Montréal, QC — The Montréal Alliance announced today that Canadian forward Kevin Osawe will return for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, bringing back a proven contributor who has elevated his game since his last stint in Montréal. During the 2025 CEBL season, Osawe started all 23 games, averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 25 minutes per contest , while shooting an impressive 87.8% from the free-throw line. He ranked third on the team in rebounds per game and earned Most Improved Player honours as voted by fans, reflecting the steady progress he showed throughout the year. Following that campaign, the Brampton, Ontario native took another step forward overseas. Competing in one of Germany's professional divisions, Osawe averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 52.1% from the field across 18 appearances . He also maintained a consistent presence on the glass in Serbia’s KLS league the previous season, posting 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game , leading his team in total rebounds. Across his last two international stops, Osawe has averaged 7.8 rebounds per game, reinforcing his identity as a reliable interior presence and consistent competitor. “Kevin represents stability for our organization,” said Joel Anthony , General Manager and Co-Owner of the Montréal Alliance. “He understands our culture, competes for every possession, and continues to improve each season. His ability to impact the game physically and efficiently makes him a key piece for us moving forward.” “I’ve grown a lot over the past two years,” said Osawe . “Coming back to Montreal feels right. I’m confident in my game and ready to help this group take the next step.” Osawe’s return not only adds production to the lineup but also reinforces the Alliance’s commitment to developing Canadian talent and building continuity within the organization as preparations for the 2026 season continue. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format culminating in a best-of-three CEBL Final . The Alliance will open their home schedule on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars . For ticket information, visit BASKETMTL.ca .

Black History Month is a time to honor the individuals who have shaped culture, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. In basketball, Black leaders have not only defined the game on the court—they have transformed it from the sidelines, in front offices, and within their communities. At the Montréal Alliance, we are proud to be led by individuals who embody that legacy every day. Leadership Rooted in Experience For Head Coach Jermaine Small, leadership is deeply personal because coaches who once guided him as a player shaped it. “All my mentors coached me,” Small explains. He first points to David Joseph—a respected Canadian coach and the father of longtime NBA player Cory Joseph— who worked alongside Small during the Edmonton Stingers' first CEBL championship season in the league’s “bubble” format and in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA). Joseph’s impact, Small says, was foundational. “Joseph’s on-court development and knowledge of the game really helped develop my understanding of the game.” Another major influence was Roy Rana, former Canadian national team coach and longtime university program builder , whom Small coached alongside at the university level with Ryerson and later in Japan. “Rana’s ability to build a program and recruit rubbed off heavily on me,” Small shares. From early in his playing career, these mentors consistently told Small they believed he would one day become a coach—long before he saw that path for himself. That encouragement matters. It reflects a tradition within Black leadership in basketball: identifying potential, speaking it into existence, and creating pathways forward. Small also credits NBA leaders like Doc Rivers and Erik Spoelstra for influencing his philosophy. Known respectively for leading franchises such as the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat, both coaches have built championship-caliber cultures rooted in accountability and player development. Their people-first leadership style reinforced for Small the importance of connection, communication, and trust. Today, he carries those lessons forward. “I’m grateful and humbled to be a head coach because it allows me to mentor athletes on and off the court,” Small says. “One of my priorities is helping players transition into coaching once their playing careers end.” Beyond the Court Representation in sports leadership extends far beyond the game itself. It shapes who sees themselves in positions of influence—and who believes those opportunities are attainable. “Representation in sports is vital because it inspires young people to pursue roles they might have otherwise felt were unattainable,” says General Manager and co-owner Joel Anthony. Anthony’s own leadership journey has been shaped by several influential figures. He has followed Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors , since his playing days. Ujiri is widely recognized as one of the most influential executives in the NBA, having transformed the Raptors organization and led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2019. “Seeing him transform the culture of the Raptors and lead them to an NBA championship has been truly inspirational,” Anthony says. Anthony also developed a personal relationship with Courtney Charles , Vice-President of basketball and franchise operations for Raptors 905 —the NBA G League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors—during his time in Toronto. Sharing a similar Caribbean background, the two connected over their common roots. “He has been a constant source of encouragement throughout my transition into the front office,” Anthony explains. “In fact, he was one of the first people I called when I was considering this path.” Another key influence is Jermaine Anderson, a former Canadian National Team teammate and friend , who introduced Anthony to the CEBL. Anderson brought him on as a consultant with the Hamilton Honey Badgers and has remained a steady voice of guidance. “He has provided consistent communication and direction as I navigate this role,” Anthony says. For Anthony, representation is not symbolic; it is practical. It is about mentorship, access, and sustained support. “We will see a continued evolution of Black leadership in sports, extending beyond athletes to include coaches, front-office personnel, and owners,” he says. “Doors will continue to open as long as there is support for those willing to walk through them.” Community, Opportunity, and the Next Generation In Canada, where there is only one NBA team, professional basketball carries a unique responsibility. “Community outreach through camps and local engagement is essential,” Coach Small notes. “CEBL players, especially those playing in their home markets, must recognize the impact they have as role models for the next generation.” Creating meaningful pathways forward remains central to that mission, not only for today’s athletes but also for the coaches, executives, and leaders they may one day become. “There need to be more opportunities for Black Canadian coaches at the professional level,” Small emphasizes. “Representation matters, and I believe more players becoming coaches can help drive meaningful change.” Black History Month is about reflection, but it is also about momentum—about building structures that ensure leadership reflects the communities the game serves. At the Montréal Alliance, we celebrate the culture, resilience, excellence, and leadership that Black individuals continue to bring to the sport. We are proud of the leaders within our organization who embody those values daily. We remain committed to fostering an environment where opportunity expands, voices are elevated, and the next generation is empowered to lead. Because when leadership reflects the community, the impact reaches far beyond the game.

