The London Lions tipped off the season in brilliant form winning three out of their first four games, placing them second in the British Basketball league.
Vince Macaulay’s squad look to continue the momentum of last season, which saw the capital side make it to the O2 arena for the BBL finals in which they lost a tough battle to the four- time champions, Leicester Riders.
The Lions look hungry and focused to make it back to the finals and have started the season the right way.
Key Players
One thing that has been crucial for this team this season is maintaining a group of core players that made the team so successful last season.
One of these players is British born guard, Justin Robinson, who took home the MVP award of the 2017/18 season.
The east London man provides a real threat from the perimeter with his three-point shooting ability, paired with an equally impressive ball distribution and ball handling game. Robinson will be key in leading the team on the court this season.
Another player who the Lions will look to is big man Brandon Peel. The forward proved to be a double-double machine last season, crashing the boards and showing of his scoring ability both in the post and mid-range.
Peel’s ability to score in the paint and shoot from range makes him a tough cover for anybody, especially with his big frame. He has already proven to be a handful this season and will certainly be a focal point of the team both offensively and defensively.
Fresh Talent
Macaulay has looked to take this team further by acquiring some new talent onto the roster.
Ladarius Tabb is a 6’5 forward/guard from the United States. The man from Alabama has had some experience in the competitive European basketball scene, where he once averaged elite level numbers of nearly 30 points per game and 16 rebounds.
This level of skill matched with international experience makes Tabb one to watch this season.
Home Crowd Influence
Like in most sports a home crowd can make a big difference. The energy given off by home fans can hype up and inspire players to step up their game and perform to defend their court.
The Lions are in an excellent position with an Olympic basketball arena in the Copper Box which can draw in big crowds of local fans to come and support the squad.
This proved to help the London side last season as fans showed their loyalty to the team by turning up game after game creating a buzzing energy in the arena.
That same atmosphere has carried over to this season as the Lions are undefeated so far at home, winning their games in dominant fashion. This has sent a message to the rest of the league that it is going to be a tough night for any squad stepping into the Copper Box Arena.
