Skip to content

Lakers add member of the Macedonian National Team (UPDATED)

'From the team, I expect an amazing treatment as a student-athlete, family atmosphere and a constant improvement in basketball'
IMG_0071 (1)
Photo courtesy Nipissing University

UPDATE:

Kiril Panov has told BayToday.ca that he will not be joining the Nipissing Lakers this fall.  

Thomas Cory, Lakers men's basketball coach confirmed it on the weekend. 

"Yes he did de-commit because of some visa issues that we didn’t know about," said Cory. 

"He did commit to a USA school because it was easier to obtain a visa since he was in the USA last at a prep school." 

Cory says the Lakers have a long list of players that they are still recruiting and Panov's departure will open a door for another great player to become a Laker. 

See original story here: 

The latest addition to the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team has already developed an impressive international basketball resume.

The Lakers have committed to Kiril Panov, who is form Strumica, Republic of Macedonia and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Panov, a 6-foot-3 shooter played for KEBA Prep last season and has also spent time on the Macedonian National Team at the U16, U18 and U20 levels.

"I'm a very good three-point shooter, high IQ point guard. I'm able to drive the lane and assist and high ability to score and defend," Panov said.

"I am also a leader on and off the court and a top defensive player."

Panov has multiple highlights on the court both in North America and in Europe including; Spanish Championship MVP U16, Valencia Final Four Best Scorer, Valencia MVP U18, Ranked Top 5 young players in EBA (Spain), Macedonian National Team Captain and Leading Point Guard, Costa Blanca Cup MVP U18.

All in all, Panov is expected to be a strong addition to the Lakers program.

After developing his skills to this point, Panov joins the Lakers ready to help the program continue to improve and succeed.

"I have very high expectations individually because I know that I will give everything that I have to help the team in every aspect on and off the court," he said. "Also, from the team, I expect an amazing treatment as a student-athlete, family atmosphere and a constant improvement in basketball."

With options and wearing a number of different jerseys throughout his young career, Panov is confident Nipissing is the place he wants to be and the Lakers are the program he wants to be a part of.

The combination of the up-and-coming roster, along with a strong coaching staff, as well as and outstanding campus, it is the right fit for the 20-year-old.

"I chose Nipissing because it seemed to me as a program on the rise with a very good coach that is ready to take a step ahead and be one of the best programs in Canada," Panov stated.

"They have the facilities, the team and the coaching staff and we are ready to give the best of ourselves to the fans."

The Lakers finished the 2019-20 season in the fifth spot in the OUA East with a 8-14 record. 

Stay tuned to the Lakers social media channels, as well as www.nulakers.ca for more recruit information.