Category: Elite U18

Sky is the limit.

Anthony Atakpu. Our own Anthony.

We are more then pleased to announce his commitment to Elevate Prep school which is part of 212 Academy on full sports scholarship!

Anthony is yet another player who successfully committed to great basketball program in USA. Following steps of Odaine Beckford, Alex Wildish and Stephen Ovia, he will join program based in Florida that competes against big programs like OCP, Victory Rock, Rocktop Academy etc.

Elevation Prep is known from having experience and successful coaching staff, John Mahoney who previously was part of coaching staff at Virginia West or Michigan state.

Program not only has outstanding coaching staff, but currently has proven track of players who made it to NBA. Likes of Jonathan Isaac (Orlando Magic), Anfernee Simons (Portland Trailblazers) or Bruno Fernando (Atlanta Hawkes) are just a great testimony of what is going on at 212 Academy program.

Anthony Atakpu joined our program 2 years ago. He was one of first members that our club have welcomed within its structure. He not only showed amazing talent but is also a great example what hard work can do. Anthony progressed from local league, through EYBL into England U18’s squad showing what potential player he is. Best part of it is that he is still early in his career and he has all abilities to make it all the way.

Anthony was a part of our Championship U18’s squad and we would not be able to lift first ever U18 trophy (RBL) if it was not dominant performance from our upcoming star.

He claimed RBL MVP award after leading our squad to victory over Baltic Stars.

Coach Daniel said: “Anthony is very unique player. Always stepped up to challenge we faced. To se him grow, overcome his own limits it is truly rewarding for me as a coach. I had privilege to work with Anthony for two year. He will be truly missed as he is loved teammate, but it is right time for him to fly out of nest and go where needs to go.”

Anthony is just yet another testimony what London Elite is providing young players in London. Amazing platform for achieving their goals. We had a chance to ask Anthony about his experience during his time with us. This is what he said:

“London Elite was recommended to my by my friend Nezelle. After finding out what achievement coach Daniel had, i decided to trust him. I know this was just right decision. I learnt how to play aggressive at all time and how to work with other great players as a team. We had amazing time at Elite, won championship, created brotherhood with other players. This will always stay with me wherever i go. I am grateful for all support, love and help i received from my teammates, coaches and teachers at Capital City Academy.

You can find all details on Elevation prep school website: 212° Academy | Basketball | Sarasota, FL (twotwelvesports.com)

Aiming stars

Prolific Prep School. Name familiar to many basketball fans in whole world. Program based in Napa Valley north of San Francisco. Known as “Pro Prep” for short, Prolific Prep includes a highly qualified staff and offers the opportunity for top US players who compete with accomplished International level athletes, a unique fusion that provides an unparalleled competitive advantage. Program is run by famous Coach Billy McKnight who was two years as head coach at the United States Basketball Academy in Blue River, Oregon. Program has produced multiple NBA players with recent Jalen Green who has been selected with number 2 pick in NBA draft 2021 by Houston Rockets.

Prolific Prep head coach Billy McKnight said: “We look forward to having Alex part of our program at Prolific Prep this upcoming year. Prolific Prep will again be one of the top programs in the country as we compete for a national championship. Alex will bring toughness and versatility at the guard position. We look forward to having him and helping our back court.”

We could not be happier to see our player, Alex Wildish being part of such a famous program. Alex performances has not gone unnoticed by American coaches and in season 21/22 Alex will proudly wear Prolific jersey.

Having led our U18 to RBL title was one of signs of talent Alex has. Not long after his dominant performance Alex another inspiring performance saw our club collect CBL title with win over Brixton Topcats. Alex collected MVP award.

Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said:” Alex is a very unique player. He can come in at most difficult time of the game and changed dynamics of the game. In RBL final our team was down 14 in 4th quarter. Alex came in and led our great comeback for RBL title. Knowing calibre of Prolific Prep is breath-taking but in other hand i know, that Alex has clearly earned it and deserves it. He will be truly missed but he is just another testimony what London Elite is about.”

We Had a chance to sit down and ask Alex couple questions:

1)What made you join London Elite?

-It was a level of coaching and competition attracted me and I already had connections with coaches and players from past. Environment is very friendly and competitive at the same time.

2)What did you learn during the time with us?

-At Elite I learned how to be a better teammate and I gained skill and grew as a player in many ways. It transferred directly to my game and help me reach another level.

3)What was best thing during your stay at Elite?

-The best thing during my time at elite was winning both championships and being the MVP of one. These memories will stay with me forever. I am glad i could contribute to overall success of the club.

