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.