Fraser Valley Bandits Sign Former UVIC Vike and CIS First Team All-Canadian Chris McLaughlin
Bandits Staff • June 27, 2019
Former Canada West post presence and multi-year all-star with the University of Victoria Vikes signs with Fraser Valley after an electric debut last Saturday, June 22 against the Edmonton Stingers.
ABBOTSFORD, BC, June 27, 2019 –
The Fraser Valley Bandits announced Thursday the signing of Chris McLaughlin. McLaughlin turned pro after his fifth year at the University of Victoria in 2014-15. McLaughlin’s final year with the Vikes was a memorable one, as the senior led Victoria to a fourth-place finish at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS, known referred to as U SPORTS) championship.
McLaughlin capped off an impressive final CIS season by representing Canada at the World University Games in Korea, where he averaged 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while also shooting 60 per cent from field goal range.
McLaughlin made his Bandits debut in place of Levon Kendall last Saturday, June 22. The game made an impression on the Bandits as McLaughlin quickly became a fan favourite in the Fraser Valley after posting a solid line of 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field and 6-of-7 shooting from the free throw line in an overtime loss against the Edmonton Stingers. Despite the loss, McLaughlin caught the attention of many with his efficient performance, which included a highlight reel dunk over Jordan Baker.
Kendall has returned to the Bandits and will play tonight against the Saskatchewan Rattlers. After a strong first game, McLaughlin has extended his contract and will play alongside Kendall tonight as the Bandits take on the Rattlers in Saskatoon at SaskTel Centre at 6 p.m. PT. The game can be streamed live and for free on CEBL TV.
McLaughlin’s first pro contract was with the Basket Swans Gmunden in the Österreichische Basketball Bundesliga (or Austrian Basketball League) after posting 19.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on 59 per cent shooting from the field in his last season with Victoria.
After this week’s road trip, the Bandits return home to take on the Guelph Nighthawks at Abbotsford Centre on Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased here.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Savory, Marketing and Communications Manager, (604) 217-6213, asavory@thebandits.ca
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