Two six-foot guards and a six-foot-seven forward – all from B.C. universities – were signed this week to play with the Vancouver Bandits.
Returning to play basketball at the Langley Events Centre again is Jack Vandenberg, who in his junior year at Trinity Western University – during the 2025-26 season – led his team with 15.8 points-per-game while also averaging 3.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 20 games with 19 starts.
The club signed him to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.
From Vancouver, Vandenberg initially earned an invitation to the inaugural Bandits University Combine. Forty local student-athletes competed against each other, developing their game against B.C.’s top young talent and with the help of Bandits coaching staff.
The club hosted the combine to identify players who can make an impact in training camp and potentially sign to its roster for the upcoming 2026 season, explained head coach and general manager Kyle Julius.
“Jack Vandenberg is one of the premier shooters in Canada. He proved it again at our combine, where he stood out for his elite space and shot-making,” said Julius.
“Having coached him in the gym, I know he’s tough, a leader on his university team, and a player who is going to help push our culture forward.”
Julius stressed the importance of Vandenberg’s ability to space the floor in training camp, which begins on Tuesday, May 5.
“We are excited to add his toughness and sharpshooting as we gear up for camp,” he continued.
Prior to his time with the Spartans, Vandenberg attended Montreal’s Concordia University in the 2022-23 season. An alumnus of St. George’s School in Vancouver, he earned second team all-star honours at the 2022 BC 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Championship where he helped lead his school to a top 10 finish in his senior year.
The Bandits also announced the signing of the University of British Columbia Okanagan’s (UBCO) all-time leading scorer and assist leader Jalen Shirley.
Shirley, a native of Brampton, Ont., was also invited to participate in the Bandits University Combine.
“At our combine, Jalen stood out for not getting sped up and playing with control,” said Julius. “We are thrilled to bring him in and give him the platform to develop into a top-tier professional as he transitions from university to the next level.”
He averaged 20.8 points per game in his final season (2025-26), which ranked second in the Canada West conference, as well as 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 34.4 minutes played per game across 23 games and starts. His play earned him Canada West third team all-star honours.
Shirley finished his six-year university career as the UBCO Heat’s all-time leader in points and assists, while ranking second all-time in steals, and received the school’s men’s graduating athlete of the year award.
“Jalen is an elite U SPORTS point guard who plays the game with solid poise and pace. In pick-and-roll situations, he plays with flow and gets to his spots,” added Julius.
And on Tuesday, they signed University of Victoria Vikes standout and former U SPORTS national champ Shadynn Smid. Smid also came through the Bandits University Combine, where Julius had a chance to see his skills first hand.
“Shadynn is a rare combination of elite athleticism and growing skill. He was one of the best players in Canada and we think he can impact winning for us right away,” said Julius.
“Shadynn is an explosive athlete who brings a relentless motor every time he steps on the floor. He embodies our team’s culture and we are excited to get to work with him.”
Fans will get their first chance to watch the Bandits’ in a charitable pre-season game on Saturday, May 9, at 5 p.m. on the Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre, when the club faces the Sikh Warriors. Proceeds from the pre-season tickets benefit the Bandits Community Foundation.
The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14, on the road in Saskatoon, before coming back to Langley Events Centre for a home opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m. Tickets and information at: thebandits.ca.