21-year-old basketball forward Shadynn Smid made history.
The 6’7 athlete is the second player of Filipino descent to join the Vancouver Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
In an interview with OMNI News, he says basketball was, however, not his first choice when growing up.
“I was a soccer player when I was young,” Smid told OMNI News. “I didn’t play basketball until I was in grade 10.”
But that has changed:
“The dream is to play professional basketball,” Smid said, who used to play university basketball at the University of Victoria.
He adds that being part of the team is a huge jump and the first step of many, and that he needs to make certain adjustments.
“Definitely, the physicality is something that I would have to adjust to and just the pace, and I think I’ll be able to bring what I have to the table for the Bandits and hopefully, that’s what they need.”
Smid was invited to the first-ever Bandits’ University Combine from April 25 to 26 at the Langley Events Centre, where 40 student-athletes from across B.C. and North America joined the training camp. Smid is one of the three players selected by the Bandits to join the roster for the 2026 season.
Signing with the Bandits is Smid’s first professional basketball contract.
In a statement to OMNI News, Kyle Julius, head coach and general manager of the Vancouver Bandits, says Smid possesses a rare combination of elite athleticism and growing skill.
“Shadynn is a rare combination of elite athleticism and growing skill,” Julius said. “He was one of the best players in Canada, and we think he can impact winning for us right away.”
“I appreciate those words. Obviously, those are big words, and that means a lot. Hopefully, that’s something I can do. Hopefully, I can help them,” Smid said. “They can help me, and we’ll help the team.”
On his part, Smid says he is determined and disciplined to reach his dreams.
“There are obviously those parties you have with your friends. I would have a game the next day, or I would have to travel early. I wouldn’t go because obviously I would choose basketball first. That’s my priority. Decisions like what you eat, what you drink, and what your body has to be your temple. You have to do what’s right.”
Amidst his success, Smid thanks his parents for their support.
“My mom and my dad are huge supporters. They’ve been my number one supporters since I started doing soccer, basketball, and anything that I wanted to do. They always encourage me, and that’s important in a young athlete’s life. They say keep doing what you’re doing ’cause it’s working.”
Now Smid is training for the start of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League’s regular season on May 14, where the Vancouver Bandits are set to face the Saskatoon Mamba.
Smid says he hopes this will be a stepping stone towards his career goal of playing in the NBA.
“I hope I can get the crowd excited, with my dunks and all that stuff,” he said. “I just want to show what Filipinos can do.”