On February 11, the Niagara River Lions announced that they have re-signed Guillaume Payen-Boucard for the 2020 season.

The six-foot-six Montrealer had an incredible first CEBL season, being named both CEBL Canadian Player of the Year , and to the CEBL First All-Star Team. He led the Niagara team in scoring (16.1), offensive rebounding (2.0) and minutes (31.0), while making and taking the most field goals (111-223) and free throws (81-113).

Boucard spent his first pro season abroad (2016-17), playing for GET Vosges in the French NM1 League. He returned to the French league again this season, to play as part of the starting lineup for FC Mulhouse, in northeastern France.

Prior to becoming a pro, Boucard had a great run with the Carleton Ravens from 2011-16. The team won five straight national championships, and in his senior season, Boucard was named on the National Championship Tournament All-Star Team.

The CEBL got a chance to catch up with Boucard, in the middle of his busy schedule, to talk about the upcoming summer season with the River Lions, his experience playing in the French league, and Kobe Bryant.

Congratulations on being re-signed with the River Lions for another year. What made you come back this season? And, how has your experience been with the Niagara fan base? Was that a contributing factor?

— Thank you! I have a great relationship with the coaching staff and management, the fans are also great and really supportive over there. It’s always great to see familiar faces so it was a no-brainer choice for me. I’m excited for this season!

You had a great first season with CEBL, receiving a First All-Star Team nod and the Canadian Player of the Year award. What are your expectations for the upcoming second season?

— The ultimate goal is to win a championship. I'm very grateful for the awards but it’s a team sport and it felt that we failed to finish the job. I know this group will do everything to correct that this season.

How would you describe yourself as a player today as compared to one year ago?

— Just more experienced and more mature. Still working on ways to improve and help the team the best way I can.

Which experiences will you be bringing back from playing with FC Mulhouse this season?

— Just a bigger experience. I often have conversations with my coach here on how I can not only be more efficient and aggressive, but also improve as a vocal leader. I think this is an aspect in my game that I could really benefit from as I get better at it.

What does the CEBL mean for you as Canadian basketball player?

— A great opportunity to play in front of family and friends, and to showcase the great sport of basketball to the country. A lot of pro athletes have to be away for a long period of time so being able to play at home is not taken for granted.

Anything else that you'd like to add that I've forgotten to ask you about?

— Just want to send my thoughts and prayers to Kobe, Gigi, the Bryant family and the others who died in the crash. Kobe not only played a huge part on why I started playing basketball but also how I learned to approach life and hardships, and I know he did that for many others too. This tragic accident feels like a heavy loss but I’m forever thankful for the blueprint he left behind.