CEBL NEWS ARTICLES

The Niagara River Lions today announced their full coaching, training, and basketball operations staff for the 2026 season. With a strong mix of returning leadership and new additions, the organization continues to build a cohesive group committed to success on and off the court. Leading the River Lions’ basketball operations in 2026 will be Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, who transitions into his new role following a standout three-year playing career with the organization from 2023 to 2025. A former team captain, Mackenzie was a key leader both on and off the court, helping to establish the team’s identity and championship culture. Beyond his playing career, Mackenzie has remained deeply involved in the organization, serving as the team’s Community and Brand Ambassador while continuing to build strong connections throughout the Niagara region. He also gained coaching experience during the 2024–25 season taking on the Head Coach position with the Niagara College women’s basketball program. His familiarity with the organization and continued growth in the game position him well to lead the River Lions into their next era. Supporting this transition, former Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso will remain with the organization as Senior Advisor, Player Personnel & Basketball Operations. Since joining the River Lions in 2017, Raso has played an instrumental role in building the team’s identity and establishing a championship standard that continues to shape the organization today. “I’m very happy with how our coaching staff has come together. I trust everyone on this staff wholeheartedly. I’ve built relationships with all of them over the years, and I know how seriously they work,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “We have been in close communication throughout the process of getting our roster together, and are very excited about the opportunity in front of us.” Returning to the basketball staff this season are Andrew Sergi, William Gatchalian, and Jeff Zwolak, who each bring valuable experience, leadership, and continuity to the program. They will be joined by new additions Pablo Vazquez and Jake Babic, strengthening the River Lions bench with fresh perspectives and diverse coaching backgrounds. Zwolak enters his 8th season with the River Lions as Chief of Staff, continuing to provide invaluable leadership and organizational support. His longstanding involvement in the basketball community and commitment to the program make him an integral part of the team’s culture. Sergi returns as Assistant Coach, for his third season with the River Lions bringing over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of the game. A longtime colleague and mentor within the program, his veteran presence and strategic mindset remain key assets in player development and team success. Gatchalian returns to the River Lions coaching staff for a second year after contributing during the 2025 season. He brings experience from the U SPORTS level, including his role as an Assistant Coach with Brock University , as well as time spent with the Winnipeg Sea Bears . New to the coaching staff, Pablo Vazquez joins the River Lions as an Assistant Coach, bringing experience in player development and game strategy. Vazquez has served as an Assistant Coach with the Leicester Riders in England for 10 years coaching Kimbal Mackenzie from 2021-2024. He adds a fresh perspective to a well-established and collaborative coaching group. Jake Babic returns to the River Lions bench this time as an Assistant Coach after previously playing four seasons with the organization from 2020 to 2024. Since 2023, he has also been involved as a coach with Purpose Driven Mentality (PDM) Basketball, working within the youth development system and helping to mentor the next generation of players. His transition from player to coach adds continuity to the staff and reinforces the organization’s commitment to internal development. The Basketball Operations team will be led by Tyler Vincent, Manager of Business and Basketball Operations, alongside Paolo Buot, Basketball Operations Coordinator. They will be supported by basketball operations interns Ryota Wolff, Jared Colangeli, and Curtis Henderson, who will assist in the day-to-day operations throughout the season. Team training and medical staff includes Head Athletic Therapist, Trevor Kwolek ( Great North Physiotherapy ), Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Matrixx Ferreira and Myles Methner (Iron Performance ), Team Doctor Dr. Vince ( Platinum Medicine ), Team Dentist Dr. Andrew Lee ( Smilee Dental ), Team Optometrist Dr. Marianne Hopkins ( Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry ), Team Chiropractor Dr. Mark Lessey, and Team Registered Massage Therapist, Darian Kalogerakos ( Myomove Active Recovery Massage ). The Niagara River Lions continue to prioritize building a strong, unified staff dedicated to excellence, player development, and representing the Niagara Region with pride. With this group in place, the organization looks ahead to the 2026 season with confidence and excitement. ### About the Niagara River Lions The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed Center Drew Cisse for the 2026 season. The 6 '11 center originally from San Diego California, will come to Ottawa after playing the last season with the Delaware Blue Coats, the G-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. Head Coach Justin Mazzulla, has stated he is excited to have Cisse playing in BlackJacks Nation. “Drew ‘The Stopper’ Cisse is a true definition of fast, fearless, and fun. He has such a great impact on the game due to his physicality and aggressiveness on both sides of the ball,” said Mazzulla. In the 2025-26 G-League season, Cisse averaged 5.6 points and 8 rebounds. Cisse started his career with the San Diego Clippers, the G-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers. After averaging 2.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, during the 2024-25 season, before he was acquired by the Blue Coats. Before his professional career, Cisse played at Western Illinois in his senior season, where he averaged 8.48 points and 11 rebounds. Before that he played at Missouri-St. Louis in his junior season, where he averaged 5.17 points and 6.55 rebounds. In his senior season with Missouri St.Louis he achieved many accolades including OVC Defensive Player of the Year, All-OVC First team and NABC All-District Second Team. Born on January 10, 2001, the 25-year-old played his high school years at Rancho Bernardo High School. ###

