Bram Russell Elected BNB President

A statement from newly elected Basketball New Brunswick President, Bram Russell:

Dear Members, Coaches, Athletes, and Partners of Basketball New Brunswick,

It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of President of Basketball New Brunswick. Our organization has a proud history of advancing the sport across our province, developing players, supporting coaches, empowering officials, and uniting communities through a shared love of basketball. To now lead this community is both an honour and a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly. I have seen firsthand the power of sport can have on people; it’s such a rewarding experience for all parties involved.

Basketball in New Brunswick has never been stronger. We are witnessing unprecedented levels of participation, enthusiasm, and opportunity, from grassroots youth programs like Next Wave, Jr. NBA, Jr. EDP, to our performance TAP program and of course the summer provincial teams. This momentum has not happened by accident. It is the result of years of hard work from dedicated volunteers, hard working leaders, and a generation of athletes who have inspired countless others to pick up a basketball and play.

As we look ahead, my vision for Basketball New Brunswick is built on three foundational pillars: Growth, Connection, and Excellence Growth means ensuring basketball continues to be accessible to every young person who wants to play. It means expanding opportunities in our rural and urban communities, increasing the number of trained coaches and officials, and supporting programs that reflect the diversity of our province while growing our performance program which has seen amazing results. We will continue to build our partnerships with our Associations who are the backbone of our organization, to work with them so we all pull in the same direction making basketball a safe, fun and empowering environment where kids can learn and grow. Please keep doing what you do, your impact is immeasurable.

Connection means strengthening our basketball ecosystem. Our sport thrives when everyone from athletes and parents to clubs, schools, and sponsors feel part of something larger. I want BNB to be a connector: uniting local associations, celebrating our shared successes, and creating pathways that guide players from mini basketball all the way to post-secondary and beyond. Connection also means listening, hearing from those on the court, on the sidelines, and in the community about what’s working and where we can improve. Together, we can ensure that every person who touches the game feels valued and supported.

Excellence is about more than winning, it’s about standards. It’s about fostering integrity, accountability, and leadership both on and off the court. Our goal is to cultivate athletes who not only perform at the highest level but also lead with respect, resilience, and character. We will continue to invest in coach education, player development, and performance programming that helps New Brunswick athletes compete with confidence among their peers. Excellence, to me, is also rooted in how we run our organization, being transparent, efficient, and forward-thinking in everything we do.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the leadership team, our incredible board, and the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to build the strong organization we have today. Without those who have worked tirelessly to make basketball a source of pride for our province we would not exist.

Looking ahead, I see a bright and exciting future. The growth of basketball in New Brunswick is part of a larger story, one where sport builds community, confidence, and character. Whether it’s your child dribbling a ball for the first time, a coach helping an athlete find their voice, or a team representing our province on the national stage, every moment matters. Every experience contributes to something bigger.

As President, my commitment is to lead with purpose, humility, and collaboration. I believe in the power of basketball to unite, to teach, and to inspire. Just as it has for me. Together, we will continue to grow this great game and ensure that every player who wears “New Brunswick” across their chest does so with pride, knowing they are part of a legacy built by many and sustained by all of us.

Thank you for your continued trust, passion, and dedication to the sport we love. The best chapters of Basketball New Brunswick are yet to be written, and we will write them together.

Sincerely,

Bram Russell

President, Basketball New Brunswick