River Lions Announce 2024 Training Camp Roster
St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara River Lions announced today the players that will report to 2024 training camp set to begin later this week. The camp will take place from May 16th to May 21st, before the team prepares for their first road game in Brampton. Training camp will take place at Ridley College, as well as the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park in Thorold. An intrasquad scrimmage is scheduled for May 21st. After six consecutive days of training, Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso will select the final roster that will tip-off the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season on May 24th.
“As always, this is the most exciting time of the season,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso. “We finally get together as a group and start building towards reaching our potential as a team. Training camp is all about developing winning habits, building chemistry, and beginning our journey of finding clarity individually and as a group. This is an incredibly important week for us, and we're ready to get going!”
Returning members of the team include Americans, AJ Davis and 2023 CEBL Defensive Player and Clutch Player of the Year, Khalil Ahmad, along with Canadians, Eddie Ekiyor, 2024 CIBACOPA All-Star Jahvon Blair, Kimbal Mackenzie, and TJ Lall.
The River Lions welcome former Raptors 905 forward Omari Moore, from Pasadena, California, American forward Loudon Love who is joining the team after a short stint in Italy with Victoria Libertas Pesaro, and Naythan Shaw-Clarke from the University of the Virgin Islands.
The River Lions have also signed new Canadians, Aaryn Rai, Elijah Lufile, and Nathan Cayo who each bring a wide range of domestic, international and CEBL experience.
Jordan Tchuente of Brock University, Luka Syllas and Cameron Bett of Queen's University, and Charles Andre Robert of Bishop’s University will join the training camp roster as current and graduating U SPORTS athletes. Jerry Mercury of Mohawk College will also be joining the River Lions camp as the first ever Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) player to be drafted in the CEBL U SPORTS/CCAA Draft.
With a mix of both returning and new players, the training camp roster was built to reflect players who are looking to develop during the spring and summer months while sharing the common goal of winning a 2024 CEBL Championship. After making the semi-finals last season and coming up short of the goal, Head Coach Victor Raso has been tirelessly working to acquire phenomenal players that align with the River Lions culture and values, while contributing to the on-court success of the organization.
The River Lions will tip off the 2024 CEBL season versus the Brampton Honey Badgers on May 24th at 7:30pm (ET).
The River Lions home opener will take place on May 30th versus the Brampton Honey Badgers. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
| Name | Position | Height | Hometown | Last/Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalil Ahmad * | Guard | 6'4 | Corona, CA | BC Oostende (Belgium) |
| Charles Andre Robert | Forward | 6'8 | Vaudreuil, QC | Bishop's Gaiters (U SPORTS) |
| Cameron Bett | Guard | 6'2 | Frimley, UK | Queen's Gaels (U SPORTS) |
| Jahvon Blair | Guard | 6'4 | Brampton, ON | Ostioneros de Guaymas (México) |
| Nathan Cayo | Forward | 6'7 | Montreal, QC | Ontario Clippers (G-League) |
| AJ Davis | Forward | 6'9 | Buford, GA | Leuven Bears (Belgium) |
| Eddie Ekiyor * | Forward | 6'9 | Ottawa, ON | Sporting CP (Portugal) |
| TJ Lall | Forward | 6'6 | Cambridge, ON | Leicester Riders (England) |
| Loudon Love | Forward | 6'8 | Geneva, IL | Victoria Libertas Pesaro (Italy) |
| Elijah Lufile | Forward | 6'7 | Milton, ON | Kataja Basket (Finland) |
| Kimbal Mackenzie | Guard | 6'1 | Oakville, ON | Leicester Riders (England) |
| Jerry Mercury | Forward | 6'4 | Scarborough, ON | Mohawk Mountaineers (CCAA) |
| Omari Moore | Forward | 6'6 | Pasadena, CA | Raptors 905 (G-League) |
| Aaryn Rai | Forward | 6'6 | Markham, ON | Cheshire Phoenix (England) |
| Naythan Shaw-Clarke | Guard | 6'3 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Virgin Islands Buccaneers (NAIA) |
| Luka Syllas | Guard | 6'2 | Kingston, ON | Queen's Gaels (U SPORTS) |
| Jordan Tchuente | Forward | 6'6 | Kanata, ON | Brock Badgers (U SPORTS) |
| * Players will report to the team following the conclusion of their current FIBA season |
The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL. Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information.
