Sea Bears over the Moon signing star guard

The greatest player in CEBL history is officially a Winnipeg Sea Bear.

Star guard Xavier Moon — a three-time CEBL Player of the Year (2019, 2020, 2021) and two-time champion (2020, 2021) — was introduced by the Sea Bears at a press conference Thursday morning inside the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

Moon is the club’s first signing for the 2026 season and the first addition under new head coach and general manager Mike Raimbault.

“Lots of work went into organizing and having him be here today and be a part of our team for this coming year,” said Raimbault.

“His resumé certainly speaks for itself in terms of being a champion, MVP, face of the league, and we’re so thankful he’s chosen to be a Sea Bear.”

Moon became an immediate star with the Edmonton Stingers when Season 1 tipped off back in 2019. In 2022, the CEBL redesigned its MVP trophy to feature an ‘X’ mounted on a maple hardwood base in honour of Moon who went on to play 28 games in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers between 2021-24.

“My decision was pretty easy to make. I’m just happy to be here and ready to start with the organization,” said Moon.

“I definitely have to give a huge shout out to the Sea Bears organization for this opportunity. It’s been four or five years since I’ve played in the league, and I just thought it was time for me to come back. I’m just grateful for this opportunity, man, and I’m looking forward to next summer.”

Since leaving Edmonton, Moon also suited up in the NBA G League, but his latest stop was in Russia with Zenit Saint Petersburg of the VTB United League. His season was cut short after tearing his ACL in January, but he’s back to 100 per cent now and eager to return to the league that put him on the map. His last CEBL season was back in 2021 when he led the league in scoring with 23.1 points per game.

“His resumé certainly speaks for itself in terms of being a champion, MVP, face of the league, and we’re so thankful he’s chosen to be a Sea Bear.”

“When I left in 2021, man, I was still on the rise, still trying to figure myself out, find my identity, and I’ve done that over the last couple of years,” Moon said. “So I’m definitely coming back a better and a different player.”

The Sea Bears parted ways with head coach and general manager Mike Taylor after three seasons with zero playoff wins. President Jason Smith recently stepped down to help in a more occasional role as a consultant. Raimbault, who also coaches the men’s team at the University of Winnipeg, is in his first year leading the Sea Bears. Team owner David Asper is now serving as president and CEO as the Sea Bears restructure.

So, why join a team that’s starting over after years of limited on-court success?

“Because of that,” said Moon. “There’s a lot of new opportunities with a new coach, new president, and I feel like they’re looking for somebody like me. Hopefully I can do a lot of great things here and get us over the hump.”

The Sea Bears hosted the 30-year-old from Goodwater, Ala., for a visit in early November. Former Sea Bears guard now assistant coach and general manager Alex Campbell was also in town for the recruiting trip.

Before the CEBL came into existence, Moon played for the London Lightning in the National Basketball League of Canada. That’s where he first met Campbell, who was also playing in the NBL at the time with the Island Storm who were based out of Prince Edward Island.

Campbell and the Saskatchewan Rattlers also beat Moon and the Stingers in the 2019 CEBL semifinal before going on to win the inaugural championship.

“I’m definitely coming back a better and a different player.”

Despite never being teammates, the two became friends and occasionally chatted over the years.

“He’s really one of the main reasons why I’m here,” said Moon, who played college ball at Northwest Florida State College before transferring to Morehead State.

“There’s always been a mutual respect.”

It also didn’t hurt that Winnipeg boasts the best attendance in the league. The Sea Bears averaged 7,675 fans per game in 2025.

“I’m very excited. I watched a couple of games that were played here, and I can definitely tell that the fan base is getting behind the team,” said Moon.

“So I’m looking forward to that, and then just being in Winnipeg, this is only my second time in Winnipeg so I’m looking forward to some warm weather once I get here.”

Now with Moon under contract, Raimbault’s sales pitch to other free agents just got that much easier.

“We really feel like he’s someone that will make people better on and off the court. It should be an easy sell. If you’re picking someone to play with, he’s obviously at the top of the list,” said Raimbault.

“This is going to create a little bit of buzz that we’ll try to carry forward.”

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