OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the signing of guard Justin Harmon for the 2026 season. Harmon, a 6-foot-4 Chicago native, joins Ottawa while currently competing in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars.
The move bolsters the BlackJacks’ backcourt as they prepare for the upcoming CEBL campaign. Harmon’s addition brings a proven scoring ability and defensive tenacity to a team looking to contend for another championship. The CEBL is gaining increased attention as a developmental league for aspiring professional basketball players and Harmon represents the caliber of talent now choosing to compete north of the border.
Harmon’s 2025-26 G League Performance
During the 2025-26 NBA G League season with the Salt Lake City Stars, Harmon has been averaging an impressive 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He’s demonstrated efficiency from the field, shooting 50.7 percent overall and a remarkable 47.2 percent from three-point range across 37 appearances. These numbers highlight his potential to be a significant offensive contributor for the BlackJacks.
Mazzulla’s Insight on Harmon
Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla, who as well serves as an assistant video coordinator with the Utah Jazz, has closely followed Harmon’s development within the Jazz organization’s G League system. Mazzulla expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Being able to have someone on the floor like Justin Harmon is important. He fights for every possession. He is a great competitor on defence and he has a drive to impact the game on offense. His passion impacts winning.” This endorsement from Mazzulla underscores the value Harmon brings beyond just statistics – a competitive spirit and a commitment to team success.
Professional Journey: From Salt Lake City to Ottawa
Harmon began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 30 games and averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. This initial experience in the NBA’s primary development league provided a foundation for his growth, leading to his increased role and production in the current season. The G League serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to reach the NBA, and Harmon’s progression demonstrates his dedication to improving his game.
Collegiate Career Highlights
Before turning professional, Harmon concluded his collegiate career at the University of Illinois during the 2023-24 season. In 38 games for the Fighting Illini, he averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently at the NCAA Division I level. Notably, he shot over 91 percent from the free-throw line, demonstrating his reliability as a scorer.
Prior to his time at Illinois, Harmon spent two seasons at Utah Valley University, where he emerged as one of the top guards in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, helping lead the Wolverines to a WAC regular season championship and a run to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). His success at Utah Valley established him as a rising star in college basketball.
Harmon’s collegiate journey began at Barton Community College in Kansas, where he earned first-team all-conference honors after averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2020-21 season. This early success laid the groundwork for his continued development and ultimately led to opportunities at higher-profile programs.
Early Life and High School Career
Born August 30, 2001, Harmon attended Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago, Illinois. He played a key role in leading his team to the Chicago Public League championship during his senior year, showcasing his leadership and competitive drive from a young age. His high school success attracted the attention of college scouts and set him on the path to a promising basketball career.
Looking Ahead: BlackJacks 2026 Season
The Ottawa BlackJacks are preparing for the 2026 CEBL season with high expectations. The addition of Justin Harmon provides a significant boost to their roster, adding a versatile and skilled guard who can contribute on both ends of the court. Fans can look forward to seeing Harmon in action as the BlackJacks aim to compete for another league championship.
Flexible ticket packages are currently available at theblackjacks.ca/tickets. Season tickets for the 2026 BlackJacks campaign are also now available. For more details, fans are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 613‑294‑1133.
The BlackJacks will continue to announce roster additions and schedule details in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to the team’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates.
Next Up: The Ottawa BlackJacks will announce their full 2026 training camp roster in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on theblackjacks.ca for further details.
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