Jevohn Shepherd returning as GM and VP of basketball operations of BlackJacks

Jevohn Shepherd is returning as general manager and vice-president of basketball operations with the Ottawa BlackJacks, the organization announced on Monday, Dec. 5. 

Shepherd became the second general manager in franchise history on Nov. 23, 2020.

“The first two years with the BlackJacks have been an incredible experience, but we are not done.” he said. “The basketball community is starting to rally around our team and we are seeing BlackJacks basketball grow in gyms, community centres, schools and parks. I feel like we have taken positive steps in building a championship organization. I look forward to continuing to work for a great fanbase and putting together another team on the floor that everyone can call their own.” 

He will continue to lead the basketball operations for the Ottawa BlackJacks, who will enter their fourth Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season in 2023. 

The BlackJacks have reached the CEBL Championship Weekend final four in both years of Shepherd managing the pro basketball team in the nation’s capital. 

“Jevohn is one of the most authentic people I have worked with in my career, ” said BlackJacks president Michael Cvitkovic. “He is the epidemy of why the CEBL was created. Dedicated to the national program and growing the game in Canada beyond his playing career, Jevohn has brought with him to Ottawa a wealth of basketball knowledge, an international hoops network and a deep desire to cement professional ball in Ottawa. He cares. With Jevohn helping lead the way, we are building a program that will one day link all of the incredible basketball within Ottawa and Gatineau. Players and coaches want to work with Jevohn because of the environment he has created. We are aligned on the vision of the BlackJacks and I am so grateful Jevohn is returning for a third season.”