The Vancouver Bandits kicked off the 2026 CEBL Free Agency period with the return of Canadian Player of the Year Tyrese Samuel. The big man had a great season last year, averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, a steal, and a block per game. The Second Team All CEBL member was one of the best defenders, along with being one of the best players in the league overall. He and Mitch Creek led the Bandits to the top seed in the Western Conference, and went down in a tough semi-final game to the Calgary Surge.

Samuel got a stint with the Brooklyn Nets in the Summer League, which along with his performance in the CEBL netted him another contract with the Phoenix Suns G-League team the Valley Suns for a second straight year. He is currently averaging eight points, six rebounds, a steal and a block per game in 19 minutes.

Samuel will be an integral part of the Bandits again this summer and I am curious to see who they surround him with in 2026. Vancouver faces Saskatchewan on the road May 14th to open their season.