It was a roller coaster week for Stingers fans as news of an exciting signing was followed by disappointing announcement from the CEBL.
On Monday April 19, the Edmonton Stingers announced the signing of 6’7 power forward Brady Skeens. Skeens marks the 11th name on the Stingers promising roster. Fans unfamiliar with Skeens should know that this is a big signing. At 6’7, Skeens is a notorious rebounder with genuine scoring potential. Most recently, Skeens found himself in Finland, playing for the same team as 2020 Stinger signee Marlon Johnson. In Finland, Skeens was a focal point of the team, compiling averages of 12.3 points per game, 12.2 rebounds per game, and 1.4 blocks per game. Skeens also averaged a mind-blowing 73% from the field.
Skeens will without a doubt be a key player on the Stingers roster. Don’t be surprised if we see a starting lineup that consists of Xavier Moon, Mathieu Kamba, Jordan Baker and Brady Skeens. With 14 roster spots still available, the Stingers have plenty of time to address their gap at the centre position.
Just two days after the signing, on Wednesday April 21, the CEBL announced that due to the gravity of the COVID-19 situation in Canada, the season had been pushed back yet again, this time to June 24.
CEBL fans are no strangers to pushed back seasons, but CEBL commissioner Mike Morale put out a tweet reassuring that the CEBL is planning to hit the hardwood in 2021.
The Stingers new anticipated season opener is June 24, where they will face the Fraser Valley Bandits in a Summer Series Championship rematch. The Stingers season will still consist of 14 games expected to be played in local markets across the country. Surely as we continue to creep up to June there will be more updates regarding the imminent return of the CEBL.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Edmonton Sports Fan 