Vancouver Bandits training camp this opens Friday, May 19, at 91原创 Events Centre with a roster of 14 athletes; six Canadian veterans, four Americans, one non-American overseas import and three U SPORTS development athletes.

The group will be led by head coach and general manager Kyle Julius, returning to the Canadian Elite Basketball League franchise for the first time since he led BC鈥檚 professional basketball team to the brink of championship glory in 2020 when the Bandits fell to the Edmonton Stingers in the Summer Series finals.

READ ALSO: Julius returns as Bandits coach

鈥淲e have established a culture of toughness and we have worked hard to bring in a gritty group of like-minded guys. We know we have a rocky mountain to climb and we can鈥檛 wait to start,鈥� Julius said.

A trio of sharpshooters are returning to LEC this; including Alex Campbell, Malcolm Duvivier and Shane Gibson.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili, DJ Steward, Nick Ward each bring NBA G League and Summer League experience.

Two decorated Canadian NCAA Division I exports in Stefan Jankovic and Duane Notice bring poise and talent to the Bandits.

Added size in the front court arrives in the form of Kelowna鈥檚 own, Grant Shephard, and 6-foot-9 forward Kur Jongkuch. READ ALSO: Kelowna native latest signed to play hoops for Vancouver Bandits

Alongside Shephard, this year鈥檚 construction of the Bandits roster features three other local hoopers in 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Draft selections Diego Mafia from the University of Victoria, and Brian Wallack from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Rounding out the local contingent is Gus Goerzen from UBC Okanagan, who signs as a U SPORTS Development Athlete.

Champaign, Ill., bred Jaycee Hillsman brings his 6-foot-7 frame to the wing for the Bandits.

The Bandits tip-off the 2023 CEBL campaign on Saturday, May 27 when the club takes on the Winnipeg Sea Bears at Canada Life Centre. Fans will have their first chance to watch the Bandits on home soil at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday, June 3 when Vancouver welcomes the Calgary Surge for its first-ever visit to LEC.