For the first time since becoming a new member of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the Newfoundland Growlers have dipped their toes into the Free Agency waters, signing veteran guard, Junior Cadougan.
Cadougan is a name that fans of the CEBL should be familiar with by now. He spent the shortened 2020 season that was played inside the bubble with the Frasor Valley Bandits where he routinely scored over 10 points per game. He signed with the Ottawa BlackJacks ahead of the 2021 season where his offensive production stalled slightly, however, he was effective at both ends of the court.
With the Edmonton Stingers playing in the BCL Americas this winter, Cadougan has played two games as they try to make a positive impact on Canadian basketball on the intercontinental stage. Through his two appearances, Cadougan averages just 3.5 points per game with two rebounds and one assist in 16.5 minutes.
Related: BlackJacks Sign Non-American Import, Deng Adel
Through his CEBL career, Cadougan’s shooting percentages haven’t been where you would like them to. He has shot 36 percent from the field and 34 percent from beyond the arc, and while that is certainly something he would like to improve upon, he has made a fair share of clutch shots in his career. This includes a key floater in Elam time to defeat the then-undefeated Edmonton Stingers in the BlackJacks’ first game at TD Place Arena with fans in the stands.
The Toronto native spent time playing high school basketball in Georgia. In his senior year in 2008-09, Cadougan participated in the Reebok All-American Game and was ranked as high as the number 50 prospect heading into college basketball. He would then go on to play for Marquette University from 2009 until 2013. In his final season, he averaged 8.4 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
Cadougan was undrafted but played two games with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 during their Summer League season. He would then proceed to play for a couple of teams in Europe before signing with the London Lightning on the NBLC when he returned to Canada. He has also played for the St. John’s Edge in the past, a team that should be familiar to Growlers fans.
The Growlers are getting a player who has experience with Canada’s National Team as well. On numerous occasions, Cadougan has suited up with the Canadians including the 2015 PanAmerican Games in Toronto.
Growlers head coach and general manager Patrick Ewing Jr. knows what Cadougan is capable of after being on the staff with the BlackJacks in 2021. It should come as a boost of confidence for Cadougan that his former coach has decided to make him a priority for the upcoming season.
Subscribe to 13th Man Sports to get email notifications when we post!