River Lions Sign American EJ Onu
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of EJ Onu presented by Deep Relief. The 6’11 American forward from Richmond Heights, Ohio will join the team for the 2022 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season after recently completing his first professional contract with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League.
In 25 games with the Hustle, the 22-year-old averaged 5.96 points and 3.72 rebounds per game. Onu recorded his first double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while blocking a career high 8 shots for Memphis during a game last month.
“EJ is a phenomenal defender, easily one of the best shot blockers in the world. He has all the offensive tools to play at the NBA level and he hasn’t even reached his ceiling yet,” said River Lions Co-General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations, Antwi Atuahene. “He’s a fearless competitor and an even better teammate. We are looking forward to having EJ in a River Lions uniform this summer.”
Onu spent four years at Shawnee State University, where he averaged 12.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game. He finished his 2020-21 campaign as a First Team NAIA All-American, the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-Mid-South Conference selection. He also garnered his third consecutive Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award while finishing his career as Shawnee State’s all-time leader in blocks (529). In his senior year he helped the Bears capture the NAIA championship.
After going undrafted in 2021, Onu played four games for the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA Summer League averaging 1.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
Onu becomes the second American player signed to the 2022 River Lions roster after Khalil Ahmad, and eighth after Tidjan Keita, Daniel Waldin-Mullings, Jaylen-Babb Harrison, Jake Babic, Alonzo Walker and Olu Ashaolu.
"I am excited to play in this league and excited to experience Canada for the first time,” said Onu. “I look forward to improving both individually and as a team so that we can bring home the championship. I can't wait to get to work!"
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. All ticket offerings for the 2022 season are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Biskup, Vice President, Operations