St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 2020 & 2021 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) U SPORTS Player of the Year, Lloyd Pandi presented by Your Legal Services. The 6’4 Guard from Ottawa, Ontario will re-join the River Lions for the 2023 season after last playing with the team in 2021. Pandi just completed a season playing for Darüssafaka Lassa of the Basketbol Süper Ligi in Turkey. 

“Lloyd certainly left a lasting impression on our organization in 2021, and we are all thrilled to have him coming back to Niagara this season,” said Head Coach & General Manager, Victor Raso. “He is an exceptional basketball player who impacts the game in many ways, and I'm expecting Lloyd to play a big role in our success this summer.”

During the 2021 season, Pandi averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game with the River Lions earning him the title of the U SPORTS Player of the Year for a second consecutive year. The previous season, Pandi won the award with the Ottawa Blackjacks where he had an impressive professional debut averaging 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. 

Pandi redshirted for the Carleton Ravens during the 2018-19 season, and went on to average 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game over the course of his university playing career. Pandi earned numerous accolades and awards including the 2019 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year and the 2022 U SPORTS Mike Moser Memorial Trophy Most Outstanding Player of the Year where he went on to lead the Ravens to their third consecutive U SPORTS National Championship.

“I am very excited to return to the River Lions and resume unfinished business this summer,” said Pandi. 

Pandi becomes the tenth player signed River Lions roster ahead of the 2023 season set tip-off for the team on May 26th when they visit the Montreal Alliance. Training camp is set to start on May 17th at Walker Sports and Ability Centre at Canada Summer Games Park.

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.