Warnholtz learning on the job
Aiden Warnholtz is slowly but surely finding his way in professional basketball.
The 22-year-old Ottawa native was the first selection of the Niagara River Lions in the Canadian Elite Basketball League 2023 U SPORTS Draft following an outstanding career with the Carleton Ravens where he won four national championships and was a five-time Academic All-Canadian while earning his Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Warnholtz has played in all six games for the River Lions this season, averaging 10 minutes and 2.5 points per game as he acclimatizes himself to the CEBL.
“Honestly, the biggest challenge for Aiden right now is realizing he can do it at this level,” River Lions coach/general manager Victor Raso said. “I think there was some doubt because it’s so athletic and he’s such a good shooter of the basketball. He’s thinking too much, trying to pick his spots. He needs to just relax and play.
“Everyone’s questions about Aiden were if he could defend and rebound at this level and those have been answered right away — yes, he can. He’s good defensively, he’s smart, he’s a great teammate. He just needs to relax a little bit and shoot the ball when he is open.”
Warnholtz quickly noticed the difference between university ball and the CEBL.
“The athleticism is one thing I knew was different, everybody is athletic,” he said. “Everybody is a good player, not to say there aren’t good players in U SPORTS, but it’s just that everybody has a little bit more to their game so everybody is a little bit more of a threat in all situations.
“It’s the same mentality. Trying to figure out what guys do well and how you can beat them. I’ve been enjoying it so far. Everybody has their own solid careers as well. Everybody has a lot of knowledge and it’s fun to learn from them as well.”
Warnholtz said he’s feeling more and more comfortable with each game and practice.
“I have to know I’ve put in all the work to get to this spot. At the same time, while it is a bit of a jump up to this spot, it’s still basketball,” he said. “I know what I’m doing out there. I just need to play my game.”
Raso can see Warnholtz getting more floor time as the season wears on.
“Aiden is the backup point guard and on the days when he’s shooting the ball really well, we’ll slide him to the 2 (guard),” Raso said. “He is a skilled, smart and competitive guard who plays the right way.”
Warnholtz wrapped up his university career on a high note. During the 2022-23 season, he broke seven program records including assists in a season (145) and in a playoff (46), and most minutes played (761). Warnholtz was twice named Nike Top Performer in U SPORTS championship games and was named the U SPORTS Final 8 MVP and First Team All-Canadian.
The partnership between U SPORTS and the CEBL allows student-athletes the opportunity to get their first taste of professional basketball. Draft-eligible U SPORTS players may have completed their university eligibility in 2021-22, or they may be returning to their university team this fall and be classified as a developmental player.
“I always knew it would be a cool opportunity as the first stepping stone into professional sports,” said Warnholtz, who is hopeful of getting a contract in Europe for the fall. “It’s a great opportunity for Canadian players to play at home for some of these guys who have been playing overseas and for a first step.”
The River Lions dropped to 2-4 on the season with an 87-78 loss to the Vancouver Bandits at home Saturday night.
Edward Ekiyor paced Niagara with 15 points while Akiil Ahmed 12 and Antonio Davis, Jr. nine.
The River Lions are home to the Montreal Alliance Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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