NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA RIVERS LIONS
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The Niagara River Lions has announced today the signing of Elijah Mitrou-Long, 6’1 Canadian guard, presented by Deep Relief. The 25-year-old from Mississauga will join the team for the 2022 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season after most recently playing for the Apollon Patras in Greece’s HEBA A1 League.
“Eli is a fearless competitor with a great work ethic,” said Antwi Atuahene, the head of basketball operations and co-general manager. “He has the ability to make plays and score in bunches. We are looking forward to getting Eli in a River Lions uniform this summer.”
Mitrou-Long began his collegiate career in the NCAA with the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers, where during his sophomore season he averaged 15.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists, resulting in multiple honours, including All-Northeast Conference (NEC) First Team. He scored 22 points in the NEC championships earning him the tournament MVP title.
After two years with the Mountaineers, Mitrou-Long transferred to the University of Texas and then went on to the University of Nevada Las Vegas for his senior year, averaging 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Mitrou-Long signed his first professional contract with PAOK of the Greek Basket League and went on to play with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria where he averaged 14 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He made his return to Greece for the 2022 season with Apollon Patras.
Mitrou-Long becomes the seventh Canadian on the roster, alongside Daniel Waldin-Mullings, Jake Babic, Jaylen Babb-Harrison, Olu Ashaolu, Phil Scrubb and Alonzo Walker.
“It’s been a long journey and I am excited to see what God has in store for me with this opportunity with the Niagara River Lions,” said Mitrou-Long. “Another chapter in my book and I am looking forward to getting to work with this organization.”
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 12 municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher and marquee match-up packs, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. Visit the website for more information.
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