CALGARY SURGE ADD HIGH-FLYING G LEAGUE FORWARD OSAYI OSIFO TO 2025 ROSTER
MAY 11 -The Calgary Surge are proud to announce the signing of forward Osayi Osifo for the 2025 CEBL season. A 6’9” forward known for his relentless energy, rebounding prowess, and interior efficiency, Osifo joins the Surge after a standout season with the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League.
Born in Bedworth Park, South Africa, and raised in McKinney, Texas, Osifo’s journey from a track and field athlete to professional basketball has been marked by toughness, perseverance, and constant growth. In the 2024–25 G League season, he appeared in 39 games (25 starts) for the Austin Spurs, averaging 6.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 64.6% from the field.
“Osayi is exactly the kind of player who fits our culture — high character, high motor, and team- first,” said Calgary Surge General Manager Shane James. “His path is inspiring, and his energy and physicality on the court will make an immediate impact in Calgary.”
Before going pro, Osifo enjoyed a strong collegiate career across three programs. He earned First Team All-State NJCAA Region 8 honors at Eastern Florida State College, followed by a season at the University of Florida, where he gained SEC experience with the Gators. He then transferred to Jacksonville University, where he became a key contributor and led the team in rebounding during his senior year. He posted a career-high 17 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Central Arkansas and had a stretch of seven straight games in double figures during the 2022–23 season.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete with the Surge this summer,” said Osifo. “Calgary has built a winning culture and a passionate fan base, and I’m excited to bring energy and toughness every night. Let’s get to work.”
Osifo is the first South African player to suit up for the Surge and will bring a global perspective to the locker room. He joins a stacked 2025 roster aiming to make a deep playoff run.
Tickets for the Calgary Surge’s ‘TRILOGY’ season are now available at calgarysurge.ca. This season includes regular season games at WinSport Event Centre and marquee events at the Westerner Park Centrium in Red Deer and the Scotiabank Saddledome.
About the Calgary Surge
The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). From day one, the Surge have been committed to being the Home Team for Calgary and a space where everyone is welcome.
The Calgary Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over two seasons, the Surge have made back-to-back CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 4000 deserving kids and families to their games for free. Fans can expect even more excitement for 2025! For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca.
About the Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Elias
VP, Brand & Community
Calgary Surge
403-991-2584 |
[email protected]