With nine games left in the regular season, the (5-10) Niagara River Lions have announced a number of roster changes.
First, the River Lions announced the signing of 6’2″ American guard Kyle Vinales.
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.
A day later, Niagara signed 6;0″ Canadian guard Munis Tutu. Tutu previously played for the River Lions during the 2022 season. He provides additional depth and veteran playmaking as the club continues their push for a playoff berth.
Tutu joins the River Lions after a 2025-26 campaign which saw him feature for CSM Corona Brasov of the Romanian Divizia A. He led the team in assists and steals, averaging 13.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game on the season. Tutu also made six FIBA Europe Cup appearances during the 2025-26 season for Corona Brasov, averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.2 steals against some of Europe’s top clubs.
Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie is excited to welcome Tutu back to Niagara.
“Munis is a tough, gritty floor general. He has the ability to change games with the pace he plays with, and his defensive prowess. He has played with the River Lions in the past, and we are excited to bring him back.”
The Windsor, Ontario native spent his first two seasons of college basketball with the Loyola Marymount Lions. Tutu played 31 games as a freshman, making most of his appearances off the bench and averaging 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 18.2 minutes per game. After seeing reduced minutes during his sophomore season, Tutu returned to Canada to join the Carleton Ravens, the most successful basketball program in U SPORTS history. Tutu would go on to average 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 23.8 minutes per game. During his time in Ottawa, Tutu helped the Ravens capture two U SPORTS championships and was named a U SPORTS Final 8 All-Star in 2019.
Tutu started his professional career with the Ottawa BlackJacks, making eight appearances during the 2021 CEBL season before signing with Erdgas Ehingen of Germany’s Pro A League. He averaged 16.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.4 steals per game before returning to the CEBL with the River Lions. Since his previous stint with Niagara, Tutu has continued his professional career with Chernomorets Burgas in Bulgaria, the Edmonton Stingers of the CEBL, the Redwell Gunners in Austria, and most recently CSM Corona Brasov in Romania.
Tutu is excited to return to Niagara as the River Lions continue their playoff push.
“I’m excited to get to work and compete with the guys! Here to bring whatever I can to help us win games and end the season on a positive note. See you guys soon!
And then Thursday, the River Lions announced the signing of 6’11 Australian center Gorjok Gak.
“I’m looking forward to getting out to Niagara and meeting the team and staff,” said Gak. “I’m also really excited for the opportunity to compete in the CEBL. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the league!”
Gak joins the River Lions after a 2025-26 campaign that saw him play for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the CBA and the South East Melbourne Phoenix of the Australian NBL. A dominant presence on the glass, Gak anchored the interior in China by averaging 7.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 14 contests.
“Gorjok is a 6’11 center who will help reinforce our interior play,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “He’s a big man who is light on his feet, has good touch, and will provide us with rim protection. We’re excited to bring him in!”
Gak began his collegiate career at the University of Florida, appearing in 46 games for the Gators in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He later transferred to California Baptist University, where he enjoyed a breakout graduate season and established himself as one of the Western Athletic Conference’s premier frontcourt players. Gak earned NABC All-District (6) Second Team, WAC All-Conference Second Team, WAC All-Defensive Team, and WAC All-Newcomer Team honours after averaging a double-double with 13.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. His standout campaign included a collegiate career-high 26-point performance against the Long Beach 49ers.
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Gak launched his professional career in the Czech Republic with CEZ Nymburk, helping the club capture the Czech NBL championship while averaging 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. He then returned to Australia to join the Brisbane Bullets of the NBL, where he averaged 4.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. After completing his first NBL season, Gak joined the Willetton Tigers in Australia’s NBL1 West during the offseason, where he quickly became one of the NBL1 West’s most dominant frontcourt players. In 2023, Gak was named the Men’s NBL1 West Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) and earned All-Star Five honours after averaging 20.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. The following summer, Gak returned to the NBL1 West with the Rockingham Flames, averaging 20.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks over 20 games. He was once again recognized among the league’s best, earning All-NBL1 West First Team and All-Defensive Team honours.
Curtis Hollis, Donald Carey Jr, Kameron Warrens and JD Mulia are no longer listed on the River Lions roster.
Vinales, Tutu and Gak are all expected to be in the lineup Friday night when Niagara hosts the first place (14-2) Scarborough Shooting Stars.
Tickets are on sale now at riverlions.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
