Niagara River Lions Re-Sign Champion TJ Lall for 2026 CEBL Season

ST. CATHARINES, ON – The Niagara River Lions have re-signed forward T.J. Lall for a third stint with the club, the team announced Tuesday. The 6’6” Canadian will return to the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) for the 2026 season after a year spent rehabbing a knee injury and a season with ZZ Leiden in the Netherlands.

Lall, a Cambridge, Ontario native, was a key component of the River Lions’ championship-winning teams in 2024. He brings a wealth of professional experience and a proven track record of success to the Niagara roster. The upcoming season offers Lall the opportunity to build on that legacy and contend for another CEBL title.

A Familiar Face Returns to Niagara

The River Lions initially welcomed Lall to the organization in 2021, and he quickly became a fan favorite. After helping the team secure the 2024 championship, Lall spent the 2024-2025 season with ZZ Leiden of the BNXT League, averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 28 games. His time in the Netherlands was cut short by a knee injury, requiring a period of rehabilitation before returning to the court.

“We are thrilled to have T.J. Back for his third season with the River Lions,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “T.J. Is a versatile wing who impacts winning in a multitude of ways. He is a shotmaker, great passer, and elite point of attack defender. He brings a business-first attitude and will do whatever is required to win. He has a great I.Q. And perceive for the game; he will be a big piece for us!”

A Collegiate and Professional Journey

Lall’s basketball journey began at Carleton University, where he won four national championships. He then transferred to Brock University for his final collegiate year, earning First Team All-Canadian, OUA West First Team All-Star, and team MVP honors. This decorated collegiate career laid the foundation for his professional aspirations.

Originally selected first overall in the 2020 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Ottawa BlackJacks, Lall has since played professionally in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. His ability to adapt to different leagues and playing styles speaks to his versatility and basketball acumen. According to data from Proballers, Lall has played 102 professional games, averaging 8.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

His international experience includes stints with Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan’s B.League and Leicester Riders in the British Basketball League (BBL), demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level across different continents. He’s consistently proven to be a reliable contributor wherever he’s played.

What Lall Brings to the River Lions

Lall’s return provides the River Lions with a seasoned veteran who understands the team’s culture and championship aspirations. In 2024, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, establishing himself as a reliable two-way player. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute on both ends of the court build him a valuable asset.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Niagara and getting to work with this group,” Lall said. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited to compete for another championship with the River Lions.”

The River Lions, one of the founding franchises of the CEBL, are aiming to continue their dominance after securing back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025. The Meridian Centre in St. Catharines will once again serve as the team’s home court, providing a vibrant atmosphere for fans throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

The Niagara River Lions will begin their 2026 CEBL season in May. Further details regarding the schedule and roster will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and news by visiting www.riverlions.ca or following the team on social media: @NiagaraRiverLions on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and @RiverLions on X.

The addition of T.J. Lall strengthens an already competitive River Lions roster and positions them as strong contenders for another CEBL championship. His experience, versatility, and commitment to winning will undoubtedly be instrumental in the team’s pursuit of success.