The Montreal Alliance Announce Coaching and Support Staff for 2026 Season
Montreal, QC — The Montreal Alliance announces its coaching and support staff for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, led by Head Coach Jermaine Small as the organization continues to build momentum heading into a fifth season of professional basketball at the Verdun Auditorium.
“Our vision for the Alliance has always been to build a premier basketball organization with deep roots in the Montreal community,” said Joel Anthony, general manager and co-owner of the Alliance. “This group reflects that vision—a highly experienced staff with a proven history of success, passion, and a commitment to pushing our players to compete at the highest level.”
Built with intention and balance, the Alliance’s coaching staff brings together a mix of proven leadership, player development expertise, and strong ties to the Canadian and Quebecois basketball landscape.
Leading the campaign is Jermaine Small, who enters his second season as head coach and continues to shape the team’s identity and style of play.
After guiding the Alliance to the best record in franchise history and its first-ever playoff appearance last season, the two-time CEBL champion and Coach of the Year brings a proven track record of success and player development at both the professional and university levels.
Ryan Thorne returns to the staff as a basketball consultant, adding a strategic voice with deep experience at the U SPORTS and national levels.
Thorne has served as the head coach of the McGill University men’s basketball team since the 2021–22 season. Prior to that, he led the McGill women’s basketball program for 17 seasons, establishing one of the most successful runs in program history. He also played a key role with the Alliance during the 2025 season.
Jahmal Jones returns as assistant coach, continuing his transition from elite player to coach.
A former Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) standout, Jones brings extensive international experience across multiple European leagues, along with a CEBL championship under Small. He has since moved into coaching with roles at H5 Academy Prep and most recently with the TMU men’s basketball program.
Jeff Dosado joins the bench as assistant coach, adding a global perspective and extensive development experience.
The Montréal native has worked with the Houston Rockets during NBA training camps and Summer League, coached internationally with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, and previously spent time with the Alliance. He is also the founder of Los Angeles Prospects, a program focused on developing student-athletes on and off the court.
Damian Buckley returns as assistant coach, continuing his rise through the coaching ranks.
A former Concordia standout, he has built a strong résumé across U SPORTS and the professional level, including roles with the Ottawa BlackJacks and Montréal Toundra, and was recently named interim head coach at Concordia. He is widely recognized for his impact in player development and his connection to the Montréal basketball community.
The Alliance also strengthens its player development program with the additions of Maxime Paulhus Gosselin and Kyle Desmarais.
Paulhus Gosselin brings elite NCAA Division I experience from Davidson College, where he played alongside Stephen Curry and helped lead the program to an Elite Eight appearance, along with international experience with Canada and a strong background in performance and decision-making.
Desmarais, a Montréal native, adds a rapidly rising coaching profile with experience at McGill, the Montréal Toundra, and Basketball Québec, where he serves as 3x3 Development Coordinator, along with national team exposure and a BSL championship with the London Lightning in 2024.
“I’m excited about the group we’ve brought together,” said Head Coach Jermaine Small. “There’s a shared standard here of discipline, competitiveness, and a clear understanding of what it takes to win at this level. Our staff is focused on preparing our players to execute and deliver every night.”
With a strong foundation in place, the Alliance continues to prioritize development, culture, and connection to the community as it prepares for the upcoming season.
The Alliance will continue to be led in the front office by General Manager Joel Anthony and Assistant General Manager Ibrahim Appiah. Henry Weinberg will continue with the Alliance as Director of Scouting and Analysis, while the medical staff includes Dr. Mickey Moroz (Team Physician), Manley Massenat (Kinesiologist and Physical Trainer), and Nicolas Rostworoswski (Athletic Therapist).
About the Montreal Alliance
The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The Alliance is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an electrifying entertainment experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec.
The Alliance will tip off their 2026 home schedule at Verdun Auditorium on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. against the Scarborough Shooting Stars, marking the start of another exciting season of professional basketball in Montreal. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit basketmtl.ca.