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River Lions Name Victor Raso as Head Coach & General Manager for Inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball Season
January 22, 2019
CEBL Team

The Niagara River Lions Professional Basketball Club has named Victor Raso to serve as Head Coach and General Manager for the 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League season. The CEBL begins play in May 2019 in six cities across Canada.

Raso joined the River Lions for the 2017-18 season as Lead Assistant Coach, and he played a large role in the team’s success, helping guide them to the most wins in franchise history and their first playoff win.

The River Lions began the search for their new bench boss this past fall, and it was Raso’s prior experience and relationship with the River Lions organization that stood out amongst the candidates. River Lions President Jeffrey Sotiriou is confident that Raso’s transition to head coach will be seamless. “Victor has proven to be a hardworking and talented coach. When Victor joined the River Lions last season, we were immediately impressed with his professionalism, work ethic, and modern approach to the game,” said Sotiriou.

"I am incredibly grateful to President Jeffrey Soitirou and the River Lions organization for believing in me and entrusting me with this opportunity,” said Raso. “As we transition into the CEBL, Niagara will become the preeminent destination for Canadian professional basketball players playing around the world, to come home, develop their game and further their career.”

Raso brings a fresh perspective with experience in 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 Canadian U Sports legend Dave Smart.

“I am excited to build a team of like-minded people who value growth, dedication, and a passion for the game of basketball as much as I do,” Raso added. “Together, we will do everything we can to bring a national championship to the Niagara Region and to our amazing River Lions fans."

The River Lions are joined by Guelph, Hamilton, Saskatchewan, Edmonton and Fraser Valley as the original six teams in the CEBL. Each team will include a minimum of 70 percent Canadian players. Teams will play a 20-game regular season schedule from May through August 2019. Season tickets are available now at riverlions.ca/tickets.

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Media Contact:

Michelle Biskup, Director of Operations (905) 802-1656

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