism on the Calgary Surge. Fans at WinSport Event Centre have been treated to dunks and blocks that shake the building. Sean “Rugzy” Miller-Moore leads the way for the Surge with his high-flying playstyle. His effortless jumping ability allows him to showcase highlight-reel plays including a drive and dunk over Edmonton Stingers big man, Brody Clarke. Calgary’s #00 got up so high that he nearly hit his head on the backboard!








Rugzy is quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite among the Surge faithful with his extraordinary athleticism, rim-rocking plays, and big smile.


2.  Success runs through the defence.

From day one, as the head coach of the Calgary Surge, Nelson Terroba has preached the importance of an intimidating and relentless defence.

“We want to play tough. The fans who come watch us play at WinSport, we want them to see a team that’s connected, that plays defence, that rebounds, competes daily,” said Terroba in his introductory presser on March 29.


The Surge’s early success has come from a tireless defence orchestrated by Terroba’s coaching and Surge General Manager Shane James’ roster construction highlighted by two shot-blocking monsters: 6’10” forward Simi Shittu and 7’0” centre Kylor Kelley. If you are an opposing player trying to put a shot up in the paint around those two guys, you should not expect the ball to make it to the rim.









3. Coming in clutch during target time.

Along with incredible athleticism and a thunderous defence, Surge fans have been given an exciting introduction to a unique feature of the CEBL: the Target Score. The target score end reduces the need for late-game fouling and battling against time by turning off the clock with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and adding nine points to the score of the leading team and creating a ‘target score’. The first team to attain the target score wins! The ending encourages tough defence and gives the crowd an exciting game-winning shot every game.


The Surge have brought all the drama in their first four games. In their inaugural game vs. Edmonton, Surge guard Stef Smith sealed the win in front of a sold-out crowd with a clutch free throw. Smith and the Surge headed 300 kilometres north the next day and shocked the away crowd. Calgary roared back from a 16-point deficit in target time, breaking a CEBL record for the largest comeback in a target score ending. Stef Smith found himself at the line once again to give the Surge a 2-0 record and Battle of Alberta bragging rights. Rugzy made sure to remind us that Stef is indeed “a dawg.”



Calgary returned to WinSport for their third game in four days to host the Niagara River Lions. The Home Team surged ahead and led by 19 points in the third quarter. However, the River Lions clawed their way back and held a five-point lead heading into the indefinite target time. Not only did Niagara hold the lead, but they also held the momentum. The 0-2 River Lions could taste their first win of the season and got within two points of the 84-point target score. Led by multiple clutch defensive stops, and a huge three-pointer from Surge guard, Admon Gilder that gave them an 83-82 lead, Calgary was just one point away from a stunning victory. Another defensive stop and a foul drawn by the Surge sent Simi Shittu to the line for a chance to seal the win. Shockingly, the Surge forward missed both free throws. Stepping up was Mr. Double-Double, Trevon Scott. Scott grabbed the offensive board, put the shot back up and sinking it, despite being fouled. The home crowd erupted for the incredible victory and a 3-0 record. Just how it was all drawn up, right?




4. Job’s not finished. Not even close.

“During practice, the players never feel the urgency of the game. During the game the players never remember the importance of practice,” said Surge head coach, Nelson Terroba. “I want to change that. I want you to respect practice. Respect the way it gets you ready for the game. Respect it.”


Yes, we’re talking ‘bout practice.


Terroba, his coaching staff and all 13 players that put on the Surge uniform know that this is just the start. A 3-1 record a something to be proud of for a franchise that is playing in their first season. But the Surge want more and they’re just getting started


As the late, great Kobe Bryant said: “Job’s not finished. Job finished? I don’t think so.”




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