The Winnipeg Sea Bears have brought back another player that’s familiar with the organization: Emmanuel Akot. He joins Xavier Moon, Nathan Bilamu, and Isiah Osborne as the fourth player and third Canadian on the roster. This will be his third season with the team. I had mentioned in my article about the Sea Bears’ protected list players that Akot most likely would return. He was an important catalyst to some of their wins in 2024, but was not up to that same standard last summer. There was also controversy with him leaving to play for South Sudan on late notice, which did ruffle some feathers. It doesn’t seem to have become too much of a problem and it’s nice to see him back.

In 2025, Akot put up 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists. All those marks were similar to the previous year, safe from the percentages which took a significant hit. His role did change a few different times during the summer, with former coach Mike Taylor not sure of what to do with him despite some good performances. So far this year, for the Leicester Riders in the Super Basketball League, he is averaging eight points, four rebounds, and two assists. If he does return to his form from 2024, he will be an x-factor for the Sea Bears.