From Brooklyn Nets to Vancouver: Davis’ Professional Journey

Dre Davis II, originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, began his professional career with the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA Summer League team before joining their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. During the 2025-26 season with Long Island, Davis averaged 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game across 37 appearances, demonstrating his ability to contribute in both scoring and defensive roles.

Before his G League tenure, Davis played collegiately at three NCAA programs: Louisville, Seton Hall, and Ole Miss. His most recent collegiate campaign came during the 2024-25 season at Ole Miss, where he started all 34 games and averaged 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. This consistency at the collegiate level, combined with his professional experience, makes Davis an intriguing addition to the Bandits’ roster.

Why This Signing Matters for the Bandits

With the CEBL’s 2026 season now underway, the Vancouver Bandits find themselves in a competitive Western Conference. The addition of Davis provides several key assets:

• NBA Experience: Davis’ time with both the Nets’ Summer League and G League teams gives him familiarity with professional-level competition that can benefit the Bandits in high-pressure moments.
• Versatility: At 6-foot-6 with a proven scoring ability (10.1 PPG in college), Davis can operate as both a primary scorer and a secondary playmaker.
• Leadership: With 37 professional games under his belt, Davis brings veteran presence that could be valuable for younger players on the roster.
• International Exposure: Davis’ brief stint with Venezuelan club Piratas de La Guaira adds international experience that could be beneficial in the CEBL’s global context.

Context: The Bandits’ Roster Moves

The Davis signing comes amidst several roster changes for the Bandits. Earlier this week, the team released guard Tevian Jones while adding several players to their practice roster, including Jalen Shirley and Jack Vandenberg. The Bandits also re-signed forward Grant Shephard, a product of Kelowna who has previously spent time with the organization.

Davis will wear number 34 with the Bandits, a number that carries significance in basketball culture as it was famously worn by NBA legend Kobe Bryant during his prime years with the Los Angeles Lakers.

What This Means for the CEBL’s Western Conference

The Bandits’ signing of Davis adds another layer of competition to the Western Conference, where teams like the Calgary Surge and Edmonton Stingers have been strong contenders. With Davis now on board, Vancouver will look to:

• Establish a clear starting lineup with Davis potentially competing for minutes alongside established players
• Use Davis’ experience to elevate their performance in critical games, particularly against top Eastern Conference teams
• Leverage his international experience in the CEBL’s growing global basketball ecosystem

Looking Ahead: The Bandits’ Schedule

The Vancouver Bandits will look to make an immediate impact with their new signing. Their next game is scheduled for:

This matchup against the Surge will be a crucial early-season test for Davis as he looks to make his debut in CEBL competition. The Bandits will need to determine how to best integrate Davis into their system while maintaining the chemistry they’ve developed with their core players.

Fan Perspective: What Davis Brings to the Community

Beyond the on-court impact, Davis’ signing represents an opportunity for the Bandits to:

• Engage with the local basketball community through Davis’ connections in Indianapolis and his international experience
• Showcase the CEBL’s growing appeal to international players and fans
• Provide role models for youth basketball programs in the Vancouver area

The Bandits have made community engagement a priority, and Davis’ background makes him an ideal ambassador for the organization’s youth development initiatives.