The Hamilton Honey Badgers have selected University of Dalhousie and Atlantic University Sports MVP Keevan Veinot in the first round and Lakehead University team MVP Michael Okafor in the second round of the 2022 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) U SPORTS Draft.

This is Veinot’s second season as a U SPORTS player with the Honey Badgers. The Port Williams, N.S. native appeared in nine games with Hamilton in 2021, contributing 7.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 15.0 minutes per game. The fifth-year graduate averaged 19.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 31.4 minutes per game through 12 games with Dalhousie this season. He led the Tigers to their third straight Atlantic University Sports (AUS) Men’s Hoops victory, and was awarded AUS First Team All-Star, Tournament MVP and Championship All-Star.

"Keevan is an exceptional young talent with a year of CEBL playing experience,” said Honey Badgers general manager Jermaine Anderson. “He was a valuable asset for our team last season, and we're certain that he will continue to develop and have a positive impact. I truly believe that Keevan is on the path to becoming a high-level pro guard in the foreseeable future. We're extremely happy to have him in a Honey Badgers uniform once again this season."

 Lakehead University’s Michael Okafor was the Honey Badgers second round pick. The 6-foot-4 wing out of Toronto had an outstanding 2021-22 season, averaging 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.6 steals in 28.7 minutes per game in 15 games and was named an OUA West Second-Team All-Star. Prior to joining Lakehead, Okafor played two seasons at NJCAA Division I Harcum College and one season with Manhattan College. 

"Michael is a strong guard with the ability to finish above the rim. More importantly, he takes pride in playing defense and is a high-level rebounding guard,” said Anderson. “We're looking forward to helping Michael develop his game throughout the summer. He will get a chance to learn and play against high-level pros at his position on a daily basis."

The Honey Badgers are coming off a 9-5 record, placing third in the 2021 CEBL season standings. They tip off the fourth Canadian Elite Basketball League season Wednesday, May 25 when the expansion Montreal Alliance visit FirstOntario Center. It will be the first of 100 regular season CEBL games played in 69 days for Canada’s official national professional basketball league. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca or 905-522-BALL.

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Media Contact:

Maria Suriani

Director, Operations and Community Engagement

msuriani@honeybadgers.ca