Montréal native and team captain returns after a standout 2025 season with the Alliance

Montréal native returns home in signing that marks an exciting start to 2026 for the organization

Celebrating Alain Louis and the early chapters of Alliance basketball

Fifth Season Features 12 Home Games at Verdun Auditorium & Historic New Playoff Format.

The Montreal Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicolas Lesage as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the professional Montreal-based team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in professional sports, sponsorship, media, and major event operations, Lesage joins the organization at a pivotal time in its development. In his role as COO, Lesage will oversee day-to-day operations and help guide the Alliance’s strategic direction, strengthening the club’s internal structure and supporting the continued growth of professional basketball in Montreal.“I’m very happy to return to the sports world with an organization that’s rising fast,” said Nicolas Lesage. “Sports have always been part of my professional DNA, and I’m excited to help the Alliance establish its place in Montreal’s sports landscape.” A Proven Leader in Sports, Media, and Entertainment Over the course of his career, Lesage has held key leadership roles within major sports and cultural organizations, including the Montreal Alouettes, RDS/Bell Media, Groupe Juste pour rire (Groupe CH), Productions Podium, as well as communications and marketing roles at Cossette and Carat – Créativité Média, where he gained extensive experience in media strategy and integrated advertising solutions. His expertise includes building and integrating strategic and financial frameworks, directing sponsorship portfolios, developing operational infrastructures, and leading brand transformation initiatives. Among his notable achievements are the redevelopment of the Alouettes’ visual identity and the implementation of a sponsorship and marketing framework at Centre 21.02. A Shared Vision for the Future “Nicolas’s experience in professional sports, along with his expertise in sponsorships and media sales, made him the obvious choice for this role,” said Mark Weightman, Governor of the Montreal Alliance. “The success of our previous collaborations will allow us to be effective quickly, and I look forward to working with him again.” Lesage added: “Mark and I share a clear vision for the future of the organization, and with strong support from ownership, I believe we can achieve our goals and have a meaningful impact on the community.” About Nicolas Lesage A respected leader in the Canadian sports and entertainment industry, Nicolas Lesage specializes in commercial strategy, partnership development, and operational leadership. He supports organizations through his consulting practice, NLPS, and has been actively involved in various community initiatives over the years, including the Montreal Alouettes Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie, and minor league baseball (LBAVR).