Vancouver Bandits “Tip Off” 2024 Season

Photo Credit Mark Steffens

With the 2024 CEBL season kicking off locally the Vancouver Bandits first played an intersquad game that was marked as a “school day game” played in front of a packed Langley Events Centre with various high schools attending.

We should mention that the previous week they invited various members of the media which Mark, Jagrai and I attended to grab a quick interview getting several questions answered all pertaining to the upcoming season.

The game showcased some players of the current team roster as well as what some might call “rookie” players who are looking to crack the line-up or at least dress for the odd game.

We had a chance to catch up with various fans, teachers and students alike and while they enjoyed the time away from school they mentioned they “might take in regular season games” either on their own or with a parent.

The following week they hit the hardwood for the first home game of the season playing against Montreal in  a contest that the Bandits controlled from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer to the delight of the fans attending.

Also in attendance was CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale whom I had a chance to catch up with after the 95-75 win who was very open and interesting to chat about the league and the upcoming season with a huge amount of excitement.

As if they weren’t overworked they returned to the floor a short three days later taking on Scarborough managing yet another win by an 88-83 margin but not as in game one, but still a win.

The Bandits found themselves down by 13 points in the fourth quarter that saw him (Jongkuch) come up with three blocked shots – two  on the same possession that saw Koby McEwen and Zach Copeland nailing 3-pointers on offensive possessions. 

The Bandits rallied back, pulling out an 88-83 win over the Shooting Stars, setting up a perfect 2-0  in a contest that saw the defending Champion Shooting Stars to drop to 0-2 on the season – albeit early. 

Bandits GM//Head Coach Kyle Julius mentioned following the win “One possession can change a game; one possession can change your season.”

The Bandits head east  for a match-up against Saskatchewan May 30 with the tip-off set for 6:30 pm our time. 

After the quick road trip, the Bandits welcome the Calgary Surge to Langley Events Centre for a big rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals as part of its South Asian Heritage Game on Saturday, June 1 at Langley Events Centre.