The Montreal Alliance announced today the signing of American center Michael Hughes II, a physical and experienced frontcourt presence who brings proven production, efficiency, and defensive impact to the roster. Hughes, a 6-foot-8 native of Liberty, Missouri, joins the Alliance following four professional seasons competing internationally in Germany, Hungary, Austria, Lithuania, and Argentina. Across those leagues, he has built a reputation as a dependable interior player, known for his rebounding, rim protection, and efficient scoring. During the 2025–26 season with SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt in Germany’s ProA league, Hughes averaged 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 23.1 minutes per game while shooting 55.0% from the field. He delivered multiple strong performances throughout the season, including a dominant 23-point, 12-rebound outing, while consistently impacting the game on both ends of the floor. In 2023–24, Hughes showcased his versatility by competing across Argentina, Germany, and Lithuania. Across those leagues, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, maintaining efficient shooting while contributing in multiple roles. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Montreal Alliance and compete in front of such a passionate fan base,” said Hughes. “I take pride in bringing energy, physicality, and doing whatever it takes to help the team win. I’m ready to get to work.” Before turning professional, Hughes played at Duquesne University, where he developed into a reliable and efficient frontcourt player in the Atlantic 10. Over his collegiate career, he was recognized for his consistent interior scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability. In his senior season, he averaged 10.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, providing a steady presence for the Dukes. “Michael is a player who brings toughness and versatility to our group,” said Alliance Co-Owner and General Manager Joel Anthony. “He’s proven himself across multiple leagues and understands how to impact the game consistently. His physicality and presence in the paint will be a strong addition to our frontcourt.” Hughes is expected to add depth, physicality, and strong defense to the Alliance frontcourt as the team prepares for the 2026 season. ### About the Montreal Alliance The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The organization is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an engaging experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec. Tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale. The Alliance will kick off its home season on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verdun Auditorium against Scarborough. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit basketmtl.ca.

The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced that the club will be hosting its first-ever university combine, inviting some of British Columbia’s most promising men’s basketball student-athletes to showcase their talents and earn a spot on a professional roster. The Bandits University Combine, presented by Fuel Supplements, will take place April 25 and 26, 2026 at Langley Events Centre and is the first event of its kind hosted by a CEBL team. The invite-only combine will feature nearly 40 student-athletes from post-secondary men’s basketball programs across BC. “This combine will give local student-athletes a real professional experience and help us identify players who can impact our team this season,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “This is the first event of its kind and it is going to create real opportunities for players to step into a pro environment and prove themselves. University players have been a big part of our success, and we will use this combine to strengthen our roster this summer and build for the future.” Under the guise of Julius and the Bandits’ coaching staff, student-athletes will participate in workouts and training mirroring those at the professional level. The combine will consist of team-based drills and full-court gameplay; participants will also undergo off-court health testing including a complete body composition analysis scan. As part of the CEBL’s long-standing partnerships with U SPORTS and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), Canadian men’s basketball student-athletes can be signed to Developmental Player Contracts therefore retaining a student-athlete’s post-secondary eligibility. Past Bandits rosters have consisted of university talent such as Thomas Kennedy (2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year), Diego Maffia (2024 U SPORTS Player of the Year) and Sam Maillet (2025 U SPORTS Championship MVP) who have excelled at both their schools and in the CEBL, and have since advanced to professional opportunities. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed forward Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. The 6’10” forward is no stranger to the CEBL, having previously played for the Hamilton Honey Badgers in 2022 and 2023. In his debut CEBL season, Tilmon Jr. led the league in field goal percentage at 63.9 percent and ranked fifth in blocks per game while helping Hamilton claim the CEBL championship in 2022. He followed that up in 2023 by shooting 61.1 percent from the field, ranking second in the league and securing 1.5 blocks per game ranking him fourth in league blocks. "The addition of Jeremiah gives our group an experienced winner up front,” says Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “We are looking forward to his ability to play with physicality and lead from the centre position." Most recently, Tilmon Jr. was selected to represent his country on the USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team in both 2025 and 2026. Tilmon Jr. spent the 2025–26 NBA G League season with the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 6.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game. He has spent time with the Lakeland Magic, Raptors 905, and Greensboro Swarm, and has logged professional experience in Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Romania, and the United States across his six-year career. In 2024 with the Greensboro Swarm, Tilmon Jr. secured a professional career high of 27 points and 16 rebounds. Tilmon Jr. played collegiately at the University of Missouri from 2017 to 2021, finishing his career as the sixth Mizzou player ever to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 100 blocks. He earned Second Team All-SEC honours in his senior season and was named the SEC Player of the Week during his sophomore year. ###

