‘One of the best defensive players’ Two-way guard Kraus excited for Sea Bears debut after all-star season with Bisons By: Ben Little Posted: 6:01 PM CDT Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025

Mason Kraus won’t have much time to relax between final exams and training camp.

After a career season with the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team, Kraus joins the Winnipeg Sea Bears this spring.

Kraus was selected in the second round of this year’s Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) draft. A Canada West first-team all-star this past season, he becomes the fourth Bison to be drafted in the league’s history.

“It’s super exciting,” said Kraus on being drafted. “There’s a bunch of skilled, really good guys that played in the NBA, played (NBA G League), played overseas, kind of like what I’m striving to become.”

Kraus plans to play professionally after he graduates next year, mentioning Europe — specifically Germany, where he has family — as an ideal destination.

He said Sea Bears head coach Mike Taylor could help him get there.

“I’m just excited to be able to try and contribute on a team that (Taylor’s) a part of and just learn from (him),” said Kraus. “He’s a mastermind of the game.”

Kraus led the Bisons in a variety of categories this year, including points with 450, assists with 130, and steals with 63. The six-foot-three guard also finished second on the team in blocks with 18, and third in rebounds with 123.

Kirby Schepp, head coach of the Bisons men’s basketball program, said Kraus’s presence at both ends of the court helps him see the game differently.

“He is all over the place, whether it’s shutting down the other team’s best player, or just making plays,” said Schepp. “His ability to know what’s going to happen before it happens on the floor is tremendous.”

Schepp has coached the Bisons for the past 16 seasons. He’s also coached at the national level, working with NBA players like Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Dillon Brooks and Nik Stauskas.

He said Kraus’s ability to defend is next-to-none.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever coached or even worked with a player who makes plays at the defensive end more than Mason,” he said.

Schepp said U Sports are seen by many as a road to the professional level, and the CEBL has bridged that gap, providing dozens of student-athletes a professional contract to add to their resumé.

Simon Hildebrandt, a two-time draft pick of the Winnipeg Sea Bears and former Bison, is a prime example of success after the CEBL.

Hildebrandt played all 20 games last season with the Sea Bears, scoring over 100 points. This year, he transferred to High Point University, where he played in the NCAA Tournament.

Hildebrandt said Kraus is one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

“He’ll be a leader, he’ll defend… he’ll score buckets, he’ll move the ball, he’ll rebound,” said Hildebrandt. “He’s definitely a guy you want on your team.”

Hildebrandt averaged nearly 17 points a game in two seasons with the Bisons — an accomplishment he said came with Kraus’s help.

“He’s such an unselfish guy,” Hildebrandt said. “He’s such a phenomenal passer and he’s one of the best defensive players that I’ve ever played with in my career.”

Kraus, who played in front of an average of 700 people at Manitoba’s Investors Group Athletic Centre this season, will soon play for more than 8,500 at Canada Life Centre.

“I’m a player that plays off emotion, so I’m super excited to play in a gym that’s packed,” said Kraus. “The Sea Bears have the best fanbase in the CEBL.”

Above all else, Kraus is most excited to go one-on-one against former NBA and G League professionals.

“Honestly, I’m more excited for that than playing the games,” said Kraus. “Just seeing how I match up.”

Kraus and the Sea Bears open their season at home on May 16 against the Edmonton Stingers.