River Lions Announce 2025 Training Camp Roster

May 7, 2025

Training camp will take place from May 8 to 12 at Ridley College and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park, culminating in a pre-season scrimmage against the Brampton Honey Badgers on May 13

The Niagara River Lions announced today the 16 players that will report for 2025 training camp ahead of the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Training camp will take place from May 8 to 12 at Ridley College and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park, culminating in a pre-season scrimmage against the Brampton Honey Badgers on May 13.  Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso will then finalize the roster ahead of the River Lions season opener at home on May 16 against the Calgary Surge. 



“The most important part of training camp is establishing our base for the season and instilling our core values. It is crucially important that we communicate what we define as winning qualities and fundamentals, and ensure we are focused on improving in those areas daily” said Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso. “This group is a combination of veterans, new faces, and young professionals that we are very excited to start working with!”


Key players from the 2024 championship team are back, including captain and Brand & Community Ambassador, Kimbal Mackenzie, leading rebounder Elijah Lufile (7.2 rebounds per game), and AJ Davis, who is returning after missing most of last season due to injury. Joining the team upon completion of their respective FIBA seasons are Jahvon Blair (Poitiers Basket 86, France), Omari Moore (Darüşşafaka Lassa, Turkey), and Nathan Cayo (Manchester Giants, England).


Former River Lion, Guillaume Boucard who played with the team from 2018-2022 returns after suiting up for the Montreal Alliance during the 2024 CEBL Campaign. Fan favourite Eddie Ekiyor is also back in action after recovering from an injury over the past year. 


New additions to the squad include Americans Ron Curry, Leon Ayers, Keyshawn Bryant, and Josh Morgan. The team also welcomes CEBL standout Ahmed Hill, who made league history in 2023 by becoming the first player to surpass 1,000 regular-season points.


The 2025 Draft Picks, Gatluak James (St. Francis Xavier University) and Charles Robert (Bishops University), will be joined by other current and former U SPORTS talent including Michael Okeke (Brock University), Nathan Charles (Brock University), Xavier Ochu (University of Windsor), and Connor Vreeken (Carleton University).


Rounding out the training camp roster is CEBL veteran Jabs Newby, bringing experience from his time with the Vancouver Bandits and Brampton Honey Badgers.


River Lions players will be fueled by local restaurant partners during training camp including FUUL Eats, Joe Fetas, Oddbar, and Heat is On.


With a strong core of returning players, the infusion of international and
NCAA-caliber talent, and emerging U SPORTS athletes, the River Lions are poised to defend their 2024 CEBL title. The 2025 season tips off at home on May 16 against the Calgary Surge at the Meridian Centre. Tickets for the 2025 season are available now at www.riverlions.ca/tickets.




February 19, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the signing of Canadian guard David Walker. Walker most recently appeared for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, where on Aug. 16 2025, in a playoff game, he had a standout performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in 25 minutes. Prior to his time in Ottawa, he suited up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2025. Walker was also recognized as a finalist for the 2024 CEBL Developmental Player of the Year award. In addition, Walker was a finalist for the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performance at the university level and cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s top basketball talents. Over his CEBL career, playing for Brampton Honey Badgers, Scarborough Shooting Stars, and Ottawa BlackJacks, Walker has averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. “David fits the identity we’re building. He’s a tough, physical Canadian guard with league experience who strengthens our Canadian depth,” said Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Alex Campbell. “He defends with purpose, plays hard, and gets downhill offensively. We believe he has tremendous upside, and I think Sea Bears Nation is going to appreciate the way he competes and works every single day.” Walker was originally selected 22nd overall in the 2024 CEBL Draft and began his professional career with the Brampton Honey Badgers, where he averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 games during the 2024 season. Before turning professional, Walker starred at Toronto Metropolitan University, averaging 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2023–24 season. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Sea Bears,” said Walker. “Winnipeg has built something special, and I’m coming in ready to bring toughness, versatility, and a winning mindset every time I step on the floor.” ###
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