Today, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the renewal of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's (OLG) official sponsorship for a third consecutive season. During the 2026 season, OLG will continue to enhance excitement for CEBL fans across Ontario. Through OLG’s sponsorship of the CEBL and its four Ontario clubs – the Brampton Honey Badgers, Niagara River Lions, Ottawa BlackJacks and Scarborough Shooting Stars – LOTTO MAX will once again serve as the Official Lottery of the CEBL and the presenting partner of the Eastern Conference and Eastern Conference Playoffs. PROLINE remains the Official Retail Sportsbook of the league and its four Ontario-based teams. "It’s been an exciting year for both LOTTO MAX and PROLINE, and we’re looking forward to bringing that momentum to CEBL fans this season,” said Andrew Darley, VP Lottery Product at OLG. “Continuing our sponsorship gives us an opportunity to showcase our support for Ontario, while also leveling up the fan experience and celebrating their love of sport.” Just this month, the new LOTTO MAX launched with more prizes to win and jackpots that can grow up to $90 million. And earlier this year, OLG rolled out a new PROLINE platform providing a better playing experience with more choice and more ways to play. Through fan-centric, in-game promotions, CEBL fans can learn about these upgrades, and how by playing with OLG, they are helping give back to people and communities across Ontario. “OLG has a long-standing commitment to communities across Ontario, and that aligns perfectly with what we’re building at the CEBL,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “This partnership supports the continued growth of our league while creating more ways for fans across the province to connect with the game.” For the full 2026 CEBL schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Details on the league’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets . - CEBL - About the Canadian Elite Basketball League The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting authentically with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL has become a proven pathway for top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About OLG OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. OLG has been giving back to Ontario since 1975, generating approximately $64 billion for the people and the Province to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed Canadian and Long Island University Sharks standout, Jamal Fuller, for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Toronto, Ontario product is signing the first professional contract of his career with the Mamba after a strong and productive collegiate campaign in the NCAA. The 6-foot-5 guard started 33 of 34 games in 2026 and was selected for the 2026 All-NEC First Team. In 2026, Fuller finished first on the team in average points (16.2 per game) and rebounds (5.5 per game), while finishing third on the team in assists (2.6 per game) – showcasing his playmaking and scoring capabilities. “Jamal adds a high level of skill and competitiveness to our roster,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba. “What stands out just as much is his willingness to compete and make an impact defensively.” In his final collegiate season, Jamal Fuller delivered an efficient and impactful campaign, shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc while scoring 20 or more points in over a third of his games, including a season-high 26-point performance. His consistent production played a key role in helping lead LIU to a NCAA postseason appearance. Fuller’s performance also earned conference recognition, as he was named NEC Co-Player of the Week during the 2025–26 season after averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across a two-game stretch. His standout efforts included a 19-point performance against Le Moyne and a 23-point, 6-assist outing versus Central Connecticut State, showcasing his ability to impact the game across multiple facets. Fuller expressed excitement about beginning the next chapter of his career back in Canada. “I’m just excited to be a part of the Mamba family and looking forward to growing as a player and doing whatever it takes,” he said.  In addition to his high impact on the offensive side of the floor, Fuller impacted the game defensively throughout his five-year collegiate career, recording 68 steals (1.0 per game) and 61 blocks (0.9 per game) – displaying his strong two-way play capabilities. Fans can expect Fuller to bring a high level of scoring, defense, and a winning mindset to the new era of basketball in Saskatoon, blending established excellence with a renewed vision for the future. ### About the Saskatoon Mamba The Saskatoon Mamba (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The Mamba are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit saskatoonmamba.ca.

The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday the signing of American guard-forward Au'Diese Toney. Toney spent the 2025-26 season competing for the Noblesville Boom, the Indiana Pacers G League affiliate where he played 29 games, starting 17. Toney averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44.1 per cent from three-point range. “I’m excited to be in Edmonton and to rep and play for the stingers,” said Toney The six-foot-six guard-forward has spent three seasons competing in the NBA G League. Toney began his G League career with the Osceola Magic during the 2022-23 season before moving on to play with the Grand Rapids Gold in 2023-24 season. "Au'Diese is a really exciting piece that we have added to the Stingers lineup,” said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker, “He had a great year in the G-League, and we are looking for him to play a big role on both ends of the floor for us. The combination of length, athleticism, and shooting is something I think the fans in Edmonton can get excited about. He is a versatile player who will be relied upon to make big plays from day one!" Toney played 4 years of NCAA basketball, playing three years for The University of Pittsburgh , and his final season in Arkansas with the Razorbacks in 2022. Toney is set to make his CEBL debut when the stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. ###