Former Raptors centre Lucas Nogeuira signs with CEBL’s Guelph Nighthawks

GUELPH, Ont. – The Guelph Nighthawks have signed former Toronto Raptor Lucas Nogueira.

The Brazilian seven-foot centre, also known as Bebe, will join the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team as an international designated player. Nogueira was a first-round NBA draft pick, taken by the Boston Celtics with the 16th pick in 2013. He spent four years in Toronto after the Raptors acquired him in a 2014 trade.

“We’re excited to have Lucas join our squad,” said Guelph head coach and general manager Charles Kissi. “I think he will bring professional and personal experiences. It’s a great opportunity for him to be a veteran leader. He’s at a very thoughtful place in his life and I think that will mesh well with our group.”

Nogueira played in 141 NBA regular-season games, and had 10 starts with the Raptors. He scored a career-high 17 points and added nine rebounds and five blocks in Toronto’s 99-85 win at Portland on Oct. 30, 2017.

Nogueira has also played in Europe, and played most recently with Brazilian team Sao Paola FC, helping the club to the FIBA Basketball Champions America title.

Nogueira, who’s returning to Canada for the first time since 2018, will join the club this week ahead of its next game in Hamilton against the Honey Badgers on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2022.