RIVER LIONS SIGN VETERAN AMERICAN GUARD KYLE VINALES
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’2 American guard Kyle Vinales for the remainder of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Vinales is expected to make his River Lions debut Friday against the Scarborough Shooting Stars.
Vinales joins the River Lions after a 2025-26 campaign which saw him feature for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the CBA and NKA Universitas Pecs of the Hungarian NBIA. Across both stops, the veteran guard posted an impressive stat line of 24.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing the dynamic scoring and playmaking ability that has defined his professional career.
"Kyle is a high-level, experienced pro who has played all over the world," said River Lions Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. "He will bring us playmaking, scoring, and leadership from the guard spot. We're excited to have him!"
"I’m excited for this opportunity and grateful to be joining the River Lions,” said Vinales. “I can’t wait to get to work, compete every night, and do everything I can to help this team win another championship. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Niagara soon."
The Farmington Hills, Michigan native started his collegiate career with the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils. Vinales made an immediate impact, capturing the NEC Rookie of the Year award in his freshman season while recording 17.9 points and 3.6 assists per game. He elevated his game during his sophomore campaign, earning NABC All-District First Team and All-NEC First Team honors with a college career-high 21.6 points per game to go along with 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals. Over three seasons with the Blue Devils, Vinales established himself as one of the NEC's premier scoring guards, starting 64 of 79 games and averaging 19.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
Following his collegiate career, Vinales built an accomplished international career spanning Puerto Rico, Europe, and Asia. Early in his professional career, Vinales emerged as one of Puerto Rico's top offensive guards, highlighted by a standout 2017-18 campaign with Caciques de Humacao where he averaged 20.1 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 47.2 percent from three-point range. Vinales then transitioned to major European markets, blossoming into a true focal point overseas. His international resume includes prolific scoring stints across Europe's top divisions, including leading BC Kalev-Cramo in the
VTB United League with 17.7 points and 4.6 assists per game, a dominant run with
Legia Warszawa in the
Polish League averaging 18.3 points and 6.0 assists per game, and robust performances in
France's Jeep Elite with
Nancy Basket.
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