LJ THORPE

POSITION: Guard 

HEIGHT: 6-5 (195.6 cm) 

WEIGHT: 220 lbs (99.8 kg)

BIRTHDATE: May 13, 1999 (West Palm Beach, FL)

HIGH SCHOOL: Royal Palm Beach Community High School (West Palm Beach, FL)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE: University of North Carolina Asheville (2022)

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed May 8, 2024

YEARS PRO: 2


BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 


Entered season averaging 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 27.3 minutes in 75 games playing professionally in Finland and Lithuania.


2024 CEBL Season (As of July 30): Averaging 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 29.4 minutes in 18 games with the Brampton Honey Badgers … Achieved 20+ in scoring in four contests … Recorded 16 assists, tying the CEBL record for assists in a single game, becoming third in franchise history with 100 assists in a single season, and giving him his 500th professional-career assist vs. Ottawa on July 29 … Had 22 points for the second straight game along with seven assists vs. Vancouver on July 25 … Scored 22 points vs. Scarborough on July 20 … Registered his first double-double of the season grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds with 12 points vs. Ottawa on July 10 … Recorded 13 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in a win against Calgary on July 3 … Dropped 18 points including eight free throws to go along with eight assists and two steals vs. Saskatchewan on June 12 … Had 22 points while adding six rebounds and four assists vs. Scarborough on June 9 … Returned from a two-game absence June 5 vs. Winnipeg, recording six points, seven assists, and three steals … Scored nine points along with five assists and three rebounds in a win over Ottawa on May 26 … Recorded 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting including the target score winner in a home opener victory over Niagara on May 24.


2023-24: Averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 27.3 minutes in 41 games with BC Siauliai in Lithuania … Team leader in scoring, achieving double-figures in a team-best 20 contests … Drained a career-best five triples en route to a 15-point performance against Bristol in the European North Basketball League Quarter Finals on March 7 … Went 7-for-8 from the free throw line contributing to 26 total points against Lietkabelis on February 11 … Scored 19 points to go along with six assists and one steal in the season opener September 17 against Wolves.


2022-23: Averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 27.4 minutes in 34 games with Pyrinto Tampere in Finland … Led the team in assists … Grabbed a season-best four steals on three separate occasions (December 13 vs. Seagulls, January 6 vs. Korihait, and April 8 vs. Kauhajoki) … Scored a career-high 26 points with four rebounds and two steals vs. Kouvot on January 3 … Recording a double-double in a win over Honka on March 22, dishing out a season-best 12 assists to go with 14 points.



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 


Averaged 12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 25.2 minutes in 102 games in a five-year collegiate career at the University of North Carolina Asheville.


2021-22: Averaged 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 23.4 minutes as a senior with the University of North Carolina Asheville … Received All-Big South Honorable Mention and All-Big South Preseason First Team honors … Went 14-for-35 (.400) shooting from distance on the campaign … Scored 20+ points in six contests, including a pair of 28-point performances February 26 and January 29 vs. Presbyterian … Had 14 points and nine assists against Charleston Southern on February 16.


2020-21: Averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 25.1 minutes in 20 games with the Bulldogs … - Named All-Big South Honorable Mention … Ranked third on the team in scoring, with double-figures in 13 games … Second on the Bulldogs in rebounding, assists, and field goals made (81) … Secured 14 steals on the season … Scored a team-high 21 points to go with four rebounds and two assists in a win against Gardner-Webb on January 19.


2019-20: Averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 28.5 minutes in 31 games with the University of North Carolina Asheville … Named a Big South Honorable Mention selection … Finished second on the team and 11th in the Big South in scoring … Had at least five rebounds in all but two league games, leading the team in rebounding on 20 occasions … Ranked eighth in the Big South in steals with 1.4 per game … Became the second player in program history (Kenny George) with a triple-double, with 17 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists at Hampton on February 10, also becoming the first Bulldog with double-digit assists in a game since 2010 …Second on the team with 26 double-digit scoring efforts, including 17 games in a row from January 11 through March 3 … Had four 20-point outings, including 22 points against Tennessee on November 5, earning Big South Player of the Week recognition.


