The British Basketball League is underway on Wednesday as the reigning BBL league champions London Lions face off against the Plymouth Raiders in the regular-season opener for both teams, at the Copper Box Arena.
Hungry For Success
The London Lions (0-0) finished the 2018-19 season with a 27-6 record which went on to see them capture the BBL Cup. The Lions were still in championship mode when they won their second British Basketball All-Stars Championship in three years after they beat the Braun Sheffield Sharks 39-33. However, after a disappointing outing last time to the Bristol Flyers in the BBL Cup losing 97-94, Vince Macaulay’s men will look to start the season with an assertiveness and a much improved defense if he is to give fans something to cheer about when they host their first home game of the season.
Offseason Moves
Some moves by the London Lions before the start of the new season saw them acquire 6’2” GB guard Jules Dang-Akodo, a member of the GB’s 2017 EuroBasket squad and veteran Sam Toluwase. But as one joins another leaves, as after securing the services of 6’8” Center Trent Weaver ahead of the start of the new season, it was announced that club and player agreed to mutually terminate the contract with immediate effect.
Previous Match-Up
The last time these teams faced off it finished 72-86 to the Raiders. The Lions will be hoping fortunes turn around in their favour this time out.
