THE CALGARY SURGE REVEAL FRANCHISE’S FIRST DRAFT PICKS FOR THE 2023 CEBL U SPORTS DRAFT
Calgary, AB – The Calgary Surge revealed their draft picks for the 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Draft, the team announced Wednesday.
The Calgary Surge selected current-year graduate Mason Bourcier of Trinity Western University, as the 3rd pick in the first round, who averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 20 games played. The 6-foot-4 guard was also named a Canada West Team All-Star and a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian. Bourcier was drafted 18th overall in the 2022 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Newfoundland Growlers and 6th overall in the 2019 CEBL Entry Draft.
"I would like to thank the Surge organization for the opportunity. I am extremely excited to get out to Calgary and start working with Coach Terroba and the team,” said Mason.
The Calgary Surge then selected Deon Ejim of St. Francis Xavier University as the 8th pick in the second round. Ejim is currently in his third year of eligibility at St. Francis Xavier University where he averaged 14.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 15 games played. Prior to his time at St. Francis Xavier University, the 6-foot-6 forward played at Lewis University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association where he averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. This will be his first time playing in the CEBL.
“I am very excited to be drafted by the Calgary Surge! I am looking forward to seeing the fans and meeting the team. I can’t wait to compete for the city of Calgary,” said Deon.
The CEBL U SPORTS Draft presents a coveted opportunity for top players in U SPORTS to get a chance to experience professional basketball by practicing and playing alongside veteran pros from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international leagues.
“Both of these young men have bright futures ahead of them and our coaches are excited to maximize their potential. They are stand up people that are dedicated to working on their craft every day, which is important and aligns with our team culture. The Calgary Surge are thrilled to have both Mason and Deon be a part of the organization,” said Surge General Manager, Shane James.
About U SPORTS
U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 14,000 student-athletes and 700 coaches from 56 universities vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives. U SPORTS works in collaboration with 56 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.
About the Calgary Surge
The Calgary franchise originated as the Guelph Nighthawks in 2018, one of the six founding members of the CEBL. The organization was relocated from the league’s smallest market to Calgary in August 2022 as part of the growing league's business strategy to have teams in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas. Chairman Usman Tahir Jutt and Vice-Chairman and President Jason Ribeiro saw an opportunity to bridge Calgary’s diverse communities together through sport and entertainment and to create a sense of belonging. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca.
About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 71 percent of its roster being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, top NCAA programs, and USPORTS. Nine players have moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season, and 28 CEBL players attended NBA G League training camps during October. The CEBL season runs from May to August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
Media Contact:
Hilary Fontus
Manager, Communications
Calgary Surge
514-918-7826