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River Lions bring 14 players to open training camp next week

The River Lions home opener is June 3 against the Saskatchewan Rattlers
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Phil Scrubb is set to return to the Niagra River Lions once his season in Spain finishes.

The Niagara River Lions announced today the 14 players that will report to 2023 training camp set to begin next week. Players will undergo combine testing at Pelino Athletic Performance Centre as well as medicals early next week and will begin practice on Wednesday. 

The camp is set to take place from May 17-24 before the team departs for Montreal to open the season. Training camp will take place at the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park in Thorold with strength and conditioning sessions being held at Iron Performance Centre. Intersquad scrimmages are scheduled for May 19 and 23. After seven consecutive days of training, head coach and general manager Victor Raso will select the final roster that will tip-off the Canadian Elite Basketball League season on May 26.  

“Heading into training camp we've got a great group of guys who are eager to get to work towards our goal,” said Raso. “I'm excited that camp is finally here and that we can start to build our foundation for success.”

Returning members of the team include Americans AJ Davis and 2022 CEBL defensive player of the year EJ Onu, along with Canadians Alonzo Walker and Jake Babic. Two-time CEBL U SPORTS player of the year Lloyd Pandi will also return having last played with the River Lions in 2021.

Veteran Philip Scrubb will be joining the active roster once his season concludes in Spain.

The River Lions welcome Patrick Whelan, hailing from Warrington, England, who will fill the required international sport on the roster, as well as American point guard, Vinnie Shahid, who just completed a successful season in Iceland leading the league in points per game.

The River Lions have also signed new Canadians Jahvon Blair, Shaquille Keith, and TJ Lall, each who bring a wide range of domestic, international and CEBL experience.

Jordan Tchuente and Isaiah Bujdoso of Brock University, along with Aiden Warnholtz and Connor Vreeken of Carleton University will join the training camp roster as current and graduating U SPORTS athletes.

The River Lions will tip off the 2023 season versus the Montreal Alliance on May 26 at 7:30 p.m.

The River Lions home opener is June 3 against the Saskatchewan Rattlers.