CEBL Brampton Honey Badgers

Honey Badgers Select Trio of Guards in 2024 CEBL Draft

April 11, 2024 - Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Brampton Honey Badgers News Release


The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday their three selections in the 2024 CEBL Draft. Callum Baker, 2nd overall selection in the draft, Cole Syllas, 19th overall, and David Walker, 22nd overall, are a trio of Ontario guards who have a combined experience of 317 games at the collegiate level and 34 games in the CEBL last season. The annual CEBL Draft enables players from U SPORTS and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) to play multiple seasons in the CEBL while maintaining their playing eligibility.

"Each play brings something unique to our team," said Jermaine Anderson, general manager and vice president of basketball operations. "They all have CEBL experience, which should allow them to come in and contribute right away. More importantly, we're looking forward to helping them develop as professional athletes. We're extremely optimistic that they'll be able to use this opportunity to attract interest from various teams and agents overseas."

Baker, a University of Toronto standout guard, returns to Brampton following his final season with the Varsity Blues. The Oakville, Ont. native averaged 23.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 37.0 minutes in 21 games this university season, leading the country in points scored and being named OUA Player of the Year. He averaged 10.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 22.2 minutes in 103 games during a five-year collegiate career at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Flagler College, and the University of Toronto. Baker appeared in 15 games with the Honey Badgers last season as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points, 1.7 assists, and 13.6 minutes. He became the fifth player in CEBL history to start a playoff game as a current U SPORTS player, scoring a career-high 16 points vs. Scarborough in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal on August 4. Baker was selected 11th overall by the Honey Badgers in the 2023 U SPORTS Draft.

"We know what Callum (Baker) brings to our team," said Anderson. "He has the potential to be an impact player in this league and in Europe for many years to come, and our coaching staff is extremely excited to work with him again this summer."

With the 19th overall selection, the Honey Badgers added six-foot-five guard Syllas from Queen's University. In 22 games with his hometown Gaels, Syllas averaged 15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 31.0 minutes. He reached double-figures in scoring in all but four contests, leading to All-OUA Second Team and U SPORTS All-Tournament Team recognition after the season. Syllas was signed as a U SPORTS developmental player last season with the Ottawa BlackJacks, suiting up in 10 games and averaging 2.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 8.4 minutes. He made his professional debut in the season opener May 28 against Brampton, scoring 10 points.

"Cole (Syllas) is an extremely intriguing young player," said Anderson. "He has proven that he can step up in big moments at the U Sports level, and he plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor."

The Honey Badgers also selected Walker from Toronto Metropolitan University with the 23rd overall pick. Walker averaged 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 24.9 minutes in 13 games during his second season with the program. Walker also played at Southern Idaho Junior College, Casper Junior College, University of South Alabama, and California State University - Bakersfield for four seasons, combining for 126 games during a six-year collegiate career. He was the 12th overall selection in last year's CEBL Draft by the Scarborough Shooting Stars, averaging 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 21.8 minutes in nine appearances as a rookie.

"David (Walker) is a very talented dynamic guard that can impact the outcome of a game in different ways," said Anderson. "He will certainly be a joy to watch this summer, and I expect that his infectious energy will make him a fan favourite in Brampton."

The Honey Badgers roster continues to fill out with the season opener on May 24 against the Niagara River Lions less than two months away. Prince Oduro, Zane Waterman, and Shamiel Stevenson were all re-signed by the Honey Badgers last month.

Brampton opens the 2024 season at the CAA Centre on May 24 and 26. More information about the Honey Badgers can be found at honeybadgers.ca and @HoneyBadgersCan on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.



Canadian Elite Basketball League Stories from April 11, 2024


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