Born in London, Ikhinmwin started his career in 2012 at Newcastle Eagles before his move to London Lions in 2014.
The 2020-21 season will be Ikhinmwin’s eighth straight season with the club. However, due to the current pandemic, the season had to be cancelled.
Ikhinmwin said on the season being cancelled: ‘’We were in a position to retain the league title and make a run at the BBL play-off final, so I feel like winning the league, regardless of what Glasgow think, we should have been three-time league champions.
“The only way to get that point across is to win the upcoming league title next season.’’
School experience:
Ikhinmwin attended Barking Abbey Basketball Academy in Barking before attending Seminole State College in 2008.
The 32-year-old then moved to America to attend South Carolina State College which is home to NBA players, Tom Boswell and Julius Keye .
In his four years at South Carolina State University, he averaged six points and three boards in his final two years before graduating in 2012.
Strengths:
At 6ft6″ ,Ikhinmwin is capable of popping three-pointers scoring 43% in the field.
The London Lions captain symbolises the spirit of the side. His drive is reflected in how he plays, a defensive stopper with the ability to finish at the rim.
One strength of Ikhinmwin is his versatility as he has the ability to play multiple positions while still averaging just over eight points.
The Lions head coach, Vince Macauley, spoke vividly of Ikhinmwin by saying: “I think Joe has created a special BBL career.
“He brings special qualities on and off the floor and he understands what it means to play in London as a Londoner, walking the walk every time.”
Statistics:
Last season Ikhinmwin played 14 games for London Lions, where he posted an average of 5.6 points per game shooting 43.2% from the field. In regards to assists he averaged 0.7 and defensively he averaged 1.6 rebounds and 0 blocks.
On January 1st 2018, Ikhinwin set his career high in assists in a British Basketball game, dishing out five assists in London Lions 86-81 win against Chester. He also had seven points, and two rebounds.
In the 17/18 season Joe Ikhinmwin played at the Commonwealth Games where he:
- Played 4 games getting 10.2 minutes, 3.5 points, 3.8 FGA, 25 percentage 3 point percentage, 2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 assists, 0.3 blocks, 1.3 FGM and 33.3% Field goals.
The Future
IKhinmwin supports a number of charity projects being a GLL supported athlete, and the ambassador of the GLL Sport Foundation, all sports for schools fund and London Sports Trust “Bounce for change’’ initiative.
The small forward of course admitted his eager to return to action but understands it may take time due to the current situation.
Ikhinmwin said: “I’m eager to get back to basketball, everyone is, but this is a process that can’t be rushed.’’
Honours:
BBL Playing Debut: 26/10/2012 for Newcastle Eagles vs Leicester Riders
Championship Runner Up 2012/13
BBL Play Offs Runner Up 2012/13
BBL Cup Runner Up 2012/13
BBL dunk trophy 2014
Betway British Basketball All Stars championship in 2017.
BBL Cup Winner 2018/19
BBL Championship Winner 2018/19
