Xavier Moon put up the last five points for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, bringing them within two points of winning the CEBL championship for the first time in franchise history. During Target Score Time, with a packed Canada Life Centre watching, there was anticipation for Moon, a three-time MVP, to take the winning shot himself. However, he passed the ball to DJ Burns, who quickly found Simon Hildebrandt behind the three-point line. Hildebrandt’s shot swished in, securing the victory for the Sea Bears.
Reflecting on the winning shot a few days later, Hildebrandt mentioned that it took him some time to process the moment. His journey to that championship-winning shot began three years earlier when he was selected as the top pick in the U Sports draft by the Canadian Elite Basketball League after his time at the University of Manitoba.
The 23-year-old Winnipeg native has had a remarkable career in the CEBL, winning the Developmental Player of the Year award twice and then moving on to play college basketball at High Point and Washington State in the NCAA. He is set to play professionally in Germany for BBC Bayreuth in the upcoming season, marking a new chapter in his basketball journey.
Hildebrandt emphasized that his success is a result of the lessons learned from various teams and coaches he has worked with over the years. His story epitomizes the type of talent the CEBL aims to nurture, particularly focusing on Canadian players like him who have the potential to shine on the international stage.
In a strategic move to support player development, the league has transitioned from a traditional draft system to “CEBL Signing Day,” where teams sign two players from Canada’s university and college programs. Hildebrandt believes that showcasing talent from U Sports is crucial for bridging the gap between college basketball and professional leagues like the CEBL.
Looking ahead, Hildebrandt’s basketball journey could lead to a spot on Canada’s national team, a dream he has yet to fulfill. Despite facing challenges in his CEBL career, including limited playing time in previous seasons, Hildebrandt’s perseverance and team-first attitude have been instrumental in his recent success on the court.
As the CEBL continues to promote homegrown talent, players like Hildebrandt serve as inspirations for the next generation of Canadian basketball stars. The league’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing pathways for young players to excel is evident in the success stories like Hildebrandt’s championship-winning moment with the Sea Bears.