U Sports bigs could incentive more to stay in Canada

"Robert, who has helped turn the small Lennoxville school into a Canadian university basketball powerhouse, was desperate to complete a storybook ending. He made a left-handed hook shot in the paint and had a great take to help the Gaiters inch within three points. Though not known as a 3-point threat, he hit one but couldn't make the desperation 3 right before the final buzzer."

"Thomas Kennedy, recipient of CEBL's Developmental Player of the Year award and who has been a Canadian national team member, has become the gold standard. He's currently playing in Slovenia for a team competing in EuroCup, which is considered second-tier below Euroleague. That's a very respectable place to be for any pro player."

"Instead, two factors - the maturation of the CEBL (now coming up on its eight year) and U Sports becoming (one of many) unofficial recruiting pools for mid-major NCAA programs - has provided another pathway for U Sports' best bigs."

Charles Robert, a standout big man for Bishop's Gaiters, was drafted by the 2025 CEBL champion Niagara River Lions. In the U Sports championship game against Carleton Ravens, Robert scored 14 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, showcasing versatile skills including hook shots, three-pointers, and point-forward abilities. The CEBL's maturation and U Sports' role as an unofficial recruiting pool for NCAA programs have created new pathways for Canadian university basketball players. Players like Thomas Kennedy have reached European professional leagues, while others such as Simon Hildebrandt have transitioned to NCAA programs at schools like Washington State, establishing a viable career trajectory beyond traditional routes.

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