In the sixth and latest edition of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) entry draft held April 24, three Gaels heard their names called with an opportunity to play professional basketball this summer. This marked the first time any Gael has been drafted to the CEBL.
Luka Syllas ConEd ’25, the Gaels’ starting point guard, was drafted in the second round, 11 overall by the Niagara River Lions. He headlined the season winning U SPORTS and OUA Defensive Player of the Year, while also picking up U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and OUA First Team All-Star honours.
His brother, Cole Syllas Sci ’24, the starting shooting guard for the Gaels, followed closely behind, also being drafted in the second round, 19 overall by the Brampton Honey Badgers. As a former U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and OUA First Team All-Star, he capped off his illustrious Queen’s career with a OUA Second Team All-Star nod.
The final Gael to be selected, Michael Kelvin II ArtSci ’25 was chosen in the third round, 27 overall by the Ottawa BlackJacks. Featuring in the starting lineup as a forward for most Queen’s games this season, he played an integral part in the Gael’s success averaging 10.3 points a game while shooting 39.6 percent from beyond the arc.
The Syllas brothers and Kelvin II played integral roles in leading the Queen’s basketball program to its most successful season ever. Winning its first OUA championship since the 1956-67 season, highlighted by a last minute buzzer beater from Cole Syllas.
The team also finished second at the U SPORTS National Championships in Laval, the highest placement at a national event for any Queen’s basketball team.
For Cole Syllas, this marks his second time on a CEBL roster, signing with the Ottawa BlackJacks last year. With the BlackJacks, he averaged 7.9 minutes a game with 2.1 points, shooting 39.1 percent from the field. Joining a Hamilton Honey Badgers team that finished fourth in the conference last year, his experience could prove useful in making a championship run.
For Luka Syllas and Michael Kelvin II, it will be their first time suiting up for a professional team. Both players are returning to the Queen’s squad next year, bringing valuable experience and skill to the Gaels as they look to build on their historic season.
The CEBL season runs from now until Aug. 11, and all games can be streamed on CEBL Plus.
Tags
All Stars, Basketball, Pro League
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