WHEZA PANZO

POSITION:  Forward

HEIGHT:  6-7 (201 cm)

WEIGHT:  204 lbs (93 kg)

BIRTHDATE:  February 4, 2000 (Mississauga, ON)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Potter's House (Jacksonville, FL)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE:  Iona University (2024)

HOW ACQUIRED:  Signed as free agent on July 24, 2025

YEARS PRO:  1

BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 


Joining the Honey Badgers averaging 1.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 8.5 minutes in four games with the Ottawa BlackJacks earlier in the 2025 season. 


2025 CEBL Season: Averaged 1.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 8.5 minutes in four games with the Ottawa BlackJacks … Scored his first professional points in a five-point, three-rebound outing May 27 vs. Scarborough.



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 


Averaged 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 24.6 minutes in 154 games with Iona University and Stetson University.


2023-24: Transferred to Iona … Averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 31.8 minutes in 33 games with the Gaels … Led his team in minutes per game and three-pointers made (90) … Shot the fourth most three-pointers in a season in Iona history with 246 attempts … Posted 10+ points on 15 occasions including 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc March 3 vs. Marist … Put up his third 20-point game of the season with 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting from three-point range to go with two rebounds, two steals, and two blocks February 16 vs. Manhattan … Scored a season-high 23 points with seven made threes and four rebounds December 1 vs. Fairfield.

 

2022-23: Averaged 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 30.0 minutes in 31 games in his fourth season with Stetson … Led the Hatters in minutes per game, three-point percentage (.469), and three-pointers made (76) … Grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds in a 45-minute outing February 24 vs. Lipscomb … Scored 19 points, grabbed four rebounds, and had three blocks and two steals February 2 vs. North Alabama … Set a program record with 10 made threes and a career-high 30 points December 10 vs. Webber.

 

2021-22: Averaged 4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 16.8 minutes in 31 games with the Hatters … Scored 10+ points in four games including 19 points on 6-for-8 shooting February 23 vs. Kennesaw State … Dropped a season-high 20 points in just 18 minutes off the bench, shooting 7-for-8 from the field January 29 vs. Eastern Kentucky.

 

2020-21: Averaged 4.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 18.8 minutes in 26 games as a sophomore … Ranked first on his squad in three-point percentage (.431) … Made at least one three-pointer in 16 games including three made in a 13-point performance February 27 vs. North Florida … Made a season-high four three-pointers for 12 total points in 14 minutes February 1 vs. Carver Bible.

 

2019-20: Averaged 4.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 24.5 minutes in 33 games as a freshman with Stetson University … Scored 10+ points five times including 11 with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal March 3 vs. North Alabama … Grabbed six or more rebounds on nine occasions with a season-high nine to go with six points and three assists November 23 vs. Monmouth.



NATIONAL TEAM CAREER

Represented Canada at the 2018 U18 FIBA Americas and earned a silver medal averaging 4.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 13.8 minutes in four games.



PERSONAL

Son of Wene and Pancha Panzo … Has a brother named Jeani and a sister named Djamila … Played a significant role in Hamilton Heights FCA National Championship run in 2018 … Represented Ontario in the 2017 Canada Games.

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

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2025 Ottawa BlackJacks 4 34 5 1-2 1-7 0-0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 4 34 5 1-2 1-7 0-0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2025 Ottawa BlackJacks 4 8.5 1.3 0.500 0.143 0.000 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Totals 4 8.5 1.3 0.500 0.143 0.000 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Iona 33 1049 316 18-43 90-246 10-15 17 68 85 47 63 19 37 13
2022-23 Stetson 31 931 267 12-40 76-162 15-19 23 120 143 34 53 18 26 12
2021-22 Stetson 31 520 130 6-15 37-95 7-8 19 61 80 11 22 6 9 9
2020-21 Stetson 26 488 109 10-28 28-65 5-8 23 50 73 19 41 9 14 15
2019-20 Stetson 33 807 160 25-66 26-83 32-42 28 101 129 26 60 17 24 19
Totals 154 3795 982 71-192 257-651 69-92 110 400 510 137 239 69 110 68

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Iona 33 31.8 9.6 0.419 0.366 0.667 0.5 2.1 2.6 1.4 1.9 0.6 1.1 0.4
2022-23 Stetson 31 30.0 8.6 0.300 0.469 0.789 0.7 3.9 4.6 1.1 1.7 0.6 0.8 0.4
2021-22 Stetson 31 16.8 4.2 0.400 0.389 0.875 0.6 2.0 2.6 0.4 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.3
2020-21 Stetson 26 18.8 4.2 0.357 0.431 0.625 0.9 1.9 2.8 0.7 1.6 0.3 0.5 0.6
2019-20 Stetson 33 24.5 4.8 0.379 0.313 0.762 0.8 3.1 3.9 0.8 1.8 0.5 0.7 0.6
Totals 154 24.6 6.4 0.370 0.395 0.750 0.7 2.6 3.3 0.9 1.6 0.4 0.7 0.4