LJ THORPE

POSITION: Guard 

HEIGHT: 6-5 (195.6 cm) 

WEIGHT: 220 lbs (99.8 kg)

BIRTHDATE: May 13, 1999 (West Palm Beach, FL)

HIGH SCHOOL: Royal Palm Beach Community High School (West Palm Beach, FL)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE: University of North Carolina Asheville (2022)

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed May 8, 2024

YEARS PRO: 2


BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 


Entered season averaging 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 27.3 minutes in 75 games playing professionally in Finland and Lithuania.


2024 CEBL Season (As of July 30): Averaging 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 29.4 minutes in 18 games with the Brampton Honey Badgers … Achieved 20+ in scoring in four contests … Recorded 16 assists, tying the CEBL record for assists in a single game, becoming third in franchise history with 100 assists in a single season, and giving him his 500th professional-career assist vs. Ottawa on July 29 … Had 22 points for the second straight game along with seven assists vs. Vancouver on July 25 … Scored 22 points vs. Scarborough on July 20 … Registered his first double-double of the season grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds with 12 points vs. Ottawa on July 10 … Recorded 13 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in a win against Calgary on July 3 … Dropped 18 points including eight free throws to go along with eight assists and two steals vs. Saskatchewan on June 12 … Had 22 points while adding six rebounds and four assists vs. Scarborough on June 9 … Returned from a two-game absence June 5 vs. Winnipeg, recording six points, seven assists, and three steals … Scored nine points along with five assists and three rebounds in a win over Ottawa on May 26 … Recorded 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting including the target score winner in a home opener victory over Niagara on May 24.


2023-24: Averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 27.3 minutes in 41 games with BC Siauliai in Lithuania … Team leader in scoring, achieving double-figures in a team-best 20 contests … Drained a career-best five triples en route to a 15-point performance against Bristol in the European North Basketball League Quarter Finals on March 7 … Went 7-for-8 from the free throw line contributing to 26 total points against Lietkabelis on February 11 … Scored 19 points to go along with six assists and one steal in the season opener September 17 against Wolves.


2022-23: Averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 27.4 minutes in 34 games with Pyrinto Tampere in Finland … Led the team in assists … Grabbed a season-best four steals on three separate occasions (December 13 vs. Seagulls, January 6 vs. Korihait, and April 8 vs. Kauhajoki) … Scored a career-high 26 points with four rebounds and two steals vs. Kouvot on January 3 … Recording a double-double in a win over Honka on March 22, dishing out a season-best 12 assists to go with 14 points.



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 


Averaged 12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 25.2 minutes in 102 games in a five-year collegiate career at the University of North Carolina Asheville.


2021-22: Averaged 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 23.4 minutes as a senior with the University of North Carolina Asheville … Received All-Big South Honorable Mention and All-Big South Preseason First Team honors … Went 14-for-35 (.400) shooting from distance on the campaign … Scored 20+ points in six contests, including a pair of 28-point performances February 26 and January 29 vs. Presbyterian … Had 14 points and nine assists against Charleston Southern on February 16.


2020-21: Averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 25.1 minutes in 20 games with the Bulldogs … - Named All-Big South Honorable Mention … Ranked third on the team in scoring, with double-figures in 13 games … Second on the Bulldogs in rebounding, assists, and field goals made (81) … Secured 14 steals on the season … Scored a team-high 21 points to go with four rebounds and two assists in a win against Gardner-Webb on January 19.


2019-20: Averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 28.5 minutes in 31 games with the University of North Carolina Asheville … Named a Big South Honorable Mention selection … Finished second on the team and 11th in the Big South in scoring … Had at least five rebounds in all but two league games, leading the team in rebounding on 20 occasions … Ranked eighth in the Big South in steals with 1.4 per game … Became the second player in program history (Kenny George) with a triple-double, with 17 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists at Hampton on February 10, also becoming the first Bulldog with double-digit assists in a game since 2010 …Second on the team with 26 double-digit scoring efforts, including 17 games in a row from January 11 through March 3 … Had four 20-point outings, including 22 points against Tennessee on November 5, earning Big South Player of the Week recognition.


2018-19: Averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 23.9 minutes in 16 games as a redshirt freshman with the University of North Carolina Asheville …  Had six double-digit scoring performances including a season-best 24 points vs. Charleston Southern on February 9 … Corralled seven rebounds at Charleston Southern on February 27 and at Winthrop on January 21.


