The River Lions tip off their season at the end of May. Pictured: Khalil Ahmad. Photo Credit: CEBL.
The Niagara River Lions have announced the re-signing of all four of their top scorers from last season, as Khalil Ahmad, Jahvon Blair, Eddie Ekiyor and Antonio ‘A.J.’ Davis will return for the 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Season.
“Our goal going into this offseason was to retain as many pieces as possible from last year’s team, and this announcement gets us off to a great start towards that goal,” said River Lions Head Coach and General Manager,Victor Raso. “Khalil, AJ, Eddie and Juggy (Jahvon) are great basketball players, and great people, and being able to build upon the success we had last season and the lessons we learned was a necessary step in free agency. But we aren’t done there – more members of last year’s team will be announced soon, as well as some exciting new additions!”
Ahmad, a 6’4 guard from Corona, California returns to the River Lions for a third season after being named the 2023 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 CEBL MVP and earning Clutch Player of the Year honours in both seasons. Ahmad spent all four years of his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton becoming one of the most prolific scorers in school history. Ahmad’s professional career has taken him to Finland, Denmark, Israel and most recently Belgium, where he is currently averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for Filou Oostende of the BNXT League.
Ahmad averaged 18.9 points per game with the River Lions last season.
“Niagara feels like home to me,” said Ahmad, who averaged 18.9 points per game with the River Lions last season. “I am excited to return and get to work to win the championship that our fans and organization deserve. Third time’s a charm.”
Blair, a 6’4 guard from Brampton, returns to the River Lions for a second year boasting plenty of CEBL experience having suited up for the Newfoundland Growlers in 2022, representing the CEBL with the Brampton Honey Badgers in the Basketball Champions League of Americas (BCLA) in 2023, and being named to ‘Team East’ in the CEBL Clash showcase.
Prior to his professional career, Blair spent four seasons with basketball powerhouse Georgetown University where in his senior year he helped the Hoyas to the Big East tournament title and an NCAA tournament berth. Blair recently signed with Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexico whose season will tip off this weekend.
“I can’t wait to get back to the Meridian Centre in front of the best fans in the league,” said Blair. “I am looking forward to another great summer with my teammates and coaching staff. Once again, I truly appreciate Coach Vic for giving me the opportunity to be part of this program. I’m glad to be back.”
Blair proved to be a well-rounded combo player in 2023, averaging 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.6 minutes per game while shooting an impressive 44.4 per cent from the 3-point line.
Ekiyor, a 6’9 forward from Ottawa, returns to the River Lions for a second season where he will be coming off a dominating campaign with Sporting CP of the Liga Betclic in Portugal where he is a top contender for league MVP currently averaging 19.6 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. With Sporting CP, Ekiyor has earned career highs in points (33), rebounds (13) and blocks (5) in three different games.
A product of the Carleton University Ravens program, Ekiyor is a two-time U SPORTS champion and two-time All Canadian who ended his collegiate career as the MVP during the 2019 final 8 tournament.
“I am extremely excited to be part of the Niagara family again!” said Ekiyor. “I had so much fun in Niagara last season and loved the support that we received from our fans. I look forward to winning a championship in 2024!”
A 2023 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year and 6th Man of the Year finalist, Ekiyor led the River Lions in rebounds per game (5.6) while contributing 12.2 points and 0.9 blocks per game. He shot 41.7 in three-point percentage and 81.5 from the foul line.
Ekiyor was also named the 2023 recipient of the Ben Zwolak Community Ambassador Award for his contributions to the community and his positive attitude on and off the court.
Davis Jr., a 6’9 forward from Burford, Georgia returns to the River Lions for a third season after helping to lead the team to first place after the regular season in 2023 as captain. Born into a basketball family, AJ graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he finished 8th in UCF history with 633 rebounds and 7th with 319 made free throws. Davis Jr. has gained international experience playing in Kosovo, Australia, Sweden, Greece, Germany and most recently Belgium where he is currently averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.5 assists for the Leuven Bears of the BNXT League.
“I am excited to come back to Niagara and see all of our season ticket holders and fans inside the Meridian Centre,” said Davis, who is the son of former Toronto Raptor and NBAer A.J. Davis. “I’m looking forward to another great summer as we take care of unfinished business and bring home the CEBL Championship.”
A natural leader on and off the court, Davis has proven to be a consistent and efficient part of the team averaging 10.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.6 minutes per game during the 2023 CEBL campaign.
Niagara’s CEBL season begins on Friday May 24 in a home and home against the Brampton Honey Badgers.
Six nights later, Thursday May 30, the River Lions will host the Honey Badgers in their 2024 home opener.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
