Leicester Riders assistant coach Pablo Vazquez is set for an exciting summer opportunity overseas, as he prepares to join the coaching staff of the Niagara River Lions in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Vazquez will link up with familiar faces in Canada, most notably former Leicester Riders captain Kimbal Mackenzie, who is continuing to build his coaching résumé as Head Coach of the Niagara River Lions. The reunion represents a strong continuation of the Riders’ influence abroad.
Adding further intrigue to the move, Vazquez will also reconnect with former Riders player TJ Lall. Lall, who previously suited up in Leicester Riders colours in the 2023/24 season, is expected to be part of the River Lions setup, creating a mini Riders contingent within the Canadian franchise.
Vazquez has been an integral part of the Riders’ success, contributing to their structured style of play and consistent competitiveness. His summer stint in the CEBL offers an opportunity to gain international experience, work within a different basketball environment, and further expand his coaching network.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Vazquez shared his excitement about the announcement
“I’m very excited to join a winning program like Niagara in a very exciting and growing league like the CEBL. We’ve been lucky to have players at the Riders who have played there and we know how important the winning culture is.
I want to personally thank Kimbal and the entire club for believing I’m the right fit and I want to contribute to a third CEBL Championship in a row”
With the CEBL continuing to rise as a competitive and fast-paced summer league, the presence of Vazquez, Mackenzie, and Lall ensures that Leicester Riders connections will be well represented across the Atlantic this offseason.
