Surge centre Brown set to return for 2026; team continues unveiling new-season look

The Calgary Surge play at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (FILE)

Calgary Surge centre Javonté Brown isn’t going anywhere.

On Friday, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team announced the 7′0″, 240-pound Toronto native will return for the 2026 season.

Brown made his pro debut with the Surge in 2025.

He averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, according to Friday’s release.

Also, the team touted a 75 per cent win rate in games Brown started.

The team said keeping him “brings size, physicality and veteran leadership back to the Surge lineup.”

GM Shane James called Brown “an important piece of what we’re building here in Calgary.”

He said Brown’s presence makes “a significant impact for us on and off the court.”

“We’re excited to have him back with the Surge for 2026,” James said.

Brown echoed that excitement and said it “feels great to be back with the Surge.”

“I’ve got a lot of love for Calgary and what we’re building here,” he said.

Brown said he “can’t wait to get in front of the fans again.”

“I’m locked in on coming back better, competing every night and doing whatever it takes to win a championship,” he said.

Prior to joining the Surge, Brown played for the University of Rhode Island (2024–25), Western Michigan (2022–23), Texas A&M (2021–22) and UConn (2020–21).

Friday’s announcement follows one the Surge made earlier in the week naming its coaches for 2026.

The Calgary Surge has named its coaches for 2026.

Overseeing the team’s bench along with head coach Perry Huang will be Sidney Dobner, David DeAveiro and Kenny Otieno.

Dobner coached for the NBA and NBA G League system.

DeAveiro coached in U SPORTS, Canada Basketball and the CEBL.

Otieno was the Surge’s assistant coach in 2025.

The Surge said the coaching lineup adds “a blend of professional, university and international experience.”

The team said its staff is “well-positioned to support the team’s pursuit of a CEBL championship” thanks to “a blend of continuity and new leadership.”