2017-18: Appeared in one game with the University of North Carolina Asheville before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.



PERSONAL


L.J. is nickname for "Leonard Junior” … Majored in Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina Asheville.


By Elias Eldridge April 14, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that a partnership agreement has been signed with CAA South Central Ontario, one of Canada’s most trusted and recognizable brands. CAA will hold presenting rights for the Brampton Honey Badgers’ fan autograph sessions following each home game. Additionally, they will be running a season-long contest on social media for a chance to win tickets in the CAA Suite for a future Honey Badgers game. “CAA’s beliefs and values to serve their community align directly with what the Honey Badgers aim to achieve as an organization,” said Honey Badgers President, Josie Pingitore. “We are lucky to have them on our team for the 2025 season and looking forward to working alongside them this year.” CAA will have exclusive presenting rights to the Honey Badgers’ Lineup Buddies group experience where they will be donating 20 tickets to the respective organization for their players, coaches, parents, etc. to come enjoy the game. This experience allows youth sports teams or organizations to stand with the players during the national anthem and watch them warm up courtside. Every home game, fans can expect an opportunity to win ‘CAA Member of the Game’ which includes a Honey Badgers prize pack and a $100 CAA store gift card. The first person who shows their CAA membership card in a specific section will be selected as the winner. “We are proud to continue the partnership between CAA South Central Ontario and the Brampton Honey Badgers for the 2025 season,” said Shoshana Fruitman, chief marketing officer, CAA SCO. “This ongoing collaboration highlights our shared commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting local families in Brampton and beyond. At CAA, we are always looking for meaningful ways to give back to our members and the communities we serve. By working together with the Brampton Honey Badgers, we are able to provide our members and the community with access to unique and exciting basketball experiences.” Through the Honey Badgers partnership with Kids Up Front, CAA will be donating tickets for local underprivileged youth to attend games during the 2025 campaign. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Honey Badgers fans can get excited for what is in store for the third season of professional basketball at the CAA Centre. Honey Badgers season tickets and other ticket packages are available now at honeybadgers.ca/tickets . ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . About CAA South Central Ontario For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe, and protected. CAA South Central Ontario, is one of eight auto clubs across Canada, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services, and member savings for over 2.4 million members. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive and Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca
By Elias Eldridge April 10, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday their three selections in the 2025 CEBL Draft, Yohann Sam, second overall, Conner Landell 19th, and Mike Demagus 22nd overall. These prospects will all look to make their CEBL debut this season after a combined 267 collegiate games played in 12 combined seasons. The annual CEBL Draft enables players from U SPORTS and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) to play multiple seasons in the CEBL while maintaining their playing eligibility. “We are excited about this group of skilled collegiate stars we picked up,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations, Jermaine Anderson. “We have a nice combination of youth with Sam (22) and Landell (21), and experience with Demagus (25). With their unique skillsets, each will have a chance to play their way into our rotation and set themselves up for success with their career’s going forward.” Sam, a Brampton-born, All-OUA Third Team, 6’4”, 220-pound guard from the University of Windsor is joining the Honey Badgers after completing his junior year with the Lancers. He is coming off his best season yet, leading his squad in points (17.6) and rebounds (6.4) per game, along with 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 30.8 minutes in 20 games en route to an OUA playoff appearance. Sam scored in double-figures in all but three outings last season, including a career-high 32 points vs. the University of Toronto on November 13, 2024. Throughout his three years and 62 games at Windsor, Sam has posted 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.9 minutes. He will come into Honey Badgers training camp on a developmental player contract. “Sam’s combination of size at the guard position, and ability to score made him a no-brainer for us with our first round pick,” said Anderson. “He is young, hungry, and will have the opportunity to learn the pro game under Koby McEwen this summer.” With their second round pick, the Honey Badgers picked up Conner Landell, a 6’9”, 228-pound big man from Niagara Falls whose collegiate career has taken him all over. Most recently, he finished up his fourth year of college ball in Fredericton with the University of New Brunswick Reds, averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a team-high 2.0 blocks in 19.2 minutes over 21 games. He also led his team in field goal percentage (.595) and offensive rebounds (53). He posted two of his best career games this season with a 15-point, 15-rebound, five-block outing February 14 vs. St. Francis Xavier, and 20 points and nine rebounds on 9-for-10 shooting February 7 vs. UPEI. Prior to his stint with the Reds, Landell played with Fort Hays State University (2023-24), Lamar Community College (2022-23), and Clarendon Community College (2021-22). In his four-year career, Landell has put up 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 13.8 minutes in 104 games. He will join Yohann Sam as one of the Honey Badgers development players coming into the 2025 season. “Efficiency and rim protection are the skills that caught our eye with Landell,” said Anderson. “He has continued to improve with every opportunity that has come his way throughout his collegiate career, and the hope is that he will continue this trend moving forward.” With their final selection of the CEBL draft, the Honey Badgers selected Mike Demagus out of McMaster University. The 6’4” guard was drafted by the Calgary Surge last season and will enter this season on a standard player contract looking to log his first professional minutes. The 25-year-old has played his entire five-year collegiate career with the Marauders, putting up 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 26.0 minutes in 101 games with the team. In the 2023-24 season, Demagus earned All-OUA Third Team honours putting up a career-high 18.