Just a minute – Lions meet their Mass

Lions’ Coach Nigel Lloyd takes the reins for the first time on Saturday, 22nd August – with a new look team and headline opposition. The Lions will be taking on the University of Massachusetts Minutemen, a team packed with great players such as Donte Clark and Trey Davis (pictured).

UMass coach Derek Kellogg was excited about the trip to London which concludes the team’s European tour. “Trips build team spirit from being together in a foreign country,” he said. “I’m hopeful that this is a tremendous opportunity for us to come together and become a team that has the ability to be very good in our upcoming season.”

For the Lions, coach Lloyd has added some really exciting talent that is young and hungry. “I am getting excited to put the likes of Nick Lewis, Kai Williams and Joe Ikhinmwin on the floor to watch their chemistry, Brian Voelkel will have played at this level most recently and if we can get our imports in by then as well it will be a thrilling game for London,” he said.

Lions Chief Executive Vince Macaulay added, “It is fantastic to have such a respected university come and play us at the Copper Box Arena. This is a storied programme that has produced 16 players for the NBA. It’s just what we need to carry on from our achievements last season, a good tough test.”

The last time the Lions faced an NCAA Division programme at the Copper Box, Iowa in 2013, the game sold out – so tickets (which are now on sale) are expected to go very fast. The London Lions’ new season starts in earnest in September, with the first regular season home game being against Leeds Force on the 25th.

As well as easing into the new playing season, the Lions have been running a summer programme which has seen over 150 children enjoy basketball coaching and tournament games with the support of Lions certified coaches and players down at Warton Road outdoor basketball court. The summer programme has been supported by the Legacy Development Corporation and Shake Shack. The Lions’ Laurent Irish commented, “It has been a pleasure to coach these youngsters. Their enthusiasm is infectious and makes you realise the beauty of our sport.”

The UMass game on 22nd August starts at 6pm, with doors opening at 5.00pm. Season tickets are also still available. For tickets and more information, go to:
www.londonlionsbasketball.com

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