With the new season starting in September, the London Lions basketball team has announced a number of new signings – and a new training programme run in partnership with Epping Forest College, which should see a steady stream of potential recruits in future years.
Captaining the side this autumn will be Joe Ikhinmwin. The 6’6” Ikhinmwin was acquired from the Newcastle Eagles in 2013 and has gone on to double his figures in the capital. Playing multiple positions for the Lions, Ikhinmwin averaged just over 8 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the floor. A delighted Joe responded to the promotion by saying, “It’s a tremendous honour and privilege to be named Captain of the Lions, I’ll do everything in my power to represent and uphold the responsibilities that come along with this title.”
Sheffield Sharks and former GB Under-20s star Nick Lewis is also coming on board. The 6’3” dynamo was a huge contributor to his former team over the last couple of seasons, averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds per game and connecting on 54 three pointers last year. Now aged 22, Lewis grew up in Toronto, Canada before going on to school in New York. He has just graduated from Sheffield Hallam University and also helped his University win the Bucs Title along the way. Who has been his biggest inspiration in his life so far? Nicks has it’s his mother Charmaine.
The Lion’s defence is welcoming 23 year old Brian Voelkel. The 6’6” player attended Vermont University in the NCAA’s America East Conference where he was voted Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. He was also the Rookie of the year in his first year in College and in his final year averaged 7 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
Voelkel currently playing for the South West Slammers in Australia, where he is averaging an eye popping 15 points 17 rebounds and 7 assists
Coach Lloyd welcomed the new signings, saying, “I am happy with the way the team is coming together and really can’t wait till we can get to practice and start gelling.”
Lions fans can see the new team in action at the first home game of the season on Friday, 25th September when they take on Leeds Force, at the Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Season tickets are also still available. These give fans the opportunity to choose their own seat for the season as well as exclusive access to many activities involving the team.
Also starting in September is the London Lions Academy at Epping Forest: a new Level 3 BTEC course which will be run by Epping Forest College in partnership with the Lions. The course is designed for students looking for a career in the sports industry, primarily in coaching, training or sports development. The Lions will provide the expertise in basketball coaching, and students will be able to train and play at the Copper Box, the Lions’ home ground in the Queen Elizabeth Park.
•Trials for the course will be held in August and early September. For more information or to register for a trial email Lions@efc.ac.uk
•For further information on the London Lions, visit www.londonlionsbasketball.com. Tickets are available for all London Lions games at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.