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.