Xavier Moon led the Winnipeg Sea Bears by scoring the team’s last five points, bringing them within two points of securing their first CEBL championship title. During the crucial Target Score Time, with a packed crowd of 12,519 at the Canada Life Centre, the three-time MVP could have taken the final shot himself, but instead, he passed the ball to DJ Burns in the post, who swiftly kicked it out to Simon Hildebrandt behind the three-point line. Hildebrandt sunk the shot, securing the victory for the Sea Bears.
Reflecting on the winning moment, Hildebrandt described feeling a mix of emotions and mentioned that it took him a while to fully grasp the reality of the situation. His journey to that championship-winning shot began over three years earlier when he was selected as the first overall pick in the U Sports draft of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, coming from the University of Manitoba.
Since then, the 23-year-old Winnipeg native has achieved notable success in the CEBL, winning Developmental Player of the Year twice and subsequently playing two seasons in the NCAA at High Point and Washington State. He is now set to embark on his first professional overseas stint in Germany with BBC Bayreuth.
Despite the championship victory, Hildebrandt sees this as just a milestone in his basketball journey, acknowledging the various teams and coaches that have contributed to his growth as a player. His story highlights the importance of nurturing Canadian talent, particularly undiscovered players like himself, a narrative the CEBL aims to continue promoting as it enters its ninth season in 2027.
The league has shifted its focus to developing pathways for Canadian players, replacing the draft with “CEBL Signing Day,” where teams sign two players from Canada’s university and college systems. Hildebrandt emphasized the significance of showcasing the talent in U Sports and creating opportunities for young Canadian athletes to transition to professional basketball through the CEBL.
Looking ahead, Hildebrandt’s basketball journey could potentially lead him to the national team, a dream he has yet to fulfill at the senior level. Despite facing challenges in his CEBL career, including limited playing time in previous seasons, Hildebrandt’s perseverance and team-first mentality shone through in crucial moments, culminating in his standout performance during the championship games.
The Sea Bears’ commitment to nurturing local talent is deeply ingrained in their tradition, exemplified by players like Chad Posthumus, whose legacy continues to inspire the team. Hildebrandt’s heroics in the Finals mirror the sentiment of hometown pride and resilience that defines the Sea Bears, embodying the essence of what the CEBL stands for – a platform for showcasing Canadian talent and fostering a strong basketball community.