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 March 25, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that Toronto native and former Honey Badger Patrick Emilien has agreed to a deal with the club, rejoining the team after a previous stint in 2023. Emilien joined the Honey Badgers for their final four games of the 2023 season for his first action in the CEBL. This followed a ten-game stretch with the Casey Cavaliers of the Australia-NBL One League where he made his professional debut. “I’m looking forward to coming on board with the Honey Badgers and showing my home country what I can do,” said Emilien. “After my last stint with the team in 2023, I have been looking forward to the opportunity to run it back.” The forward’s return to the Honey Badgers comes with vast growth in his offensive game, especially from behind the arc. Since his last spell with the team, his three-point efficiency has jumped from .222 in his four games with Brampton to .397 this season on 3.7 attempts per game with Honka in Finland. “Patrick’s fundamental approach to the game, character and versatility exemplifies the brand of basketball we’re striving to achieve this season,” said Jermaine Anderson, general manager and vice president of basketball operations. “We are excited to add another skilled up and coming domestic player to the roster.” As a two-year professional, Emilien is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 25.3 minutes in 69 games across Finland, Austria, Australia, and the CEBL with the Honey Badgers. This season with Honka, Emilien is averaging career-highs in three-point percentage (.397), assists (1.5) and steals (1.0), and ranks third on the team in points per game (13.9). He began his season in Finland with three straight 20+ point games and shooting 10-for-14 from three in that stretch. He also posted an impressive all-around 19-point, 11-rebound, six-assist, three-steal statline December 17 vs. Karhubasket. He impressed in his professional debut with Casey in Australia, posting his current career-high 34 points and six made three pointers in a three-point loss vs. Ballarat on May 27, 2023. Emilien’s collegiate career took him all across the Northeast United States, playing three seasons with Western Michigan University before transferring to St. Francis College in Brooklyn and finally the University of Maryland, where he played his fifth and final season in the NCAA. Across a 136-game collegiate career, he averaged 5.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 19.3 minutes. Emilien’s signing follows the pick up of fellow Canadian-forward and Brampton-native, David Muenkat. He is the fourth player officially ready to suit up in the Black & Gold this year, joining Muenkat, Prince Oduro who will play his fourth season with the team, and reigning Canadian Player of the Year Koby McEwen. The Honey Badgers 2025 campaign is set to get underway May 18 in Montreal, 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 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 . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca
By Elias Eldridge March 19, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that Brampton’s own David Muenkat has agreed to a deal to join his hometown franchise for the 2025 season. Muenkat has played three seasons in the CEBL with Winnipeg in 2024 and Scarborough in 2023 and 2022. Last season with the Sea Bears, he eventually earned a starting spot thanks to his consistent and versatile play on the defensive end, as well as his complimentary offensive skillset. He posted five games with double-digit scoring in 2024 including a season-high of 16 points June 6 vs. Niagara. “We’re extremely excited to welcome David back home, where he grew up,” said Jermaine Anderson, general manager and vice president of basketball operations. David is extremely versatile on both ends of the floor and more importantly he takes pride on the defensive end, helping to shape and mold our identity moving forward.” Muenkat’s CEBL career is highlighted by a championship with the Shooting Stars in 2023. He was a key contributor for their team, averaging 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game. While offensively Muenkat’s vertical athleticism shines, he has continually grown as a three-point shooter, taking almost one per game in 2023, up from only four total attempts the season prior, and knocking them down at a 38.5 percent rate. “I am incredibly excited and grateful to be able to come back and play basketball professionally in my hometown,” said Muenkat. “It is a full circle moment and something that is nothing short of special. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to not only play in front of friends and family, but to also give back and impact my community first-hand. I am blessed beyond words and I look forward to competing and doing my part to help win some games for this organization.” In a three-year professional career, Muenkat has played three seasons in the CEBL and two seasons for Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany. He has averaged 8.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 21.2 minutes in 114 games up to this point. This season for Frankfurt, he is second on the roster in total minutes played (643), and second in rebounds per game (5.6) and steals (1.1). In regular season play, Muenkat has shot the three-ball at a career best 41.3 percent on 3.3 attempts per outing over 19 games. Muenkat had a very successful collegiate career over five seasons with St. Francis Xavier University (U SPORTS), St. Francis College (NCAA), and Trinidad State Junior College (JUCO), having averaged 11.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 21.3 minutes in 117 games. In his final year with St. Francis Xavier, Muenkat was awarded U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, U SPORTS All-Canadian Second Team and All-AUS (Atlantic University Sport) First Team. With all of this personal success also came team success. St. Francis Xavier won the AUS Championship with Muenkat taking home tournament MVP. He also led the X-Men to the U SPORTS Championship Final, their first appearance since 2004. They took Carleton University, who at the time were coming off three-straight championships, to double overtime before ultimately falling 109-104. Muenkat finished the game with a collegiate career-high of 31 points with 13 rebounds and 11 made free throws. Muenkat’s signing follows the re-signing of Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Sheldon Cassimy for the 2025 campaign. He is the third player officially ready to suit up in the Black & Gold this year, joining reigning Canadian Player of the Year Koby McEwen, and Prince Oduro who will play his fourth season with the team. 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 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 . Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca
By Elias Eldridge March 17, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that The Food Quotient Inc., a local health-forward and globally-inspired restaurant, has agreed to an official partnership agreement with the organization. The Food Quotient Inc. will join the franchise as their exclusive meal provider for the 2025 season, providing meals for Honey Badgers players and staff. In addition, they will be the Honey Badgers presenting partner for training camp, which is set to begin in May. “The Food Quotient Inc.’s meals were a highlight for our players and staff last season,” said Josie Pingitore, President of the Honey Badgers. “Having Amisha and her team back for another season solidifies our premier partnerships and player experience.” The Food Quotient Inc. offers meals that suit the needs of anyone. With as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible and an emphasis on quality, uniqueness, freshness, service, and health, The Food Quotient aims to provide an experience of eating out without feeling guilty about it. “The Food Quotient has been proud to partner with the Brampton Honey Badgers ever since they chose Brampton as their home in 2023,” said Amisha Moorjani, president and founder of The Food Quotient Inc. “For us, they are family! We are honoured to be the team’s official meal provider and fuel them on their way to breaking new records. This year is even more special, as we highlight our ongoing commitment since 2018 to serving locally-sourced fresh produce and fresh chicken for our very own local pro-basketball team! Our message to Honey Badgers fans: Don’t settle for greasy, unhealthy, ultra-processed food that has travelled 100’s of miles to get to your plate; The Food Quotient is here to serve real food that is healthy, delicious, affordable, and local!” 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 The Food Quotient Inc. The Food Quotient® aims to re-ignite people's passion for wholesome, flavourful, and nourishing foods, saving them time and money, while enhancing their quality of life. They are a multi-award-winning, environmentally responsible company that offers meal delivery, catering, and takeout services. They take pride in serving healthy and gourmet vegan, plant-based, and halal food inspired by global flavours. They are proudly Canadian, and have been serving Ontario-grown produce and Ontario chicken since 2018. Taste The FQ Difference™ today! Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive and Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.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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