Kimbal Mac is coming back
The Niagara River Lions are thrilled to have Kimbal Mackenzie returning to the fold for another season of Canadian Elite Basketball League action.
“Kimbal plays the game with incredible heart. He is tough and he is a leader. He can run the team as a point guard and he can also score the ball well,” said Victor Raso, Niagara’s head coach and general manager. “His leadership skills are tough to find at this level and that might be what I value the most. He is a great teammate all the time and he makes his teammates better.”
The 27-year-old, whose first stint with Niagara was as a practice player only as he transitioned into being a pro, joined the River Lions midway through last season and averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in nine games.
The former Bucknell University scholarship player was interested in returning to Niagara this season because of the overall winning culture and his teammates.
“I knew that there were going to be a lot of players returning from last year and it’s a great group of guys who I enjoy playing with and have great belief in,” he said. “I like that winning comes first. I also like that Niagara is serious about player development. We have the resources and gym time to work on our game and develop our craft.”
Mackenzie fit in quickly with the team last season and filled a need.
“I’ve been a role player, coming off the bench and providing playmaking, energy and experience.”
He is a big fan of playing in Niagara.
“My favourite part about playing in Niagara are home games at the Meridian Centre. It’s one of my favourite venues in Canada. There’s always a good vibe in there, and it’s fun protecting home court.”
He would love to bring home a CEBL championship to Niagara.
“It’s No. 1 on the list.”
Before arriving in Niagara, Mackenzie will complete his season with the Leicester Riders of the British BBL where he serves as team captain. With the Riders, the 6-foot-1 point guard is averaging 13.3 points, five assists, 2.6 rebounds and 0.4 rebounds per game. He also recently earned a spot on the 24-man Great Britain national team for the Eurobasket Qualifiers.
Mackenzie, who played in the CEBL with the Guelph Nighthawks from 2019 to 2022, uses his summers in Niagara to get ready for overseas competition.
“It keeps me in peak shape, further sharpens my skills and gives me the opportunity to play high level basketball and continue learning.”
Niagara opens the season May 24 on the road against the Brampton Honey Badgers. Its home opener versus the Honey Badgers will be played Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Centre.
Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