2018-19: Averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 23.9 minutes in 16 games as a redshirt freshman with the University of North Carolina Asheville …  Had six double-digit scoring performances including a season-best 24 points vs. Charleston Southern on February 9 … Corralled seven rebounds at Charleston Southern on February 27 and at Winthrop on January 21.


2017-18: Appeared in one game with the University of North Carolina Asheville before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.



PERSONAL


L.J. is nickname for "Leonard Junior” … Majored in Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina Asheville.


By CEBL May 1, 2025
Seasoned sports executive and business leader steps into key role with Canada’s largest pro sports league
By Elias Eldridge May 1, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that they have signed former Saskatchewan Rattlers guard Ali Sow to a contract after three straight seasons overseas. Sow played in 15 games for the Rattlers in 2022 where he made his professional debut after a historic collegiate career at Laurier University. His time in Saskatchewan was highlighted by a target score game winner versus the Niagara River Lions on July 1 to clinch the victory 92-90. Most recently, Sow has been playing a key role for Zabok in Croatia where he is averaging 8.9 points and 17.7 minutes in 21 games. He shined recently in a 27-point outing on April 9 versus Sibenka where he shot 10-for-14 from the field and had four made free throws, five rebounds, and three assists. “Ali has improved each year since graduating from Laurier University,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He is a skilled guard who will be relied upon to help run our team. We’re definitely looking forward to having him in a Honey Badger uniform this season.” The 6-foot-1 guard has been an offensive juggernaut throughout his professional career, specifically during his time in Austria and Germany. During his time with Kapfenberg in Austria, he averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 30.3 minutes in 24 games. He put up double-figures in every game and recording 20+ points in 15 games for the Bulls. He closed the season dropping 21 points in three straight playoff games versus Klosterneuburg. “I’m thrilled to make a return to the CEBL this season,” said Sow. “Myself and the league have grown a lot since my first stint in 2022 and I look forward to coming to Brampton and experiencing it for a second time.” Overall, over his three years playing professionally across four different teams, Sow is averaging 15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 25.2 minutes in 85 career games. In Germany, Sow established himself as a professional with Koeln, putting up team-high’s in points (23.4 per game), minutes (32.8 per game), field goals made (211) and free throws made (129). He was named German Pro B Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks and dropped a professional career-high of 40 points versus Schwelm on November 19. At Laurier University, Sow made a big name for himself, etching his name into their history books in a variety of ways. He finished his collegiate career as one-time Laurier Athlete of the Year, two-time U Sports Athlete of the Week, four-time Ontario University Association (OUA) Player of the Week, and 14-time Laurier Athlete of the Week. He is a two-time Laurier Men’s Basketball MVP and two-time Laurier President’s Award winner, earning both in 2022 and 2019. The President’s Award is given to the male and female recognized and the university’s most outstanding athlete. Sow averaged a whopping 23.3 points per game as well as 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 32.9 minutes in 86 games with the Golden Hawks. Upon his graduation from the Bachelor of Communications program, Sow completed his collegiate career ranking first in team history in points per game and as their second all-time leading scorer, totalling 1869 points. He also finished first in free throws made (377), second in minutes per game (32.5), and third in three-pointers made (210) and assists (290). Sow’s signing follows the addition of Brampton-native and big man Jasman Sangha out of Canisius University. The Honey Badgers roster is now sitting at 10 players, all of whom are Canadian with Sow coming way of Ottawa. The Honey Badgers 2025 campaign is set to get underway May 18 in Montreal, followed by a quick stop in the nation's capital to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks on May 21. Brampton then returns to the CAA Centre to welcome the Scarborough Shooting Stars to start the club’s third season in the city. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact tickets@honeybadgers.ca for more information. ### 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 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. 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 BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . 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
By Elias Eldridge April 29, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that they have signed another Brampton-native, and the first player of South Asian descent in team history in Jasman Sangha, who will suit up for his first professional season. Sangha is joining the team after six collegiate seasons in the NCAA and JUCO, where he most recently was a starter for the Canisius University Golden Griffins. He finished the season averaging 9.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 24.4 minutes in 20 games. His season was highlighted by a career-high 26 points that included two made threes, six made free throws, and three steals versus the University of Maine on December 14. “We are excited to welcome Jasman back home to Brampton,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “I feel he is going to be a fan favourite as a Brampton native and on the court his size and strength will be a valuable asset.” Prior to Sangha’s time in the NCAA where he also attended California State University Northridge and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, he attended Garden City Community College in Kansas. This turned into a breakout season for the 6-foot-8, 225-pound big man. He ended the year posting 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 25.4 minutes. He had three double-doubles on the year including 22 points and 15 rebounds in his season debut with the Broncbusters vs. Cowley County Community College. “Beginning my professional career in my hometown is something I could not have dreamt up,” said Sangha. “For Canadians like me, the CEBL is an amazing way to kickstart a career and I look forward to showing off what Brampton basketball is all about.” The 6-foot-8, 225-pound big man is joining the Honey Badgers after averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 17.4 minutes on 52 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from behind the arc in 108 games throughout his collegiate career. He is a Southland Conference Tournament Champion after Texas A&M University Corpus Christi took down Northwestern State University in 2023. Sangha finished his high school career in Brampton at Louise Arbour Secondary School where he transitioned from to Pensacola State College to begin his postsecondary career. Sangha’s signing follows the Honey Badgers’ acquisition of Taryn Todd, a Arkansas State standout and All-Sun Belt First Team player. Sangha is the ninth Canadian under contract with the team and the third Brampton native, joining David Muenkat and the teams’ first round pick, Yohann Sam. The Honey Badgers 2025 campaign is set to get underway May 18 in Montreal, followed by a quick stop in the nation's capital to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks on May 21. Brampton then returns to the CAA Centre to welcome the Scarborough Shooting Stars to start the club’s third season in the city. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact tickets@honeybadgers.ca for more information. ### 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 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. 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 BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . 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



PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS **BEFORE 2024 CEBL SEASON

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Pyrinto (Finland) 34 930 433 137-268 24-97 87-118 34 139 173 165 62 3 58 74
2023-24 BC Siauliai (Lithuania) 41 1120 551 169-306 37-112 102-139 17 122 139 237 86 4 43 109
Totals 75 2050 984 306-574 61-209 189-257 51 261 312 402 148 7 101 183

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Pyrinto (Finland) 34 27.4 12.7 0.511 0.247 0.737 1.0 4.1 5.1 4.9 1.8 0.1 1.7 2.2
2023-24 BC Siauliai (Lithuania) 41 27.3 13.4 0.552 0.330 0.734 0.4 3.0 3.4 5.8 2.1 0.1 1.0 2.7
Totals 75 27.3 13.1 0.533 0.292 0.735 0.7 3.5 4.2 5.4 2.0 0.1 1.3 2.4

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 University of North Carolina Asheville 34 795 473 164-317 14-35 103-140 30 97 127 125 85 5 31 104
2020-21 University of North Carolina Asheville 20 501 232 66-124 15-37 55-77 19 63 82 60 42 3 14 54
2019-20 University of North Carolina Asheville 31 885 430 133-266 19-48 107-156 52 147 199 71 91 5 43 77
2018-19 University of North Carolina Asheville 16 383 137 34-76 11-41 36-53 12 44 56 40 37 2 12 42
2017-18 University of North Carolina Asheville 1 6 5 1-1 0-1 3-4 0 1 1 2 0 0 4 2
Totals 102 2570 1277 398-784 59-162 304-430 113 352 465 298 255 15 104 279
Averages
Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 University of North Carolina Asheville 34 23.4 13.9 0.517 0.400 0.736 0.9 2.9 3.7 3.7 2.5 0.1 0.9 3.1
2020-21 University of North Carolina Asheville 20 25.1 11.6 0.532 0.405 0.714 1.0 3.2 4.1 3.0 2.1 0.2 0.7 2.7
2019-20 University of North Carolina Asheville 31 28.5 13.9 0.500 0.396 0.686 1.7 4.7 6.4 2.3 2.9 0.2 1.4 2.5
2018-19 University of North Carolina Asheville 16 23.9 8.6 0.447 0.268 0.679 0.8 2.8 3.5 2.5 2.3 0.1 0.8 2.6
2017-18 University of North Carolina Asheville 1 6.0 5.0 1.000 0.000 0.750 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 4.0 2.0
Totals 102 25.2 12.5 0.508 0.364 0.707 1.1 3.5 4.6 2.9 2.5 0.1 1.0 2.7