River Lions Announce 2022 U SPORTS Selections
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced this evening their two selections in the CEBL 2022 U SPORTS Draft, including Lloyd Pandi of Carleton University and Isaiah Bujdoso of Brock University. The partnership between U SPORTS and the CEBL allows student-athletes the unique opportunity to get their first taste of professional basketball by sharpening their game both on and off the court during the summer months. Draft eligible U SPORTS players may have completed their university eligibility in 2021-22, or they may be returning to their university programs in the fall and be classified as a developmental player.
The River Lions used their first-round pick to select Lloyd Pandi, a 6’4 guard from Carleton University, which marks Pandi’s third time being selected in the yearly CEBL U SPORTS draft. In 2020, Pandi was selected and signed by the Ottawa Blackjacks where he made an impressive professional debut averaging 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 22 minutes per game. In 2021, Pandi was drafted and signed by the River Lions where in 16 games, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals. Pandi earned two consecutive CEBL U SPORTS Player of the Year Awards in 2020 and 2021.
"Lloyd brings a fearlessness and joy to the game that is contagious, and he made a great impression on our organization last summer, said Head Coach and Co-General Manager, Victor Raso. “We're thrilled to have LP back with us for year 2 and we expect him to take a big step forward this summer!"
This past season with the Carleton Ravens was another successful campaign for Pandi as he won his second National Championship with the team and added to his 2019-20 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year award by being named the 2021-22 U SPORTS Player of the Year. He averaged 15.9 points, 3.5 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals across 16 games for the Ravens while shooting 57% from the field and leading his team in total minutes played.
“I am very happy to be returning to the River Lions,” said Pandi. “The experience that I have gained over the past two CEBL seasons is invaluable, and it’s given me the chance to develop and grow as a player. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.”
With their second pick in the draft, the River Lions selected Isaiah Bujdoso, a 6’4 guard from Brock University. The local from Hamilton played his freshman year in 2018-19 with the Loyola Ramblers in NCAA D1. He went on to transfer to Hutchinson CC before making the move to Brock University this past season. In 19 games with the Badgers, Bujdoso averaged 7.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
"We are excited to welcome Isaiah to our program,” said Raso. “We love Isaiah's demeanor and pace on the floor, and we believe he's got the tools and mindset to be a professional basketball player."
In 2018, Bujdoso played on the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) Circuit with UPLAY Canada, averaging 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game, while playing with the number one player in the country at the time, RJ Barrett.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to join the Niagara River Lions,” said Bujdoso. “I’m looking forward to getting on the court and having the chance to compete against professionals and learn as much as I can this summer.”
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 & marquee match-up packs, group tickets and single game tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
Media Contact:
Michelle Biskup, Vice President, Operations