COLE SYLLAS

POSITION: Guard

HEIGHT: 6-5 (196 cm)

WEIGHT: 210 lbs (92.3 kg)

BIRTHDATE: August 1, 2000 (Kingston, ON)

HIGH SCHOOL: La Salle Secondary School (Kingston, ON)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE: Queen's University (2024)

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected in the 2nd round (19th overall) of the 2024 CEBL Draft.

YEARS PRO: 1

BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 


Entered season averaging 2.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 8.4 minutes in 10 games playing professionally in the CEBL.


2024 CEBL Season (As of July 30):  Averaging 4.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 16.4 minutes in eight games with the Brampton Honey Badgers … Returned to the Honey Badgers lineup vs. Niagara on July 17 following a nine-game absence, scoring six points … Had seven points and three rebounds vs. Winnipeg on June 5 … Set career highs with 13 points and three three-pointers made in a win over Ottawa on May 26 … Had two points in 14 minutes of action in Honey Badgers debut May 24 vs. Niagara.


2023 CEBL Season: Averaged 2.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 8.4 minutes in 10 games with the Ottawa BlackJacks … Collected five rebounds in a win against Scarborough on May 30 … Scored 10 points in professional debut May 28 vs. Brampton. 



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 


Averaged 16.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 29.9 minutes in 88 games over a five-year collegiate career at Queen’s University. 

2023-24 (As of April 11): Averaged 15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 31.0 minutes in 22 games with Queen’s University … Named to All-OUA Second Team and U SPORTS All-Tournament Team after winning an OUA championship with the Gaels … Reached double figures in scoring in all but four contests, including seven double-double performances …. Recorded season-highs in rebounds (18) and assists (18) in an U SPORTS Elite-8 matchup against Winnipeg on March 8 … Registered a season-high 29 points in the OUA Finals against Brock on March 2 … Snatched three steals to go along with 16 points in a win February 2 against Wilfred Laurier.


2022-23: Averaged 17.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 29.9 minutes in 27 games with Queen’s University … Became first player in Gaels program history to be named to U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian … Named an OUA First Team All-Star, helping the team to their second consecutive U SPORTS Final-8 Championship appearance … Grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds November 26 vs. Waterloo … Dished out a season-best 12 assists November 18 vs. Carleton.


2021-22: Averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 32.5 minutes in 17 games with Queen’s University as a junior … Named an OUA East First Team All-Star… Reached double figures in scoring in all but four contests … Scored a career-high 39 points March 23 against Carleton … Grabbed a season-best 15 boards to go along with 21 points February 25 vs. Nipissing … Opened the season with 29 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Ryerson on November 5.


2020-21: Did not play due to COVID-19 pandemic.


2019-20: Averaged 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 26.7 minutes in 22 games with Queen’s University … Named to the OUA All-Rookie Team … Finished rookie season with 21 points in 25 minutes of action against Lakehead on February 15 … Registered first collegiate double-double in the second game of the season against Laurentian with 31 points and 15 rebounds … Make collegiate debut on October 25 against Nipissing, recording six points and four rebounds.


PERSONAL


Pronounced “cill-IS” … Majored in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University … Has a passion for reading … Luke Syllas, twin brother of Cole, also played at Queen’s University during the same five-year period … Won KASSAA championship in back-to-back years at La Salle Secondary School in Kingston, ON.

JOHN ROSS JOINS BRAMPTON HONEY BADGERS AS ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

By Elias Eldridge • December 9, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce John Ross as assistant general manager. John has spent the better part of the past two decades working in basketball, highlighted by over 14 years with the Portland Trail Blazers and more recently as an assistant coach with the Western Conference Champion Calgary Surge in 2025. With Portland, John worked as a video coordinator with both the coaching and scouting staff. He played a pivotal role in the organization's 2009-2011 stretch of playoff appearances, and also their rebuild starting with the draft acquisitions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This backcourt duo was the catalyst for eight consecutive playoff appearances between 2014-2021, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019. “Basketball is one of my deepest passions, and I am very grateful to be able to continue my career in this game with the Honey Badgers,” said Ross. “I could not be more excited to work alongside Al [Whitley] and Jermaine [Anderson] to help put together a team that will not only excel on the court, but also in the Peel and Brampton community.” Since moving on from the Trail Blazers in 2022, John has expanded his work experience to both coaching, and teaching. As an assistant coach with the Calgary Surge in 2025, he helped lift the Surge to their second finals appearance in franchise history, after posting a 17-7 record on the season. In terms of teaching, John founded an organization called GET IN THE GAME 101, an educational resource designed to assist young adults in answering the question “What do I do to get a job in the NBA?”. Here, John provides his insights into what it takes to move your career into the biggest stage that basketball has to offer. You can follow his substack here to read more. Beyond basketball, John is a humanitarian, serving at-risk children for over a decade in Zimbabwe and making multiple visits to Ukraine to support refugee relief. “John’s high-level experience, combined with his understanding of what it means to help others, fits with what we are looking for in our organization,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are excited to have John assist in leading our basketball operations staff going forward and are confident that he is going to help us in promoting selflessness and winning.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS , Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

