River Lions Re-Sign Veteran Canadian Guard Phil Scrubb
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of Senior Men’s National Team Member and five-time U SPORTS champion, Phil Scrubb. This marks the third season that the 30-year-old Richmond, British Columbia native has suited up for the River Lions. Scrubb is currently playing for Monbus Obradoiro of the Liga ACB in Spain where he is averaging 10.09 points and 4.22 rebounds.
Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso is excited to have the veteran return this season.
“Having Phil back for his 3rd summer with the River Lions is great for our organization and community,” said Raso. “Phil provides veteran leadership and playmaking that will make everyone around him better. I’m excited for the opportunity to chase a championship with Phil again!”
The 6’3 guard averaged 11.2 points and 4.2 assists per game during the 2022 CEBL campaign.
Scrubb played for five years at Carleton University under Canadian basketball legend, Dave Smart and quickly became one of the most accomplished players in U SPORTS history. The sharpshooter averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 30.6 minutes in 105 university games. He was a four-time First Team All-Canadian and CIS (U SPORTS) Rookie of the Year. During the 2013-14 season, he was named the Athlete of the Year and earned his third consecutive Mike Moser Memorial Trophy as CIS MVP.
After graduating in 2015, Scrubb won the NBA Summer League in Orlando with the Memphis Grizzlies. Later that summer he suited up for the Senior Men’s National team which was just the start of the many appearances representing Canada. Over the past 15 months, Scrubb alongside his brother, Tommy Scrubb, were the only two Senior Men’s National Team members to represent Canada in all 12 FIBA World Cup Qualifier Windows helping the team book a spot to the World Cup happening later this year.
Scrubb has built an impressive career overseas and brings a wealth of international and professional experience having played in top leagues in Spain, Russia, Germany, Greece and France. Scrubb has earned a reputation of being one of the top Canadians playing abroad and is at the peak of his career.
“I’m looking forward to joining the River Lions again for another summer,” said Scrubb. ”It’s a great place to play and I am hoping to once again help compete for a title.”
Scrubb becomes the first River Lion signed ahead of the 2023 season which will tip-off for the team on May 26th 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 www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
