ABBOTSFORD, BC, January 18, 2020 – The Fraser Valley Bandits announced Tuesday the signing of Kyle Johnson. Johnson played four years of NCAA Division I basketball for Long Island University from 2007 to 2011 before embarking upon a professional playing career that has taken him around the globe.
The 6-foot-4 guard from Scarborough, Ont. has played professionally in France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and is currently enjoying a stellar season for Stjarnan. Johnson is posting averages of 15 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2assists per game on 48.3 and 35.4% shooting from field goal and three-point range, respectively.
“Having played in some of Europe’s top professional leagues and representing Great Britain at some of the highest international competitions, I am excited to come home to Canada this summer and continue my professional career in British Columbia,” Johnson said.
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“Coach Julius, his staff, and the entire front office are committed to winning and building a culture for a team that is a family both on and off the court. I look forward to contributing to the progression of the team and making meaningful connections with the Fraser Valley community.”
In addition to representing Great Britain at the London 2012 OlympicGames, Johnson is known by coaches and teammates as a consummate leader both on and off the court who brings two-way play and a competitive spirit to the locker room.
One of the most notable performances of Johnson’s career was when he scored 51 points on 17-of-22 shooting for the London Lightning in 2017, who were then coached by current Bandits Head Coach and General Manager KyleJulius. Johnson becomes the first official player signing of Julius’ tenure with the Bandits.
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“Kyle Johnson is a special basketball player and an even better person.KJ was a major piece to our championship team in London three years ago where his leadership and shot making was dependable night in and night out. KJ is a world-class shooter and has the ability to guard multiple positions. KJ is the perfect player to build our culture around,” Julius said.
The Bandits begin their second season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) on Friday, May 8 when the club takes on the defending CEBL Champions, theSaskatchewan Rattlers, at Abbotsford Centre. Season tickets are on sale now at www.thebandits.ca and on Ticketmaster.
For more information on the Bandits, follow the team’s journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Savory, Director of Operations, (604) 217-6213, asavory@thebandits.ca
About the Fraser Valley Bandits
The Fraser Valley Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian EliteBasketball League (CEBL), the club is proud to call Abbotsford Centre home. TheBandits offer a riveting entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue. Tipping off for the 2020 season, theBandits will play 10 home games at Abbotsford Centre, and another 10 games on the road against the CEBL’s six other teams. Head to thebandits.ca for more information or follow the team’s journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About theCanadian Elite Basketball League
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is anew basketball experience that features world-class professional basketball in a fan-friendly entertainment environment across seven cities in Canada. The2019 inaugural season saw more than 100 Canadian and international players take to the court, culminating with the Saskatchewan Rattlers earning the first CEBL championship trophy. CEBL players come from NBA G-League clubs, top NCAA programs, the Canadian national program, U SPORTS and other Division 1 FIBA leagues. the CEBL is set to start its second season inMay 2020. All games are live streamed on the CBC Gem app, CEBL.TV and theIsland Sports Network. Head to cebl.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more.
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