ST. CATHARINES, ON - The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’10 Duke University alumni, Javin DeLaurier for the 2021 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The Shipman, Virginia native played with the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA during their 2020-21 pre-season and went on to suit up for their G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm during the bubble season in Florida.
DeLaurier spent four years at Duke, averaging 3.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 13.4 minutes per game over his career. He ranked first in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 38 games played in the 2019-20 season and placed 11th on the conference’s total blocks (50) per game in 2018-19.
During his time as a Blue Devil, DeLaurier proved to be an integral member of the team both on and off the court, as he was named co-captain for his final two years and received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award during his senior season. DeLaurier had the opportunity to play alongside numerous now NBA players including Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson. DeLaurier helped his team to become two-time ACC Tournament winners, as well as two NCAA Elite 8 appearances in 2018 and 2019.
“Javin is a very talented and high character young man who we are thrilled will be part of the River Lions this summer,” said Head Coach and General Manager,
Victor Raso
. “As a captain at one of the most storied programs in the NCAA, and having played for one of coaching greats, Javin has developed the winning habits and discipline that we are looking for. We are excited to expand his game, help him reach his potential, and allow him to show the immense talent he possesses.”
After being waived by the Charlotte Hornets, DeLaurier appeared in 7 games for the Greensboro Swarm averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.1 minutes of play per game. He will now join the River Lions as the second American player signed for the 2021 season.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join the River Lions for the upcoming season,” said DeLaurier. “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player as well as compete for a championship.”
The River Lions recently announced the schedule for the 2021 season set to tip off in June. The CEBL is preparing for its third season in 2021 following the success of the 2020 CEBL Summer Series hosted in St. Catharines, which saw a record 1.2 million viewers across Canada tune in to four days of live programming on CBC .
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Media Contact
Michelle Biskup,
Vice President, Operations