NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH NIGHTHAWKS
*************************
Today the Guelph Nighthawks announced the re-signing of Head Coach and General Manager Charles Kissi for the upcoming 2021 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Kissi returns to Guelph where he has led the Nighthawks in both capacities since July of 2019. Under Kissi’s leadership, the Guelph Nighthawks qualified for their first playoff appearance at the 2020 CEBL Summer Series.
“When Charles joined the Nighthawks in 2019 he was brought in to lead a shift in the culture of our organization to one that promotes accountability to self and to the team, and delivering a strong work ethic day-in and day-out,” said President Cameron Kusch. “You could see that shift take place at the end of the 2019 season and into the 2020 Summer Series season. Now I’m excited to see Charles fully implement his vision over the course of a full season, as we plan to return to a more traditional 20-game schedule in May of 2021.”
In his time as the lead assistant with the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors NBA G-League affiliate, Kissi contributed to the development of a number of current Raptors, including Chris Boucher, Oshae Brissett, Henry Ellenson, and Paul Watson. Prior to joining the Raptors organization, Kissi led the Brock University Men’s Basketball program, transforming the 4-win program into a consistent national USPORTS contender.
Charles Kissi commented, “I am excited to continue to lead and grow the culture of the Guelph Nighthawks. Our mission is to build the game and be leaders within the community, as well as to bring home a CEBL Championship to the Royal City. I look forward to getting back on the court in the Sleeman Centre in front of our incredible fans.”
For the latest updates on the Nighthawks 2021 season please visit www.thenighthawks.ca.
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 80% of its current rosters being Canadians. Players come from the NBA G-League, top international leagues, the Canadian National Team program, and top NCAA programs as well as from U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. More information is available at www.cebl.ca.
*************************
