Xavier Moon was responsible for scoring the Winnipeg Sea Bears’ previous five points, bringing them to within two points of securing the franchise’s inaugural CEBL championship. With 12,519 spectators at the Canada Life Centre, the three-time MVP could have been forgiven for attempting the winning shot himself during Target Score Time. However, Moon passed the ball to DJ Burns in the post, who swiftly passed it to Simon Hildebrandt at the three-point line. Hildebrandt made the shot, leading the Sea Bears to victory.
Reflecting on the championship-winning moment, Hildebrandt expressed how surreal it felt and how it took some time to sink in. His journey began over three years earlier when he was selected as the first overall pick in the CEBL’s U Sports draft from the University of Manitoba. The 23-year-old Winnipeg native’s success in the CEBL has earned him two Developmental Player of the Year titles and a stint in NCAA basketball before signing with BBC Bayreuth in Germany for the upcoming season.
Hildebrandt emphasized the importance of promoting Canadian talent, especially from U Sports, within the CEBL as the league transitions into its ninth season in 2027. The league now allows up to five imports on each roster, but the focus remains on nurturing local players like Hildebrandt who have risen through the ranks.
The CEBL has introduced “CEBL Signing Day,” replacing the draft, where teams sign two players from Canadian university and college systems. Hildebrandt believes that highlighting U Sports talent and providing a pathway to the CEBL for aspiring Canadian players is crucial for the league’s growth. The Winnipeg native also aspires to represent Canada at the national level, expressing his pride in potentially wearing the Canadian jersey for international competitions.
Despite facing challenges in previous CEBL seasons, Hildebrandt’s perseverance and team-first attitude led to his standout performance in the crucial playoff games, ultimately culminating in the championship victory. His contributions, both on and off the court, exemplify the Sea Bears’ commitment to fostering local talent and embodying the spirit of the CEBL.
