The Ottawa BlackJacks basketball team has a new bench boss after they promoted assistant coach David DeAveiro earlier this week.
DeAveiro, who had been an assistant coach since the 2020-21 season, will succeed James Derouin, who had been splitting his time as head coach and interim general manager. Moving forward, Derouin will be exclusively focusing on his front office duties.
Originally from Toronto, DeAveiro has also spent nearly five years as head coach for Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) men’s basketball squad. The collegiate season does not overlap with the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) campaign, allowing DeAveiro to take on both roles.
Through 17 games this season, TMU has gone 11-6 and sits third in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) central division.
Previously, DeAverio spent a decade coaching McGill’s basketball team, and also spent nine seasons at the University of Ottawa, his alma mater. He is the ninth-most winningest coach in U Sports history.
“Ottawa holds a special place in my life and is where I’ve made my home, raised my kids and fostered my love of basketball,” said DeAveiro in a statement. “The Capital Region has a rich history of basketball excellence and I am proud to lead the Nation’s Capital professional franchise.”
“I am excited about the future of the Ottawa BlackJacks franchise and am honoured to lead this team going forward as we strive towards our ultimate goal of winning a CEBL championship.”
DeAverio will be the fourth head coach in BlackJacks history.
Last season, Ottawa placed third in the CEBL’s eastern conference, posting a 9-11 record over the 20-game regular season and securing the third and final playoff spot. After dismantling the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the one-game play-in round, Ottawa fell to the Niagara River Lions, the eventual league champions, in the quarterfinals.
The BlackJacks have never won the CEBL Cup.
The 2025 season has been extended to 24 games, while Ottawa will kick off the campaign at home against Niagara.
The team’s home games are played at TD Place in Lansdowne.
