Xavier Moon contributed the last five points for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, bringing them within two points of winning the CEBL championship for the first time in franchise history. During the Target Score Time, with 12,519 spectators at the Canada Life Centre, Moon decided to pass the ball to DJ Burns, who swiftly passed it to Simon Hildebrandt beyond the three-point line. Hildebrandt’s shot secured the victory for the Sea Bears.
Reflecting on the championship-winning moment, Hildebrandt expressed that it took a while for the reality of the victory to sink in. His journey to that shot began over three years ago when he was selected as the top pick in the U Sports draft by the Canadian Elite Basketball League after his tenure at the University of Manitoba.
Hildebrandt’s success continued in the CEBL, earning him the Developmental Player of the Year award twice. He then ventured into the NCAA with stints at High Point and Washington State before signing with BBC Bayreuth in Germany for the upcoming season.
The triumph of hitting the title-winning shot marked a significant milestone in Hildebrandt’s career, showcasing the culmination of his hard work and dedication. His story exemplifies the importance of nurturing Canadian talent, particularly from local roots, a focus that the CEBL aims to uphold as it progresses into its ninth season.
The league has transitioned from a draft system to “CEBL Signing Day,” where teams sign two players from Canada’s university and college systems. Hildebrandt emphasized the significance of highlighting the talent in U Sports and providing a pathway for young Canadian players to advance to the professional level through the CEBL.
With potential opportunities to represent the national team on the horizon, Hildebrandt expressed his pride in wearing the Canadian jersey. Despite facing challenges and setbacks in his CEBL journey, his resilience and team-first mentality have been instrumental in his success, culminating in a standout performance during the championship run.
The Sea Bears’ commitment to fostering local talent aligns with their tradition, as seen in the legacy of players like Chad Posthumus, whose impact continues to resonate within the team. The team’s ownership and coaching staff recognize the significance of homegrown talent and the role it plays in shaping the identity of the Sea Bears and the CEBL as a whole.