River Lions bring back Pandi
The Niagara River Lions have added a familiar name for the 2023 season, signing 2020 and 2021 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) U SPORTS Player of the Year Lloyd Pandi.
The 6-foot-4 guard from Ottawa is rejoining the River Lions after last playing with the team in 2021. Pandi just completed a season playing for Darüssafaka Lassa of the Basketbol Süper Ligi in Turkey.
“Lloyd certainly left a lasting impression on our organization in 2021, and we are all thrilled to have him coming back to Niagara this season,” River Lions head coach and general manager Victor Raso said. “He is an exceptional basketball player who impacts the game in many ways, and I’m expecting Lloyd to play a big role in our success this summer.”
During the 2021 season, Pandi averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game with the River Lions earning him the title of the U SPORTS Player of the Year for a second consecutive year. The previous season, Pandi won the award with the Ottawa Blackjacks where he had an impressive professional debut averaging 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
Pandi redshirted for the Carleton Ravens during the 2018-19 season, and went on to average 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game over the course of his university playing career. Pandi earned numerous accolades and awards including the 2019 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year and the 2022 U SPORTS Mike Moser Memorial Trophy Most Outstanding Player of the Year where he went on to lead the Ravens to their third consecutive U SPORTS National Championship.
“I am very excited to return to the River Lions and resume unfinished business this summer,” Pandi said.
Pandi becomes the 10th player signed ahead of the 2023 season opener May 26 when the River Lions visit the Montreal Alliance. Training camp is set to start on May 17 at Walker Sports and Ability Centre at Canada Summer Games Park.
Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
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