BRAMPTON HONEY BADGERS ANNOUNCE SAUD JUMAN AS TEAM’S NEW PRESIDENT

By Elias Eldridge • December 3, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are proud to announce Saud Juman as the team's new president. Saud is a highly experienced business leader and executive, bringing over two decades of expertise in scaling businesses, cultivating successful cultures, and leading high-performance teams. Notably, as the founder, president, and CEO of Policy Medical, he developed the first healthcare policy management software, which was adopted by more than 3000 U.S. hospitals. Saud successfully guided the company from its bootstrap beginnings for 18 years to a successful acquisition. Following his exit from the company in 2018, Saud channeled his leadership skills into professional basketball, where he served as the assistant coach & head of player development for the Niagara River Lions, contributing to the team's success both on and off the court during their 2025 CEBL Championship run. “Saud offers a unique combination of executive rigor, people-focused leadership, and extensive basketball knowledge, specializing in the creation of systems and cultures that deliver wins - in business and in the community,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are incredibly excited and fortunate to welcome Saud to the Brampton Honey Badgers as the franchise embarks on a new chapter of basketball in the Peel Region and across Canada.” Furthermore, Saud’s commitment to basketball is matched by his dedication to positive community impact through his family’s foundation, which provides funding for youth grassroots programs. “It’s a new era for Honey Badger’s basketball and I am humbled to be a part of this exciting team,” said Juman. “I look forward to approaching this role with the discipline and commitment to winning on and off the court, while forging deep connections in Brampton and the Peel community.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS , Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

CANADIAN AND FORMER NBA EXECUTIVE AL WHITLEY JOINS BRAMPTON HONEY BADGERS AS CEO

By Elias Eldridge • November 12, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that Al Whitley, former NBA executive and general manager of the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), has joined the franchise as chief executive officer (CEO). Whitley brings more than two decades of experience in professional basketball, having spent 22 years within the Dallas Mavericks organization, where he helped drive basketball operations at the highest level. His leadership has been defined by his commitment to creating a winning culture, fostering relationships, and developing talent on and off the court. Born in Belleville, Ontario and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Whitley discovered his passion for basketball alongside childhood friend and NBA legend Steve Nash. After playing college basketball at the University of New Brunswick, Whitley began his professional career with the Dallas Mavericks in 2001 in their marketing department, before quickly transitioning to basketball operations. As a special advisor to former Mavericks Majority Owner Mark Cuban, Whitley played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success, including its historic 2011 NBA Championship. That experience, he says, gave him firsthand insight into “what it truly takes to build and sustain a championship team and culture.” In 2017, Whitley was named general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Texas Legends, where he oversaw all aspects of the organization - from basketball operations and scouting, to business development and community engagement - leading the team to its first-ever playoff win. “I am incredibly grateful and excited for this opportunity to help lead the Brampton Honey Badgers back to championship form - both on the court and in the community,” said Whitley. “I want to sincerely thank our owner, Leonard Asper, for his trust and commitment. Being born and raised in Canada, this is a full-circle moment for my family and me. Coming back home to help guide, develop, and grow the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL is not only an honour - it’s a privilege and a challenge I wholeheartedly embrace.” Throughout his NBA career, Whitley has worked with some of the game’s most influential figures, including Mark Cuban, Donn Nelson, Rick Carlisle, Donnie Nelson and legendary players such as Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Luka Dončić. “When I acquired the Honey Badgers, I committed to creating a winning team that also serves as a pillar of its community,” said Leonard Asper, owner of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “Al Whitley’s track record and reputation leave me no doubt that he is the right person to fulfill that mission. We are extremely fortunate that he is making this commitment to Brampton, and I thank him for his trust in us.” As CEO, Whitley aims to elevate the Honey Badgers organization both competitively and culturally - building a championship-caliber roster, enhancing fan engagement, and strengthening the team’s ties within the community. Honey Badgers fans can look forward to an exciting offseason filled with community events leading up to the 2026 CEBL season tip-off in May. Details on 2026 season ticket packages will be announced soon. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS , Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca Jared Clarkson - Senior Publicity Coordinator Route 504 PR jared@route504pr.com

PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS **BEFORE 2024 CEBL SEASON

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023 Ottawa BlackJacks 10 84 21 7-12 2-11 1-6 10 5 15 4 14 2 4 6
Totals 10 84 21 7-12 2-11 1-6 10 5 15 4 14 2 4 6

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023 Ottawa BlackJacks 10 8.4 1.0 0.583 0.182 0.167 1.0 0.5 1.5 0.4 1.4 0.2 0.4 0.6
Totals 10 8.4 1.0 0.583 0.182 0.167 1.0 0.5 1.5 0.4 1.4 0.2 0.4 0.6

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Queen's University 22 683 332 92-182 33-94 41-56 30 152 182 162 38 16 34 58
2022-23 Queen's University 27 806 484 158-289 28-105 84-124 69 192 261 135 67 21 33 78
2021-22 Queen's University 17 553 319 107-203 22-97 39-55 32 114 146 45 39 18 28 52
2019-20 Queen's University 22 588 272 65-114 37-118 31-38 42 126 168 54 64 15 27 48
Totals 88 2630 1407 422-788 120-414 195-273 173 584 757 396 208 70 122 236

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Queen's University 22 31.0 15.1 0.505 0.351 0.732 1.4 6.9 8.3 7.4 1.7 0.7 1.5 2.6
2022-23 Queen's University 27 29.9 17.9 0.547 0.267 0.677 2.6 7.1 9.7 5.0 2.5 0.8 1.2 2.9
2021-22 Queen's University 17 32.5 18.8 0.527 0.227 0.709 1.9 6.7 8.6 2.6 2.3 1.1 1.6 3.1
2019-20 Queen's University 22 26.7 12.4 0.570 0.314 0.816 1.9 5.7 7.6 2.5 2.9 0.7 1.2 2.2
Totals 88 29.9 16.0 0.536 0.290 0.714 2.0 6.6 8.6 4.5 2.4 0.8 1.4 2.7