The Calgary Surge basketball team is putting the front office pieces in place, starting with the announcement of the team’s first-ever general manager.
The team announced Wednesday that former Guelph Nighthawks’ assistant GM Shane James would be the Calgary Surge’s inaugural general manager. James spent two seasons with the Nighthawks before they relocated to Calgary.
“Shane James is a former pro player who has spent his career involved in all levels of basketball,” said Jason Ribeiro, Calgary Surge vice-chairman and president.
“He has developed an eye for Canadian talent that is second to none. Most importantly, his values deeply align with the Calgary Surge’s commitment to community and our desire to win a championship for the city.”
Late last month, the Calgary Surge announced the game schedule for their first season in the city. They’ll be playing out of the Markin MacPhail Centre at Winsport.
James comes to Calgary with a solid track record of developing talent. He was the founder and director of the Under Armour Canada Elite AAU basketball program. He had a hand in developing such Canadian NBA players as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Karim Mané, Justin Jackson and Thon Maker.
James, a former Loyola University player, played professionally overseas before landing back in Ontario to start the youth programming. He said he’s honoured to be selected as the first Calgary Surge GM.
“I have been really impressed with what the Surge are doing in community and for youth since launching in October,” he said.
“Surge fans can look forward to an entertaining basketball experience when they pass through the doors of WinSport Event Centre beginning this spring.”
More Surge news is expected in the build-up to the season’s start. A community event is planned for early March, the club said.
For information on tickets, visit the Calgary Surge website.
