Surrey-raised James Karnik has re-signed with his hometown Vancouver Bandits, the pro CEBL team that plays at Langley Events Centre.
Karnik, a six-foot-nine forward, will be in his third season with the basketball Bandits, who in 2025 play 12 regular-season home games from May 22 to Aug. 3.
Karnik has established himself as one of the Canadian Elite Basketball League's premier power forwards "thanks in part for his thunderous dunks and tenacious defensive presence," according to a Bandits news release Monday (March 31).
In 24 games during the 2022 and 2024 CEBL seasons, the one-time Earl Marriott Mariner averaged 11 points and 6.8 rebounds in 22.2 minutes of action.
“Being able to play two seasons of professional basketball in my home province has been an amazing experience; we are really building something special in B.C.,” said Karnik, currently overseas with Dutch club Donar Groningen in the BNXT League. “I’m looking forward to coming home and running it back with the team and our fans for another summer."
Karnik played high school ball at Earl Marriott Secondary and BC Christian Academy in Port Coquitlam before transferring to Orangeville Prep in Mono, Ont.
Holding a Czech passport, Karnik represents the Czech Republic in international FIBA play. Overseas, he's played in Switzerland with Geneva Lions (2022-23) and the Czech Republic with Basket Brno (2022-23).
“James has been an incredibly impactful player in the CEBL," said Kyle Julius, Bandits head coach and general manager. "He is an absolute beast on the court and a great presence in our locker room. It is truly a privilege to be able to coach and work with someone like James.”
Karnik first signed with the Bandits back in June 2022.
This spring/summer, the Bandits will play their seventh CEBL season of basketball, with the schedule and ticket info on thebandits.ca.
The CEBL is billed as "a league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives and referees."
