The Montréal Alliance has bolstered its backcourt for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, announcing today the addition of dynamic guard Tavis Smith. The 6’3” Detroit, Michigan native joins the Alliance following a breakout 2024-25 campaign with MBK Handlova in Slovakia’s top league.

Smith, 25, arrives in Montréal off a stellar season in which he established himself as one of the Slovakian league’s premier scorers, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 33.5 minutes across 38 games. He scored in double figures in every appearance while recording seventeen 20+ point performances, four 30+ point outings, and a season-high 43-point explosion against Iskra Svit in February.

“Joining the Alliance represents an exciting new chapter in my career,” said Smith. “I’ve been developing my game across Europe for the past few years, and now I’m ready to bring that experience to Montréal. I’m looking forward to showcasing my abilities while helping this team compete at the highest level.”

Smith’s journey to professional basketball began at Belmont Abbey College (2016-2020), where he developed the scoring touch and playmaking ability that has defined his professional career. Following graduation, he gained valuable experience with stops in Armenia, Albania, and Georgia before his breakthrough season in Slovakia.

The upcoming season will be the longest in CEBL history with each team playing 24 regular season games, including 12 home contests for the Alliance at the Verdun Auditorium and IGA Stadium. The Alliance will play its home opener on May 18 against the Brampton Honey Badgers.

In a groundbreaking event, the Alliance will host the first-ever outdoor 5x5 professional basketball game in Canadian history at IGA Stadium on May 23. The event, named “Éclipse : Match sous les étoiles”, offers fans a unique opportunity to experience professional basketball under the open sky. Tickets start at just $25 and are available at alliancemontreal.ca/en-ca/eclipse.