NIAGARA RIVER LIONS REVEAL 2026 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the 16 players set to report for the start of training camp ahead of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Training camp presented by FUUL Eatz will take place from May 9 to May 13 at Brock University, Ridley College and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park, and will conclude with a preseason game at McMaster University on Thursday, May 14.At that time, Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie and his staff will evaluate the group before finalizing the roster ahead of the River Lions’ 2026 season opener on May 18 against the Ottawa Blackjacks.
“I’m very excited about this group that we will be bringing in for training camp. Our priority above all else has been finding players who fit our team culture and identity,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “Assembling a training camp roster is always a bit of a craft, especially when you’re managing the timing of players finishing overseas seasons and navigating arrivals, but we’re really excited about the group we’ve put together. This is a group of players who value winning. Furthermore, there is a ton of talent, versatility and size. I can’t wait to get to work with this group!”
The training camp roster features a competitive mix of returning core players, 2024 and 2025 championship contributors, and new additions competing for roster spots.
Key returning players from last season include Elijah Lufile and Nathan Cayo. Khalil Ahmad and Curtis Hollis are expected to report to the team following the conclusion of their overseas seasons. Familiar faces returning to the organization after previous stints with the team include Connor Vreeken, Isaiah Bujdoso, Jordan Tchuente, Luka Syllas, Nathan Charles and T.J. Lall.
Also joining camp are CEBL Signing Day athletes Nigel Hylton (University of Toronto) and Ayub Nurhussien (Ontario Tech University).
New Canadian additions to training camp include Blondeau Tchoukuiegno, Cole Long, Michael Okafor and JD Muila, bringing a mix of athleticism, size and versatility to the roster. Meanwhile, Kameron Warrens, Tayler Persons and Tom Digbeu will compete for the team’s import spots throughout training camp.
River Lions players will be fueled by local restaurant partners during training camp including FUUL Eatz, Fork & Fuel, and Oddbar.
With a highly competitive group assembled, training camp will play a critical role in shaping the River Lions’ roster and identity as they prepare for the 2026 CEBL season.
Training Camp Roster:
| NAME | POSITION | HEIGHT | HOMETOWN | MOST RECENT/CURRENT TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bujdoso, Isaiah | Guard | 6'4 | Hamilton, Canada | Brock Badgers (USPORTS) |
| Cayo, Nathan | Forward | 6'7 | Montreal, Quebec | ADA Blois Basket (France) |
| Charles, Nathan | Guard | 6'5 | Mississauga, Ontario | KW Titans (Canada) |
| Digbeu, Tom | Forward | 6'5 | Barcelona, Spain | Union La Rochelle (France) |
| Hylton, Nigel | Forward | 6'8 | Toronto, Ontario | University of Toronto (USPORTS) |
| Lall, TJ | Forward | 6'6 | Cambridge, Ontario | ZZ Leiden (Netherlands) |
| Long, Cole | Forward | 6'8 | St. John’s, Newfoundland | Newcastle Eagles (England) |
| Lufile, Elijah | Forward | 6'7 | Milton, Ontario | Ermis Schimatari (Greece) |
| Nurhussien, Ayub | Forward | 6'9 | Hamilton, Ontario | TMU Bold (USPORTS) |
| Okafor, Michael | Guard | 6'4 | Toronto, Ontario | Sudbury Five (Canada) |
| Persons, Tayler | Guard | 6'3 | Kokomo, Indiana | Polski Cukier Torun (Poland) |
| Syllas, Luka | Guard | 6'2 | Kingston, Ontario | NE Megaridas (Greece) |
| Tchoukuiegno, Blondeau | Guard | 6'2 | Montreal, Quebec | Cocodrilos (Venezuela) |
| Tchuente, Jordan | Forward | 6'6 | Ottawa, Ontario | Levallois Sport Club (NM1) |
| Vreeken, Connor | Guard | 6'4 | Kingston, Ontario | Niagara River Lions (CEBL) |
| Warrens, Kameron | Guard | 6'5 | Antelope, California | Maine Celtics (G League) |
* Khalil Ahmad, JD Muila, and Curtis Hollis are currently on the reserve list and will join the River Lions roster at the conclusion of their seasons in Europe.
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 Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
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Media Contact:
Cole Meyering
Communications Coordinator