Former Morgan State Standout Stanley Davis Jr. Named Finalist for CEBL Sixth Man of the Year

Former Morgan State men’s basketball standout Stanley “Bazz” Davis Jr. has added another milestone to his professional career.

Davis was named one of two finalists for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League Sixth Man of the Year Award after an impressive first season with the Edmonton Stingers. The former Bear is competing against Scarborough Shooting Stars forward Frank Mitchell for the honor.

For Davis, the recognition represents another major step in a professional journey that has already taken him through several countries across Europe before bringing him to Canada.

Davis Becomes a Major Piece for Edmonton

Davis joined Edmonton this season and quickly became one of the Stingers’ most productive players despite primarily coming off the bench.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 13.7 points per game, ranking second on the team, while also contributing 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game across 20 appearances. He shot 47 percent from the field and ranked third on Edmonton in both assists and steals.

Those numbers help explain why Davis emerged as one of the top reserve players in the league.

He was not simply providing scoring.

Davis gave Edmonton another ball-handler, transition threat and perimeter defender capable of changing the flow of a game without needing to start.

That versatility made him an important part of the Stingers’ rotation throughout the summer.

Consistency Off the Bench

One of Davis’ strengths throughout the season was his ability to produce without needing massive minutes.

He put together back-to-back 17-point performances against the Mamba and Saskatchewan, recording four rebounds and six assists in each game. Against the Mamba, he reached those numbers in just 24 minutes.

He also finished the season with a 25-point performance against Ottawa, his highest-scoring game of the campaign.

For a sixth man, that kind of production is exactly what teams want.

A reserve must be able to enter a game cold, immediately understand what the team needs and provide energy without disrupting the flow of the starting unit.

Davis consistently did that for Edmonton.

Tough Competition for the Award

Davis faces strong competition in Mitchell.

Mitchell had a tremendous season for Scarborough, averaging 13.8 points and a league-leading 10.5 rebounds per game while coming off the bench. He also set a CEBL single-game record with 22 rebounds against Brampton on June 27.

Mitchell’s season was strong enough that he was also named a finalist for Canadian Player of the Year.

That makes the Sixth Man race particularly interesting.

Mitchell brings elite rebounding and interior production, while Davis offers scoring, playmaking, defensive pressure and positional versatility.

Regardless of who wins, Davis being one of only two finalists is a significant accomplishment in his first CEBL season.

A Long Professional Journey

Davis’ success in Canada is the latest chapter in a career that has taken him around the world.

Before joining Edmonton, he played professionally in Portugal, Bosnia, Georgia, the United Kingdom and North Macedonia.

His most recent stop before the CEBL came with TFT Skopje in North Macedonia, where he averaged 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

That experience made Davis different from many players entering the CEBL for the first time.

He arrived in Edmonton as an established professional who had already played in different systems, adjusted to different styles of basketball and learned how to contribute in multiple roles.

Edmonton head coach and president Jordan Baker praised those qualities when the Stingers signed him, describing Davis as a dynamic transition player capable of scoring in several ways.

That scouting report proved accurate.

Davis Was a Two-Way Standout at Morgan State

Before beginning his professional career, Davis became one of Morgan State’s most dependable players.

During his senior season in 2019-20, Davis averaged 13.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game over 30 contests. His production earned him Third Team All-MEAC honors.

Known throughout his career as “Bazz,” Davis developed into a two-way guard who could score, rebound, defend and create for teammates.

Those traits have remained the foundation of his professional game.

His 2026 statistics in Edmonton are strikingly similar to his final year at Morgan State.

He averaged 13.7 points during his senior season with the Bears.

Six years later, he averaged exactly 13.7 points in his first CEBL season.

The level has changed, but Davis continues to produce.

Another Morgan State Alum Making Noise Professionally

Davis’ recognition is also another positive development for Morgan State basketball.

Former players continuing into professional basketball help build the program’s reputation far beyond Baltimore.

Davis has now played in multiple European leagues and one of Canada’s top professional competitions, while recently departed Morgan State players are also beginning professional careers overseas.

That creates a valuable message for future recruits.

A player does not have to attend one of college basketball’s largest programs to create a professional pathway.

Morgan State can be part of that road.

MSB Take

Davis’ Sixth Man of the Year nomination is a well-earned recognition for a player who has built his career through versatility and persistence.

He has traveled through Portugal, Bosnia, Georgia, the United Kingdom and North Macedonia, continuously adapting to new leagues and new roles.

Now, in his first year in Canada, he became one of the best bench players in the entire CEBL.

That says a lot.

Davis is not dependent on one skill to stay on the floor. He can score, distribute the basketball, defend and create opportunities in transition.

Those are the kinds of players coaches trust.

They are also the kinds of players who can build long professional careers.

Whether Davis ultimately wins the Sixth Man of the Year award or finishes runner-up, being named one of only two finalists represents another impressive accomplishment for the former Morgan State Bear.

From Hill Field House to professional basketball around the world, Bazz Davis continues to represent Morgan State well.

And his professional journey does not appear close to finished.

Stanley Davis Jr. — 2026 CEBL

Team: Edmonton Stingers
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Games: 20
Points: 13.7 per game
Assists: 3.5 per game
Steals: 1.5 per game
Field-goal percentage: 47%
Award: CEBL Sixth Man of the Year finalist
College: Morgan State, Class of 2020