Brody Clarke and Narcisse Ambanza Looking to Grow With CEBL Experience

The CEBL has given young Canadian student-athletes at U SPORTS programs an amazing, yet exclusive opportunity to play professional basketball, while still being able to keep their full eligibility.

In February, a partnership was announced between the two, allowing for top U SPORTS players to sign a developmental contract and spend a four-month period with one of the six teams across Canada.

It’s a chance for them to hone their skills and learn from some of the best in the country. And for Alberta Golden Bears’ forward Brody Clarke, it could be a major help.

Clarke is coming off an incredible fourth season with the Bears that saw him lead the university to the U SPORTS Final 8 tournament in Halifax this past March.

The 6’9 forward was named a U SPORTS All-Canadian, averaging 18.9 points (second in Canada West) while leading the country in rebounds with 11 per game.

Hoping to expand his game and prepare for what’s to come in his last year with the Bears, it didn’t take much convincing for Clarke after he met with head coach Barnaby Craddock in early March. Craddock insured Brody that playing for the Stingers wouldn’t clash with the time off he needed with his family and his efforts to juggle a full-time job.

“I usually spend my summers in Edmonton anyways, training, using the gym, using the facilities as much as possible,” Clarke said. “For me to just be able to do that now with pros all summer and compete at a high level, that’s kind of a no-brainer.”

Another player that'll be playing for the Stingers this season is Narcisse Ambanza of the Winnipeg Wesmen. Establishing himself as one of the best passers in all of U SPORTS, Ambanza led the Wesemen in scoring this past season, while also earning a conference all-star nod for the third consecutive year.

Averaging 18.8 points and 6.2 assists, the 6’2 guard ranked second in the country in assists and if you ask him about playing in the CEBL, he’s just fortunate to have a chance to taste the pro lifestyle a bit earlier.

"There’s a lot of players in U SPORTS that are probably looking to play professional basketball after this,” Ambanza said. “We’re pretty much getting a head start and then still gonna be able to keep our eligibility and show our improvements over the summer."

Another great add-on for current and graduating student-athletes is that the money they will be earning during the season will go directly to their university tuition, which can be a major boost for a ton of players.

"For certain people, if they don’t have their full tuition paid for, this is a big opportunity for them to cover that burden that lies over their head," Ambanza said.

After three seasons with the Wesmen, Ambanza is focusing this summer on becoming an even better leader for his program, as he’s eager to take as much wisdom from Stingers starting point guard Xavier Moon, who’s spent his last two years playing in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL).

Whether that’s working out with Moon or defending him in practice, Ambanza believes that he’ll be huge for his development.

“I’m just trying to see the way different people lead and how it works for our team, how it’s effective,” Ambanza said. “Along with learning the game and getting my IQ better, the x’s and o’s and whatnot, I think the biggest thing for me will probably be how to lead my group going into next season.”

With both players looking to divulge as much knowledge as possible, this experience for Clarke is a special one, reuniting with some familiar faces that once played for the Bears.

Clarke didn’t get the chance to play with Kenny Otieno in his first year with the Bears due to undergoing surgery on both his knees, but the two will now have a chance to play alongside one another. He will also hit the floor with former Bears forward Mamadou Gueye, who he spent three seasons besides.

“I remember when Mamadou was finishing off last year it was tough,” Clarke said. “Seeing him go was real tough for me, guys like Geoff Pippus as well, same type of deal. The fact that I sort of get to be out on the court with those two again is just exciting for me because I’m familiar with them, they’re great guys.”

Another player Clarke is excited to gear up with is Jordan Baker, a former player and now currently an assistant with the Bears.

“I learn a tremendous amount from him every day and I try to get in the gym as much as I can with him,” Clarke said. “His level of understanding of basketball, but also his work ethic is unparalleled. I always try to soak up as much as I can for him.”