NIAGARA RIVER LIONS SIGN CANADIAN FORWARD COLE LONG
St. Catharines, ON –The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’8 Canadian forward Cole Long ahead of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Long is currently competing with the Newcastle Eagles of the British Super League Basketball (SLB), for a second consecutive season where he’s averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29.2 minutes per game.
“We are very excited to welcome Cole to Niagara. Cole is a high level basketball player who will bring us great size, versatility, and shooting,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “He is a 4 man who can stretch the floor, put the ball on the ground, and has a great basketball IQ. I believe he will be a great fit, basketball and culture wise!”
During the 2024–25 season, Long emerged as one of Newcastle’s most reliable perimeter threats, leading the Eagles in three-point shooting averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc while establishing himself as a consistent floor spacer within their system.
Long’s professional career began when he was selected by the Guelph Nighthawks in the 2021 CEBL U SPORTS Draft. Although an injury sidelined him for that season, he returned the following year and was selected third overall by the Newfoundland Growlers, earning the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team in St. John’s for the 2022 CEBL Season.
Long went on to gain international experience with Tromso Storm (2022–23) of the Norwegian Basketball League (BLNO) and KFUM Nassjo (2023–24) part of the Basketliegan in Sweden.
Long began his collegiate career at the University of Detroit Mercy (2016–2019), where he appeared in 79 games for the Titans. During his time with the program, he had 24 starts and averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds with 33 blocks and 21 steals overall, while earning recognition in the classroom as a three-time Detroit Mercy Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection.
Following his time in Detroit, Long returned to his home province of Newfoundland to attend Memorial University, where he continued his academic studies pursuing a Masters degree in Kinesiology while competing with the Seahawks.
“I’m very happy to be joining Niagara and be a part of the winning culture. Excited to join you all in May for another great season” said Long.
Long now joins the River Lions as the club continues to build its roster for the 2026 campaign.
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.
For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
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Media Contact:
Mya Hastings
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
mhastings@riverlions.ca