MICHAEL OKAFOR

POSITION: Guard

HEIGHT: 6-5 (195 cm)

WEIGHT: 200 lbs (91.0 kg)

BIRTHDATE: April 20, 1999 (Toronto, ON)

HIGH SCHOOL: Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant, UT)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE: Lakehead University (2023)

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as free agent June 27, 2024

YEARS PRO: 2


BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 

Entered season averaging 7.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 16.8 minutes in 53 games playing professionally in Africa, Kazakhstan, and in the CEBL.


2024 CEBL Season (As of July 30): Averaging 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 18.1 minutes in nine games with the Brampton Honey Badgers … Scored a CEBL career-high 16 points with 6 rebounds vs. Ottawa on July 30 … Had season-highs of 12 points and eight rebounds, including six offensive rebounds vs. Vancouver on July 25 … Scored nine points in 19 minutes off the bench to go with six rebounds and two blocks vs. Niagara on July 17 … Had a season-best 10 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field July 3 vs. Calgary … Scored six points in Honey Badgers debut June 28 at Montreal … Signed with Honey Badgers on June 27.

2023-24: Averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 20.1 minutes in 16 games with Barsy Atyrau in Kazakhstan … Scored a season-best 28 points while shooting 11-for-20 from the field and grabbing 12 rebounds April 5 against Caspiy Aktau … Had 17 points and 10 rebounds March 13 vs. Astana, recording his first of two double-doubles on the campaign.


2023: Averaged 11.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 18.0 minutes in three games with ABC in Africa.


2023 CEBL Season: Averaged 2.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 13.8 minutes in 18 games with the Winnipeg Sea Bears … Scored eight points on 3-for-4 shooting in the season opener vs. Vancouver on May 27.


2022 CEBL Season: Averaged 5.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 16.8 minutes in 16 games with the Hamilton Honey Badgers … Won the CEBL Championship … Had 12 points and secured four rebounds vs. Saskatchewan on July 12 … Grabbed a season-high eight rebounds June 4 at Scarborough … Made his first professional start June 2 vs. Guelph, playing 32 minutes and scoring nine points.



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 

Averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 21.9 minutes in 126 games in a five-year collegiate career at Harcum Community College, Manhattan College, and Lakehead University.


2022-23: Averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 27.8 minutes in 25 games with Lakehead University … Named an OUA Second Team All-Star. … Ranked 14th in overall OUA scoring … Scored 20+ in seven games … Recorded double-figures in scoring in all but five contests …  Tallied 27 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals February 4 vs Toronto Metropolitan University … Dropped 20 points in the season opener against Guelph on November 4.


2021-22: Transferred to Lakehead University … Averaged 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.6 steals, and 28.7 minutes in 15 games … Named OUA West Second-Team All-Star… Named Male Athlete of the Year and Most Valuable Player by Lakehead University … Scored 20 or more points in seven games … Ranked 10th overall in OUA scoring … Registered six double-doubles in points and rebounds … Tallied five steals in three straight games … Grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds while scoring 15 points and nabbed three steals November 26 vs. Western.


2019-20: Transferred to Manhattan College … Averaged 1.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 7.6 minutes in 23 games … Secured three steals in six minutes of action against Quinnipiac on February 9.


2018-19: Averaged 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 23.0 minutes in 32 games with Harcum Community College … Played over 700 minutes and 600 points in his career at Harcum College … Finished inside the top 15 all-time in school history for career steals and rebounds.


2017-18: Averaged 9.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 23.5 minutes in 31 games with Harcum Community College … Named third-team NJAA All-Academic.

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
2023-24 Barsy Atyrau (Kazakhstan) 16 321 226 80-146 10-43 36-72 26 61 87 30 28 4 14 21
2023 ABC (Africa) 3 54 33 6-12 5-14 6-10 2 3 5 1 6 1 3 3
2023 Winnipeg Sea Bears 18 249 52 18-39 3-22 7-24 11 17 28 11 28 4 19 8
2022 Hamilton Honey Badgers 16 269 83 31-50 2-21 15-22 17 24 41 15 28 5 9 18
Totals 53 893 394 135-247 20-100 64-128 56 105 161 57 90 14 45 50

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Barsy Atyrau (Kazakhstan) 16 20.1 14.1 0.548 0.233 0.500 1.6 3.8 5.4 1.9 1.8 0.3 0.9 1.3
2023 ABC (Africa) 3 18.0 11.0 0.500 0.357 0.600 0.7 1.0 1.7 0.3 2.0 0.3 1.0 1.0
2023 Winnipeg Sea Bears 18 13.8 2.9 0.462 0.136 0.292 0.6 0.9 1.6 0.6 1.6 0.2 1.1 0.4
2022 Hamilton Honey Badgers 16 16.8 5.2 0.620 0.095 0.682 1.1 1.5 2.6 0.9 1.8 0.3 0.6 1.1
Totals 53 16.8 7.4 0.547 0.200 0.500 1.1 2.0 3.0 1.1 1.7 0.3 0.8 0.9

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Lakehead University 25 695 384 112-230 31-108 67-103 29 128 157 69 59 20 35 66
2021-22 Lakehead University 15 430 271 97-172 11-65 44-57 36 81 117 35 39 12 39 26
2019-20 Manhattan College 23 175 37 13-25 2-10 5-13 12 28 40 8 26 4 10 9
2018-19 Harcum Community College 32 735 370 137-239 12-47 60-121 68 88 156 101 57 20 49 81
2017-18 Harcum Community College 31 730 303 100-182 18-59 49-74 64 83 147 59 52 17 37 52
Totals 126 2765 1365 459-848 74-289 225-368 209 408 617 272 233 73 170 234
Averages
Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Lakehead University 25 27.8 15.4 0.487 0.287 0.650 1.2 5.1 6.3 2.8 2.4 0.8 1.4 2.6
2021-22 Lakehead University 15 28.7 18.1 0.564 0.169 0.772 2.4 5.4 7.8 2.3 2.6 0.8 2.6 1.7
2019-20 Manhattan College 23 7.6 1.6 0.520 0.200 0.385 0.5 1.2 1.7 0.3 1.1 0.2 0.4 0.4
2018-19 Harcum Community College 32 23.0 11.6 0.573 0.255 0.496 2.1 2.8 4.9 3.2 1.8 0.6 1.5 2.5
2017-18 Harcum Community College 31 23.5 9.8 0.552 0.305 0.662 2.1 2.7 4.7 1.9 1.7 0.5 1.2 1.7
Totals 126 21.9 10.8 0.541 0.256 0.611 1.7 3.2 4.9 2.2 1.8 0.6 1.3 1.9