NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA RIVER LIONS
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The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of Canadian forward Alonzo Walker, presented by YOUR Legal Services. The 6’6 forward from Brampton, Ont. will re-join the team for the 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season after playing overseas for BC Prievidza of the Slovenská Basketbalová Liga (SBL) in Slovakia.
This marks Walker’s second season with BC Prievidza, where the 26-year-old is currently averaging 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game.
During the 2022 CEBL season, Walker averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds during only nine games played due to several injuries that had Walker sidelined for most of the summer.
“Alonzo battled injuries throughout the 2022 season, but when he was healthy, he showed how impactful he can be,” said Victor Raso, head coach and general manager. “He is an excellent athlete who takes pride in defending, rebounding, and doing the little things. He has tremendous upside, and we are looking forward to a healthy Zo in 2023!”
A product of the Orangeville Prep Athlete Institute, Walker’s then teammates included Jamal Murray and Thon Maker, both of who went on to be NBA Draft Lottery picks in 2016. Walker committed to NCAA Division 1 Kent State University out of high school and redshirted his freshman year. During the 2016-17 season, he averaged 10.6 minutes in 29 games, after which he transferred to Odessa College in West Texas.
Walker moved on to Idaho State University in his junior year and scored a season-high 17 points and three steals in his final game with ISU. Walker completed his collegiate career at Portland State, averaging 9.9 points and five rebounds with the Vikings. He earned his first professional contract with Dinamo of the Georgian Superliga in 2020.
“It’s always exciting playing in front of friends and family and playing against familiar faces,” said Walker. “I am excited to return to Canada and the CEBL and can’t wait to get to work for my second season with the River Lions.”
Walker becomes the fourth returning player signed ahead of the 2023 season, which will tip off for the team on May 26 when they visit the Montreal Alliance.
The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL. Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
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