NIAGARA RIVER LIONS ANNOUNCE 2025 CEBL DRAFT PICKS
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions of the
Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today their selections in the 2025 CEBL Draft, selecting Gatluak James (9th overall, 1st round) of
St. Francis Xavier University, Charles Robert (12th overall, 2nd round) of
Bishop's University, and Thierry Tshibola (29th overall, 3rd round) of
Brock University. The partnership between
U SPORTS, the
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and the CEBL continues to provide Canadian student-athletes with a unique opportunity to gain professional basketball experience during the summer months alongside veteran pro basketball players from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international leagues.
Gatluak James, a 6’6 guard from Windsor, Ontario was selected 9th overall in the first round. In three seasons with the
X-Men, James has averaged 7.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. He suited up for 5 games with the
Calgary Surge in 2024 where he averaged 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in his first taste of professional basketball.
“Gatluak is a welcomed addition to our team!” said Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso. “He is an excellent rebounder who is versatile in the way he can impact the game. He can cover multiple positions, play with the ball in his hands or off the catch, and can take advantage of matchups. He also brings CEBL experience competing with Calgary in the final 4 last year, which is an additional benefit. He will play an important role for us this season.”
Charles Robert, a 6’8 forward from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec,was selected 12th overall in the second round. Over his four years with the
Gaitors, he has had consistent success especially during his senior season where he earned U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian honors, Bishop’s Male Athlete of the Year, Bishop’s Male Academic Student-Athlete of the Year and Bishop’s Mens Basketball Most Valuable Player in 2024-25. During this past season he averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 50%.
Part of the 2024 River Lions training camp roster, Coach Raso is pleased to welcome Robert back to Niagara. “Charles is one of the best players in USPORTS, and an under the radar centre who I believe will have a successful professional career when he is done at Bishop’s,” said Raso. “He is a complete offensive player, who can play beyond the arc, in the post, and in the pick and roll.”
Thierry Tshibola, a 6’3 point guard from Quebec City, Quebec, was selected 29th overall in the third round. In two seasons with the
Badgers, Tshibola has averaged 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 19 minutes per game.
“Theirry is a talented point guard who has a ton of potential,” said Raso. “He suffered some setbacks this year at Brock, but when healthy, you could see the type of talent he possesses. His ability to run a team, create for others and impact the game on the defensive end and on the boards makes him a welcomed addition to the group.”
The River Lions are excited to welcome these talented players to the team and look forward to seeing them develop and contribute on the court this season.
The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams in the CEBL. They play out of the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, representing the pride and strength of the Niagara Region. Season tickets, voucher packs, group tickets, and single-game tickets are now available. For more information, visit
www.riverlions.ca/tickets.
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Media Contact:
Mya Hastings
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
mhastings@riverlions.ca