The Winnipeg Sea Bears have drafted three familiar players, two of whom are Winnipeg products, in the expanded CEBL U SPORTS draft. The team welcomed back CEBL U SPORTS Player of the Year, Simon Hildebrandt, with their first round pick (eighth overall).
 
"I'm extremely grateful to run it back with the best fans in the league. The team has already made some huge additions and I'm excited to be a part of this group for season two," said Hildebrandt.  
 
Hildebrandt won the CEBL award for the best U SPORTS player in 2023 after averaging 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per contest. He was one of only four Sea Bears to touch the court in every game last season, playing a key role on the Western-leading team at just 20 years old. 
 
The six-foot-nine grad of Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute followed that up by leading his Manitoba Bisons to a 13-7 record while recording 16.1 points per game in his U SPORTS season. 
 
"Simon Hildebrandt played a very important part in our inaugural season, winning the CEBL U SPORTS player of the Year award and earning a major role in our Sea Bears team. Who can forget his game winning shot at Canada Life Centre against Montreal. We are extremely excited to welcome him back and continue our teamwork into year two. Simon is a fantastic young man who perfectly represents our organization and connects us with the city, his hometown of Winnipeg. Personally, I believe in Simon completely and am looking forward to work with him again this summer," said Mike Taylor, head coach and general manager of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. 

The Sea Bears open training camp Monday, May 13 at Sport Manitoba in Winnipeg before they head to Saskatchewan to take on the Rattlers on May 22. The team's home opener is slated for May 24 at Canada Life Centre against the defending CEBL champions, the Scarborough Shooting Stars.