Longest-Tenured Coach in League History Signs Three-Year Extension with River Lions

The River Lions are proud to announce that Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso has signed a three-year contract extension, solidifying his future with the team through the 2027 season. Raso first joined the River Lions organization in 2017 when he began as Lead Assistant Coach before taking over as Head Coach and General Manager for the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s (CEBL) inaugural 2019 season. Raso has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity, driving its competitive success, and ensuring that Niagara is the preeminent basketball destination for professional players looking to develop and further their careers over the spring and summer months. 

As the longest tenured Head Coach in CEBL history, Raso has a track record of success with a regular season record of 66-32 and playoff record of 5-5, amounting to the most wins (regular season and overall) and second-best win percentage of all time amongst CEBL coaches. The 2019 CEBL Coach of the Year has led Niagara to be the only CEBL team to appear at every Championship Weekend and helped the team to an impressive 11-0 perfect home record before winning the CEBL Championship in 2024.

“Victor embodies everything we stand for as an organization – professionalism, passion, dedication and a relentless drive to succeed,” said President, Michelle Biskup. “We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements, and we’re excited to continue building a championship calibre team under his leadership for years to come.”

In Raso’s six years as bench boss, several players have earned CEBL Awards including three Defensive Player of the Year awards, two Clutch Player of the Year awards and one recipient each for Player of the Year, Canadian Player of the Year, U SPORTS Player of the Year and 6th Man of the Year. 

“I'm incredibly grateful to continue leading the Niagara River Lions as Head Coach and General Manager for the next three years,” said Raso. “This organization, our players, and our incredible fans mean everything to me, and I am thrilled to keep leading our team into the future.”

Coupled with the contract extension news, St. Catharines City Council will award Raso the 2024 St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year this evening, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the local sports community and his leadership within the River Lions organization. 

This prestigious honor celebrates Raso’s impact both on and off the court, guiding the River Lions to the 2024 championship while fostering a culture of excellence, community engagement, and player development. His commitment to growing the game and strengthening the connection between the team and the St. Catharines community has made him a true leader in the Niagara Region. 

During the CEBL off-season Raso is the Head Coach for the Ridley College boys prep basketball team, who currently sits first in the Ontario Basketball Scholastic Association (OBSA) west division with a record of 9-3.

Prior to joining the River Lions organization, Raso gained experience both playing and coaching for Canada’s top university basketball program. He won back-to-back CIS national titles in 2013 and 2014 as captain with Carleton University before taking on the role of Assistant Coach for the Ravens, where he earned his third championship title alongside CanadianU SPORTS legend, Dave Smart. 

The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL and the league's reigning champions. 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. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information. 

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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+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.