Former NCAA talent and experienced professional Jabs Newby has signed with the Fraser Valley Bandits.
The Bandits announced the signing of the Brampton, Ont. native and guard today (April 9), and he brings with him a wealth of experience playing in top leagues in Canada, Spain and Mexico since 2014.
Newby played his junior and senior years of high school prep basketball at Mountain State Academy in West Virginia, and as a junior that program was ranked in the top-30 in the United States. His senior year saw the team ranked in the top-25 in the country, and he averaged 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals.
He then initially played college basketball at Eastern Kentucky of the NCAA Division I starting in 2010, but then transferred Pennsylvania’s Gannon University in Division II after his sophomore year from 2012 to 2014. His best year numbers wise at Gannon was in 2012-13 when he averaged 4.1 points, 3.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and one steal in 21.1 minutes played.
Newby was then drafted by the Saint John Mill Rats of the National Basketball League of Canada in 2014. He also spent time with the Mississauga Power and Saint John Riptide teams in Canada. He went on to suit up for Mexico’s Los Mochis and Spain’s CB Clavijo in 2017, Spain’s Araberri Basket Club in 2018 and this past season Newby played for Spain’s UDEA Baloncesto. Over 25 games, Newby averaged 6.2 points, 2.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to play for a great organization and the best fans in the CEBL,” Newby stated in a press release. “I look forward to bringing my aggressive play on both ends of the floor, giving back to the community and being part of a winning culture. [Bandits] Coach [Kyle] Julius believes in toughness, grit and work ethic. I am more than happy to be a part of what we want to accomplish this season.”
Julius said he’s excited to have Newby on board and his familiar with his style of play.
“Jabs has carved out an outstanding pro career for himself,” Julius stated. “I had the opportunity to coach Jabs his rookie year and his motor, toughness and ability to score the ball was great and he has improved every year since. Jabs is another tough guard who will help on both sides of the ball.”
The Bandits are set to begin their second season in the CEBL this upcoming summer.
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