Following a successful 2013 Florida Basketball Association campaign, several players who competed for the Tampa Bay Rebels have garnered opportunities to compete in various international leagues. Two former Rebels are currently competing in the National Basketball League of Canada, the top league in the country. The NBL has been gaining respect from the international community as it features talented players with international backgrounds throughout the league.
Former Rebels’ center and University of Connecticut product Charles Okwandu signed with the Mississauga Power of the National Basketball League of Canada on November 16th. On the same day he was signed, Okwandu played in his first game. Through the first 3 games of the season, Okwandu has averaged 4 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field, and has increased his points and rebounds in every game he has played.
Joining Okwandu north of the border is former Rebels’ point guard and Butler University product Shawn Vanzant, who was selected with the 9th pick of the first round in the 2013 NBL draft by the Island Storm. Vanzant has averaged 10.6 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 rebounds through the first 10 games of the season.