WINNIPEG – A local talent who took the country by storm in his very first U SPORTS season will wear the bear this summer. 

Simon Hildebrandt, the 2022-23 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year hailing from the Manitoba Bisons, is making the leap to professional basketball with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. 

The Sea Bears picked Winnipeg's very own, Hildebrandt, with the first pick of the CEBL / U SPORTS draft on April 19. Hildebrandt's selection marks the first time a Bison has been taken first overall, and third selection total, after Justus Alleyn in 2019 and Rashawn Browne in 2020. 

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to play professional ball, especially in my hometown. I've been following the CEBL since its inception, and I cannot wait to get the chance to play in this league," he said.

"To be the first-ever draft pick of the Winnipeg Sea Bears is special, and I'm excited to show the country what Winnipeg basketball is all about."

The local product making waves on the national scene is a perfect example of the city's thriving basketball culture. 

Hildebrandt averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals in his first-ever U SPORTS season. He showed himself as an instant difference-maker as he helped the Bisons rebound from a 7-9 record in 2021-22 to a historic season in 2022-23. Hildebrandt led his team to 18 regular season wins, which led the conference and nation, and bested the program's previous best (17). 

"We are extremely proud of Simon. It is a great honour for the program that the first-ever U SPORTS draft pick of the Sea Bears is a Bison," added Herd men's basketball head coach Kirby Schepp.

"It is an incredible opportunity for him to develop his game and get a jump start on his future pro career while staying close to home. I know he will use this experience with Coach Taylor and the Sea Bears to grow as a player and person."

The team's inaugural season tips off May 27 at Canada Life Centre. For tickets, visit seabears.ca/tickets.