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. As a senior, Demagus is coming off 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 27.9 minutes in 20 games. With the Marauders, Demagus has already been able to play under Honey Badgers Head Coach, Sheldon Cassimy. Cassimy is currently also serving as McMaster’s Lead Assistant. “Coach Cassimy speaks extremely highly of Mike’s leadership and willingness to compete,” said Anderson. “We expect Mike to fight for minutes from day one and hopefully set the tone among the other young guards on our roster.” These CEBL draftees fill spots five, six, and seven on the Honey Badgers roster, putting them halfway to the maximum number of 14 roster spots. Sam, Landell, and Demagus will join four fellow Canadians in Brampton with Canadian Player of the Year, Koby McEwen, Prince Oduro, David Muenkat, and Patrick Emilien. The Honey Badgers 2025 campaign is set to get underway May 18 in Montréal, followed by a quick stop in the nation's capital to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks on May 21. Brampton then returns to the CAA Centre to welcome the Scarborough Shooting Stars to start the club’s third season in the city. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact tickets@honeybadgers.ca for more information. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit www.honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . About U SPORTS U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 23 national championships in 13 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives. U SPORTS works in collaboration with 58 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country. About Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is the national governing body for organized sports at the collegiate level in Canada. The CCAA enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport. CCAA student-athletes compete in seven sports at 10 CCAA national championships, each hosted by one of the 95 CCAA member institutions (colleges, universities, technical institutes and cégeps) located in nine provinces. In addition to governing the national championships, the CCAA also provides national awards and recognition to CCAA student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors and member institutions. For more information, please visit ccaa.ca . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca
By CEBL April 7, 2025
 The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday the renewal of a multi-year national partnership with redtag.ca, a Founding Partner of the league and its 10 member clubs. redtag.ca is Canada’s leading full-service travel company and, as the 'Official Travel Partner of the CEBL' will continue to support the league and its teams in coordinating travel across the country as the seventh season of CEBL basketball tips off in May. redtag.ca will continue to provide the CEBL and its 10 member clubs with access to the best air travel options for league-affiliated personnel. In 2025, the CEBL will embark on its longest season in league history, with 127 total games, resulting in redtag.ca assisting teams in traveling over 400,000 kilometers across Canada. Their experience in serving professional sport teams and leagues, and their understanding that no two travellers are alike, will ensure the CEBL and its member teams travel with ease throughout this partnership. “Our longstanding partnership with redtag.ca has united a league built by Canadians, for Canadians, with the country’s most trusted travel company,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner & Co-Founder of the CEBL. “As we continue our growth we have great confidence in their ongoing support to help our players, coaches, staff, officials and fans manage comfortable, timely, and convenient travel across Canada.” To mark this partnership renewal, and as a gesture of appreciation for the CEBL’s passionate basketball fans across the country, redtag.ca is providing every CEBL fan with access to an exclusive travel offer of up to $300 off* their next vacation. Fans can access this offer until December 31, 2025 through the following link: Canadian Elite Basketball League | redtag.ca “We’re pumped to team up with the CEBL once again,” said Sam Youssef, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships at redtag.ca. “Their dedication to Canadian athletes and the communities they inspire aligns perfectly with our passion for helping Canadians explore the world. It’s a slam dunk partnership - on and off the court. We can’t wait for another action-packed season!" redtag.ca makes travel easy for CEBL fans and travellers, building custom trips tailored to their wants by combining flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises and car rentals anywhere in the world. The seventh season of the CEBL tips off May 11 when the Calgary Surge travel to Edmonton to take on the Stingers in the Battle of Alberta. A total of 127 regular season games fill the 2025 campaign, leading to playoffs that begin August 14. Championship Weekend, which features the league’s top four teams during the regular season vying for the league title, will be held at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, August 22-24. Season tickets and flex packs are now available league wide with priority seating access and preferred pricing. Ticket information for all CEBL games, including single-game tickets, can be found by visiting cebl.ca/tickets and cebl.ca/cw25/tickets . *Per booking. Certain conditions apply. See website for terms and conditions. - CEBL - About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ , TSN, TSN+, RDS , Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . About redtag.ca redtag.ca is one of Canada’s top travel companies, specializing in personalized travel solutions for every type of traveller. As part of the H.I.S Canada Travel Inc./TravelBrands family, redtag.ca offers an extensive selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even travel to the edge of space – making it easier than ever to plan and book unforgettable travel experiences. Known for its innovative approach and exceptional customer service, redtag.ca has earned the trust of travellers seeking great value, simplicity, and convenience. With competitive pricing and exclusive perks, redtag.ca ensures customers always get the best value for their travel investment. With over 20 years of experience, redtag.ca is committed to helping travellers create their dream vacations, powered by cutting-edge technology and a passionate team of travel professionals. Discover travel made easy™ at www.redtag.ca . Media Contacts: Aaron Gogishvili – Sr. Director, Communications & Community Relations Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 730-4691 | agogishvili@cebl.ca K y le Warrener – Manager, Communications & Content Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 870-1262 | kwarrener@cebl.ca John Bower – Director, Marketing and Communications U SPORTS 780-667-5646 | jbower@usports.ca Nancy Paquette, Manager, Communications and Events Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (613) 363-3133 | nancy@ccaa.ca



PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS **BEFORE 2024 CEBL SEASON

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Pyrinto (Finland) 34 930 433 137-268 24-97 87-118 34 139 173 165 62 3 58 74
2023-24 BC Siauliai (Lithuania) 41 1120 551 169-306 37-112 102-139 17 122 139 237 86 4 43 109
Totals 75 2050 984 306-574 61-209 189-257 51 261 312 402 148 7 101 183

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2022-23 Pyrinto (Finland) 34 27.4 12.7 0.511 0.247 0.737 1.0 4.1 5.1 4.9 1.8 0.1 1.7 2.2
2023-24 BC Siauliai (Lithuania) 41 27.3 13.4 0.552 0.330 0.734 0.4 3.0 3.4 5.8 2.1 0.1 1.0 2.7
Totals 75 27.3 13.1 0.533 0.292 0.735 0.7 3.5 4.2 5.4 2.0 0.1 1.3 2.4

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 University of North Carolina Asheville 34 795 473 164-317 14-35 103-140 30 97 127 125 85 5 31 104
2020-21 University of North Carolina Asheville 20 501 232 66-124 15-37 55-77 19 63 82 60 42 3 14 54
2019-20 University of North Carolina Asheville 31 885 430 133-266 19-48 107-156 52 147 199 71 91 5 43 77
2018-19 University of North Carolina Asheville 16 383 137 34-76 11-41 36-53 12 44 56 40 37 2 12 42
2017-18 University of North Carolina Asheville 1 6 5 1-1 0-1 3-4 0 1 1 2 0 0 4 2
Totals 102 2570 1277 398-784 59-162 304-430 113 352 465 298 255 15 104 279
Averages
Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 University of North Carolina Asheville 34 23.4 13.9 0.517 0.400 0.736 0.9 2.9 3.7 3.7 2.5 0.1 0.9 3.1
2020-21 University of North Carolina Asheville 20 25.1 11.6 0.532 0.405 0.714 1.0 3.2 4.1 3.0 2.1 0.2 0.7 2.7
2019-20 University of North Carolina Asheville 31 28.5 13.9 0.500 0.396 0.686 1.7 4.7 6.4 2.3 2.9 0.2 1.4 2.5
2018-19 University of North Carolina Asheville 16 23.9 8.6 0.447 0.268 0.679 0.8 2.8 3.5 2.5 2.3 0.1 0.8 2.6
2017-18 University of North Carolina Asheville 1 6.0 5.0 1.000 0.000 0.750 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 4.0 2.0
Totals 102 25.2 12.5 0.508 0.364 0.707 1.1 3.5 4.6 2.9 2.5 0.1 1.0 2.7
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