Former Canadian national team player Jevohn Shepherd was named general manager of the CEBL’s Ottawa BlackJacks on Monday.

The well-travelled 34-year-old played professionally for 11 seasons, with stints in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania, and was drafted in the second round by the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Guelph Nighthawks in 2019.

“The CEBL has quickly grown credibility among Canadians and international pros around the world,” Shepherd said in a statement. “The foundation is set in our nation’s capital for long-term professional basketball success.”

The Toronto native joins a squad that’s rich in homegrown talent. Former Carleton standouts Phil and Thomas Scrubb and Johnny Berhanemeskel led the BlackJacks to the semifinals of the Summer Series this past season.

Shepherd takes over for Dave Smart, who became GM after retiring as head coach of the powerhouse Carleton Ravens. Smart is director of basketball operations at Carleton and a consultant with the Ottawa Senators.

The seven-team CEBL is heading into its third season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2020.