Some sharp-eyed fans in the stands at Langley Events Centre on Saturday may have recognized the 6’5” 225 lb. visitor who was cheering on the Bandits as they avenged their defeat earlier in the month by flattening Ottawa BlackJacks.
On Sunday, the team announced fan favourite Mitch Creek would be returning to the Bandits for Monday’s game against Scarborough Shooting Stars.
In an enthusiastic online message , Creek made it clear it was a brief return, but he would be back after joining the Australian national team in advance of its FIBA World Cup Qualifier games on July 3 and 6 against Guam and the Philippines, respectively.
“Its only a short period of time because I have to go back with the national team but I am here with the boys,” Creek said. “I did get to see the win last night.”
“The Bandits have a rich history in success and making this program,something so special for all the players and all the fans and I can’t wait to be back and be a part of it.”
Captain Creek reporting for duty
pic.twitter.com/y9OmM0AdxW
— Vancouver Bandits (@vancitybandits) June 14, 2026
Bandits said Creek will rejoin the Langley-based team at the conclusion of his international duties.
During the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, Creek started in all 20 regular season games, averaging a team-high 24.4 points per game along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 34.4 minutes.
He was named CEBL Player of the Year and All-CEBL First Team after leading Vancouver to a league-best 19–5 record.
Creek made his CEBL debut during the 2024 season and currently ranks second on the Bandits’ all-time leading scorers list (643 points).
A native of Horsham, Australia, Creek is a major basketball figure in his home country and has been instrumental to the success of the national team, known as the Boomers, and was recently named to Australia’s roster for the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers taking place in July.
A veteran of 15 professional seasons, Creek was a mainstay and all-star in his home country’s National Basketball League (NBL), logging 338 games and serving as captain for both the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix.