CEBL NEWS ARTICLES

Givance averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 assists in 17 appearances between Ottawa and Scarborough last season

The Georgia-native signed an NBA Exhibit-10 contract with Dallas in 2024 following a five-year collegiate career at South Florida and Little Rock

A second round selection by the Stingers in the 2024 CEBL Draft, Donald appeared in nine games with the club last summer

Niagara University product and Calgary native signs first professional contract with hometown Surge

Florida and Weber State alum brings elite rim protection and double-double production to Montréal after standout performances in European leagues

The 6-foot-8 native of Hamilton, Ont. won a CEBL championship in his lone season of league play thus far helping the Hamilton Honey Badgers to the 2022 title

2025 U SPORTS National Champion has appeared in 30 games with Vancouver over the last two seasons

The Niagara River Lions are excited to announce their full coaching, training, and medical staff for the 2025 season led by Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso, who recently signed a 3-year contract extension with the team. With the longest-tenured Head Coach in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) at the helm, and the return of many key pieces of the coaching staff, the River Lions are poised to defend their championship title in 2025. "Much like our roster, most of this staff has been together for years,” said Raso. “This group has built a camaraderie and understanding of roles which has led to buy-in from our players. We are incredibly excited to tackle the challenge of repeating as CEBL Champions, and are eager for training camp to start!" Returning to the basketball staff this season will be Troy Stevenson, Andrew Sergi, Joel Friesen, Jeff Zwolak and Marlo Davis, who each bring a unique set of experience and skills from their different backgrounds, but who also have long standing relationships with Victor Raso that will help the strength of the coaching team, and their ability to trust each other. The sole addition will be William Gatchalian. Stevenson, who is returning for his third summer, will step into the role of Lead Assistant Coach for the 2025 season. He brings a wealth of experience and a high basketball IQ to the team as the current Head Coach for the University of Waterloo Men's Basketball team. With over 30 years of experience, Sergi, a Hamilton, Ontario native will return for a second campaign as Assistant Coach. A longtime colleague and mentor to Head Coach Victor Raso, Andrew’s veteran presence and strategic mindset continue to be a key asset in player development and team success. Friesen will continue as Assistant Coach bringing experience having played and coached at the university and professional levels. Davis who has been with the River Lions since 2022 will take on a new role of Coaching Consultant while he continues to serve as the Head Coach of the Crestwood Prep Women’s team as well as fulfill National Team duties as a Coach with Canada Basketball. Zwolak will return for a 7th season as Chief of Staff bringing an invaluable attitude and perspective to the group. Zwolak has been a longtime assistant coach with the Cardinal Newman Cardinals basketball program in Stoney Creek, and is also a founding member of the Newman Youth Basketball organization. He is currently the Principal at St. Teresa of Calcutta CES in Hamilton. William Gatchalian, who is an Assistant Coach at Brock University and has spent time with the Winnipeg Seabears , will round out the coaching staff. Team training and medical staff will include Head Athletic Therapist,Marc Henri St. Francois, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Matrixx Ferreira and Myles Mathner (Iron Performance) , Team Doctor, Dr. Jason Profetto, Team Dentist, Dr. Andrew Lee (Smilee Dental ) and Team Chiropractor, Dr. Mark Lessey. The Basketball Operations team will be led by Jack Beckett and include interns Naz Buhagiar, Benjamin Greaves and Samuel Bempah. The River Lions’ coaching, training, and medical staff boast a wealth of experience and knowledge, all working together to ensure that the team remains competitive and continues to represent the Niagara Region with pride. With this seasoned group in place, the team is focused on defending their championship and achieving even greater success in 2025. The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL and the reigning champions. Playing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while embodying the values of pride and community. Season tickets, voucher packs, group tickets, and single-game tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information. # ##

Former CCAA All-Canadian, RSEQ Player of the Year, and Senegalese-born guard played 10 games with the Magic in 2020-21

Twenty-seven U SPORTS, three CCAA student-athletes selected in three rounds

Nuga has averaged 11.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 45 CEBL games played

Osabuohien played in 16 games last summer for Calgary before rejoining the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League for a third season

The 6-foot-8 center and four-year pro averaged 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 30 games with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League

Franchise’s first-ever signing and co-captain ends six-year professional career

NBA G League forward averaged 8.6 points, 5.1 rebounds in 154 collegiate games at Seton Hall and Florida

Canada’s leading full-service travel company remains ‘Official Travel Partner of the CEBL’

Stingers add hometown guard after five-year collegiate career at Stony Brook University

Former All-Big 12 Newcomer of the Year guard also has NBA experience with the New Orleans Pelicans

The Niagara River Lions announced today that Darren Peters, Founder and President of Peters Construction Group , has joined the team’s ownership group. His inclusion represents a significant step forward for the River Lions as they continue to build a top tier sports organization in the heart of the Niagara Region. A lifelong Fort Erie resident, Peters has made a lasting impact on the Niagara business and cultural landscape. His leadership at Peters Construction Group, which he has operated for over 20 years, has transformed the company from a small subcontracting business into a multi-division operation offering a range of specialized construction services. His extensive experience in business growth and community engagement will be instrumental in the River Lions’ continued success both on and off the court. “I’m proud to welcome Darren Peters to the River Lions ownership group,” said Richard Petko, Niagara River Lions Founder and Owner. “Darren’s deep ties to the Niagara community and his proven track record in driving growth make him the perfect fit. His passion for sports and commitment to our shared goals will be key as we continue our mission to become the best professional sports organization in Canada.” Peters has been involved in various business ventures and real estate partnerships over the years and previously owned a successful race team as both a driver and team owner. His experience in sports and competition, combined with his business acumen, makes him a valuable addition to the River Lions ownership team. “What interests me most about joining the group is, firstly, the fun and excitement of the games and the atmosphere in the arena,” said Peters. “Beyond that, I align strongly with the team’s vision of offering a superior product and fan experience while also being excellent corporate citizens through the River Lions’ efforts to support youth and the community. Sports and entertainment are key attractions for people and businesses looking to invest in Niagara, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.” Peters has long recognized the unifying power of sports, both as a player and spectator. Since its inception, Peters Construction Group has actively supported youth sports teams, and many of its company events focus on team-building through sports. “I have always enjoyed how sports bring people together, regardless of background or economic situation. That sense of connection and camaraderie is what makes sports so special,” he added. “I’m thrilled to officially welcome my good friend Darren Peters to the River Lions ownership group,” said Niagara River Lions Owner, Michael Skrtich. “Darren brings a wealth of experience and deep passion for sports, as well as a shared vision for growing this franchise. These are exciting times for the River Lions, and I couldn’t be happier to have him on board as we take the next steps together.” Peters first caught the basketball bug during the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship run and quickly became a fan of the sport. After attending River Lions games, he was impressed by the level of competition and the energy of the fanbase. Now, as an owner, he looks forward to contributing to the team’s long-term success. As the River Lions continue to aim high and build towards a future of sustained excellence, the addition of Darren Peters ensures the franchise is well-positioned to reach its full potential in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).  - CEBL - About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ , TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube .