River Lions Re-Sign Veteran Canadian Guard Phil Scrubb
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of Senior Men’s National Team Member and five-time U SPORTS champion, Phil Scrubb presented by Deep Relief. After playing for the River Lions last summer, the 29-year-old, Richmond, British Columbia native went on to suit up for Avtodor Saratov of the VTB United League in Russia, and is currently finishing up the 2021-22 season with Monbus Obradoiro of the Liga ACB in Spain.
The 6’3 guard averaged 14.7 points per game during the 2021 CEBL campaign and led the River Lions in assists per game with 4.8. Scrubb helped the team earn a spot in the CEBL championship game with his historic Elam Ending winning 3-point shot against the Fraser Valley Bandits.
Head Coach and Co-General Manager, Victor Raso is excited to have the veteran return this season. “Phil is the consummate pro, and the way he approaches the game on a daily basis elevates our program,” said Raso. “The continuity of being able to bring Phil back to re-join our returning Canadians is important to us and we are thrilled to have him.”
Scrubb played for five years at Carleton University under Canadian basketball legend, Dave Smart and quickly became one of the most accomplished players in U SPORTS history. The sharpshooter averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 30.6 minutes in 105 university games. He was a four-time First Team All-Canadian and CIS (U SPORTS) Rookie of the Year. During the 2013-14 season, he was named the Athlete of the Year and earned his third consecutive Mike Moser Memorial Trophy as CIS MVP.
After graduating in 2015, Scrubb won the NBA Summer League in Orlando with the Memphis Grizzlies. Later that summer he suited up for the Senior Men’s National team which was just the start of the many appearances representing Canada including the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier, the World Cup in China, and the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers.
Scrubb has built an impressive career overseas and brings a wealth of international and professional experience having played in top leagues in Spain, Russia, Germany, Greece and France. Scrubb has earned a reputation of being one of the top Canadians playing abroad and is at the peak of his career.
In 12 games with Avtodor Saratov, Scrubb averaged 11.92 points, 2.08 rebounds and 4.17 assists per game. With Monbus Obradoiro, he is currently averaging 9.2 points and 1.6 assists playing alongside his brother, Tommy Scrubb and former River Lion, Kassius Robertson.
“I’m excited to be back with the River Lions and look forward to getting on the court with the team,” said Scrubb. “We have a lot of talent coming in, so I think we will have a good opportunity to compete for a championship.”
Scrubb becomes the fifth returning member of the River Lions after Daniel Waldin-Mullings, Jake Babic, Jaylen Babb-Harrison and Olu Ashaolu.
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 – mbiskup@riverlions.ca
Vice President, Operations