London Lions flying high

Story 22/11/2016

London Lions have made a fantastic start to their season and have been lighting up the Copper Box Arena week in week out.

London Lions are flying high this season winning seven out of their first nine games. We caught up with team captain Joe Ikhinmwin last year for an exclusive interview for The Park magazine; take a look at his interview again here:

"Q. What position and role do you play in the London Lions?

A. I’m the captain of the team, so I have a major leadership role when it comes to the players on and off the court. On the basketball court I play the forward position.

Q. Your basketball career has seen you move around a lot, playing professionally for the Newcastle Eagles and during university in Florida and South Carolina. What is your favourite thing about being part of the London Lions?

A. London is one of the greatest cities in the world, I was born and spent the majority of my life here so it’s great to play in front of friends and family. Not forgetting our fantastic fans who are some of the best and most loyal and always make it an amazing atmosphere. I also love the involvement with the community we have. Working with the Park has allowed us to deliver free basketball coaching to children on outdoor courts in the local area throughout the summer holidays. This has generated such a passion for basketball in the area and we now run a junior Lions Club from the Copper Box Arena every Tuesday from 4-6pm. I really enjoy coaching young talent with my Lions teammates.

Q. The Lions ended last season at the BBL Play-Off Finals, what can fans expect from this season?

A. This season you can expect a better team than last year and even more exciting basketball at the Copper Box Arena. Our expectations are high and we aim to be playing in more than one final and competing for the top spot in the BBL!

Q. What is the atmosphere like when the team is playing at home in the state-of-the-art Copper Box Arena?

A. There is no other basketball arena like it in the country; it’s where everyone wants to play and for good reason. The atmosphere is amazing and game nights are more than just a basketball game. It’s an event that everyone can enjoy regardless of whether it’s your first time seeing a game or you’re a season ticket holder. We have cheerleaders, singers, street dancers… there’s basically wall to wall entertainment!

Q. As team captain, what advice would you give to budding young basketball players?

A. The best advice I could give is to work hard and put in the hours of practice. Basketball should be more than a hobby if you want to be professional – it should be a way of life."

Upcoming fixtures

Snap up a ticket to see Joe and his teammates this winter at the box that rocks!

LONDON LIONS VS MANCHESTER GIANTS, 25 November 2016

LONDON LIONS VS DBL SHEFFIELD SHARKS, 30 December 2016

LONDON LIONS VS SURREY SCORCHERS, 14 January 2017

LONDON LIONS VS GLASGOW ROCKS, 20 January 2017

LONDON LIONS VS WORCESTER WOLVES, 22 January 2017

LONDON LIONS VS BRISTOL FLYERS, 27 January 2017

LONDON LIONS VS LEICESTER RIDERS, 12 February 2017

LONDON LIONS VS DBL SHEFFIELD SHARKS, 15 February 2017

LONDON LIONS VS LEEDS FORCE, 5 March 2017

LONDON LIONS VS PLYMOUTH RAIDERS, 10 March 2017