The Winnipeg Sea Bears are proud to announce their full coaching and basketball operations staff for the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, a mix of returning talent and new energy set to lead the team into 2025.
Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor returns at the helm after guiding the Sea Bears to a memorable debut season and back-to-back years with playoff appearances. Taylor brings a wealth of international experience and continues to shape the culture of the team both on and off the court.
Ryan Thomson, Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, enters his third season with the Sea Bears. A long-time leader of the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, Thomson worked alongside Taylor with the then-Fraser Valley Bandits before joining Winnipeg during its inaugural campaign. His basketball IQ and player development insight have been instrumental in the team’s early success.
Returning to the bench is Mike Raimbault, who brings significant local experience after a decorated run with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. Raimbault led the Wesmen to back-to-back Canada West silver medals and U SPORTS Elite Eight appearances in 2023 and 2024. He led the Wesmen to a program best finish in Canada West this season at 16-4. A Brandon, MB native and former standout player at Brandon University, Raimbault previously won a CCAA national championship and CCAA Coach of the Year honours in 2010 with the University of Northern British Columbia.
Former basketball intern Braeden Floyd has been promoted to Assistant Coach, Video Coordinator and Chief of Staff. Floyd spent recent seasons with the Winnipeg Wesmen coaching staff and has earned this step up through his dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions.
“Braeden Floyd is a great story. He has earned more responsibility within our Sea Bears organization impressing us with his work ethic and character,” said Taylor. “Braeden is an excellent young coach who is gaining experience at different levels and building himself up in a great way. I enjoy working with him and will be counting on him a lot this summer as Chief of Staff and video coordinator.”
Also joining the coaching roster is Tevonn Walker, who will serve as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development. Walker, a former pro player, brings a modern player-first perspective to development, accountability, and performance improvement. After playing guard at Valparaiso from 2014-2018, Walker returned as an addition to the coaching staff and later joined the Oklahoma Sooners.
“I’m really excited to add Tevonn Walker to our staff,” said Taylor. “We won a championship together in Hamburg Germany where Tevonn was our starting 2 guard and he has started his coaching career in impressive fashion, leading player development with the Oklahoma Sooners. At OU, Tevonn was instrumental in developing NBA first round draft pick Jeremiah Fears. Tevonn will bring his energy and player development expertise to our team this summer in Winnipeg.”
The Sea Bears are also excited to welcome Basketball Interns Huy Luu, Omid Torabi, and Jonam Kazadi to the team.
Supporting the athletes throughout the season is a dedicated medical and performance staff, including Athletic Therapist Kelly Chambers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches Jeff Wood and Matt Ginter, Team Doctor Dr. Gail Sawa, and Team Chiropractor Mike Minnena.
With a dynamic and experienced staff in place, the Winnipeg Sea Bears are set to build on the momentum of their first two seasons and make an impact in 2025.
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About the Winnipeg Sea Bears
The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city’s only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization’s owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn & Facebook.
Winnipeg Sea Bears Announce 2025 Coaching Staff: A Deep Dive into Leadership and Strategy
The Winnipeg sea Bears are gearing up for the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball league (CEBL) season wiht a coaching staff that blends experience, innovation, and a commitment to player development. The returning core, complemented by key additions, positions the Sea Bears for continued success. Under the leadership of Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor, the team is poised to build upon its established foundation, aiming to further its playoff appearances and make a stronger push for the CEBL Championship.
A Legacy of Experience: The Returning core
Mike TaylorS return is a significant boost for the team. his international experience, tactical acumen, and ability to cultivate a winning culture are crucial assets. Similarly, the presence of Ryan Thomson, Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, offers continuity and strategic depth. His understanding of player development and commitment to the Sea Bears’ vision makes him a valuable asset. Mike Raimbault also returns to the bench, bringing a wealth of local experience and a proven track record of success. These three men are the key of Sea Bears success in the league.
new Faces, New Strengths
The addition of Tevonn Walker as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development brings a fresh viewpoint to the coaching staff. Walker’s focus on holistic player development and high-performance systems is a welcome addition. Moreover,Braeden floyd’s promotion to Assistant Coach,video Coordinator,and Chief of Staff showcases the Sea bears’ commitment to nurturing talent from within.
Team Leadership: By the Numbers
| coaching Staff Member | Title | Key Responsibilities | Years with Sea Bears/Experience |
| :———————– | :—————————————— | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- | :—————————– |
| Mike Taylor | Head Coach & General Manager | Overall team strategy, player acquisitions, culture development | Returning |
| Ryan Thomson | Assistant Coach & Assistant GM | Player development, scouting, game strategy | 3rd Season |
| Mike raimbault | Assistant Coach | Player development, game strategy, and in-game coaching decisions | Returning |
| Braeden floyd | Assistant Coach, Video Coordinator, Chief of Staff | Video analysis, player performance tracking, and administrative support |Promoted from intern |
| Tevonn Walker | Assistant Coach, Director of Player Development | Player skill enhancement, creating high-performance plans, and performance improvement initiatives | New Addition |
| Medical & Performance Staff | Various | Athletes care and support, sports medicine, Strength and Condition, and performance related guidance | Various |
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Building for the Future: Strategy and Player Development
The focus on player development is a recurring theme, evidenced by the addition of Walker. This emphasis underscores the Sea Bears’ commitment to nurturing talent and creating a winning habitat for aspiring pro basketball players. Taylor’s praise of Floyd highlights the importance of internal growth, developing coaches and staff within the organization.
A Thorough Approach: Support Staff
The Sea Bears’ commitment to providing a comprehensive support system for their athletes is clear. The medical and performance staff, including Dr.Gail Sawa, and others, will play critical roles in ensuring the athletes’ well-being and optimal performance throughout the demanding CEBL season.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With a strong coaching roster that combines experience and innovative approaches,the Winnipeg sea Bears are positioned for success in the 2025 CEBL season. By emphasizing player development, strategic planning, and a robust support system, the team is ready to build on its previous achievements and contend for the CEBL Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the Head Coach of the Winnipeg Sea Bears?
A: Mike Taylor serves as both the head Coach and General Manager for the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
Q: Who is the owner of the Winnipeg Sea Bears?
A: The owner of the Winnipeg Sea bears is David Asper.
Q: When does the CEBL season take place?
A: The CEBL season typically runs from May to August.
Q: Where do the Winnipeg Sea bears play their home games?
A: The Winnipeg Sea Bears play their home games at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg.
Q: How can I find more details about the Winnipeg Sea Bears?
A: You can find more information on the Sea Bears’ website at seabears.ca and on their social media channels (@wpgseabears on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn & Facebook).
Q: How many seasons has Mike Taylor been with the Sea Bears?
A: This is Mike Taylor’s third season as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Sea Bears, and his work in the first two years have been outstanding.
Q: What is the role of the Director of Player Development?
A: The Director of Player Development, Tevonn Walker, is responsible for enhancing players’ skills, setting high-performance standards, and implementing initiatives to improve player performance.
Q: What are the key roles for the medical and performance staff?
A:* The medical and performance staff, including the Athletic Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Team Doctor, and Team Chiropractor, provides essential support to the athletes, covering sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and overall performance guidance.
