EDMONTON, Alta. - Taye Donald has been selected by the Edmonton Stingers in the 2024 CEBL draft. Donald was picked in the second round – 16th overall – and will make his Canadian Elite Basketball League debut this summer.
The third-year guard from St. Thomas Ontario led the Golden Hawks in scoring this season with an OUA fourth-best 21.3 points per game. He was named a first-team OUA all-star and second-team U SPORTS All-Canadian for 2023-2024.
"I'm excited to join the Edmonton Stingers for this upcoming season," said Donald. "Playing professional basketball has always been a goal of mine, and now to have the opportunity to do so is like a dream come true."
"I've always felt like an "under-the-radar" type of player, so to get that recognition by an elite team like Edmonton feels great."
The Stingers are the only franchise to win multiple CEBL championships in the league's five-year history, winning back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.
Former Golden Hawks forward and current assistant coach Kemel Archer was a part of the 2021 championship team. Ntore Habimana also played for Edmonton in 2022, meaning Donald will become the third Golden Hawk to don a Stingers jersey.
"I'm super excited that he'll be able to get that experience," said manager of men's basketball operations and head coach Justin Serresse, who'll be making his pro debut this summer with the BAL's Bangui Sporting Club.
"Obviously I'm happy for him, but I'm also excited for our team because we know when those guys go train and play with professional players over the summer, they come back so much better."
"I can't wait for Taye to go there and learn, get better, get that experience and come back and help us go to nationals next year."
The 2024 CEBL season tips off with a battle of Alberta on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m., when Donald and the Stingers visit Scotiabank Saddledome to take on the Calgary Surge. All games are broadcast on CEBL+.