4)What would you advise next generation of players?

-I would advise the next generation to never give up, stay consistent with the work you put in and be a student of the game. Do not let anyone to outwork you.

We are very thankful for all Alex has done for our club. He great performance helped us sweep U18 season and off court he become one of us. True friend and brother to all of our players and coaches. Best of luck Alex!

#londonelite #elitebasketball #prolificprep #pathway #USbasketball #basketballengland #elitehoops #hardworkpaysoff

Against all odds.

“You have to achieve certain skills, enrol and attend specific basketball programme with exclusive USA programme connections, then follow the patent and recommended pathway to have a slight chance to make it to USA” They say.

But maybe not necessary? Maybe there is other way around, alternative pathway focused on your talent properly staged for others to see and as a result of your hard work and dedication .Not connections. Your hard work pays off and not necessary you are designed to bang your head against the wall.

Following this little introduction I am thrilled to announce that Stephen Ovia from London Elite team has landed full sport scholarship to attend Phelps Prep school in Philadelphia in upcoming season.

The Phelps’s School is located in Malvern, PA, a western suburb of Philadelphia. The Phelp’s Lions basketball program plays a highly competitive schedule against the best competition throughout the north east coast. Several Phelps
alumni have gone on to play college basketball at prestigious universities such as the University of Connecticut, Penn State, Temple, Drexel and Seton Hall. The Lion’s play pre-conference tournaments and exposure events throughout the season. Phelps is a member of the highly competitive Great Atlantic Conference (GAC) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools end of season tournament (PAISAA)

“We can not wait to get Stephen on campus. His athleticism and multi-faceted skill set will add tremendous
value to our program. A player of Stephen’s calibre will bring excitement to our upcoming season” – said Phelps School Head Coach John Harmatu

Stephen joined our program with background from West Hearts Warriors in summer 2019. Regardless long period of lockdown , which did not help in any basketball player career , against all odds Stephen prove that he can outwork everyone.

Despite missing out on EYBL experience, Stephen has made most of all London Elite provision in domestic competitions. Our club compensated lack of national League competition with great number of friendly games.

In season 2020/21 we have played over 40 games across RBL, CBL and friendly games. Stephen on many occasions contributed over 30 points with 15 rebounds alongside. His role was crucial in our clubs sweeping all competitions and being crowned RBL and CBL champions.

His outstanding performance saw him being selected for prestigious event Hoopsfix All Star Classic where he ended up 3rd top scorer.

We had a chance to catch up with Stephen before his flight to Philadelphia:

1)What made you join London Elite?

“I joined London Elite because I liked what the program had to offer and saw it as an opportunity to improve my skills by being in an environment where I can practice every day”

2)What did you learn during the stay with us?

“I would say the main thing I learnt during time in London Elite was how to be versatile and adaptable to different situations. I was able to get a feel of different positions on the a court. I realised that this taught me how to be more effective and not so one-dimensional”

3) What impressed you most with our program?

“What impressed me was the way the team was able to gel quickly in such a short period of time, players and coaches. We worked hard as a team and coaches were constantly pushing us. We also were constantly pushing ourselves which helped us work cohesively to achieve our common goal”

4) What advise would you give to players following your pathway?

“Make sure you keep you head down and focus. Both on and off the court. Listen to coaches and utilise every opportunity you have to improve. Coaches go out of their way to do extra early morning sessions and even during the day so make sure you make the most of them”

We would like to say big thank you Stephen for all effort you did in helping us achieve our goals . We are truly proud of your progress and achievement. We will be looking out for your further career overseas.

Wheels Up Mr Beckford

“It could not be otherwise” ..”

“We couldn’t see any other way forward”

This coudln’t happen to a more deserving guy”

Odaine “Mr Everything” Beckford has landed full sports scholarship to Panther Hoops Basketball located in Western Vancouver, Canada. Odaine with his new program will play in majority USA tournament. Panthers will play in approximately 65-80 games from August to April. They will play in two circuits The National Platinum Circuit and the Academy West Circuit in the US. Along with this they will also play US Junior Colleges and other major tournaments.

This does not come as any surprise. Odaine was one of most entertaining players that came through our program. Not only his defensive skills were impressive but ability to dunk in different ways made him player bringing crowd off their seats at Capital City Academy.

His arrival in summer 2020 changed dynamics of our Elite U18 team. With Odaines positive influence boys swept all competitions in London being crowned champions of Revolution Basketball League and Community Basketball League. Despite being younger, Odaine never backed down and in many games led our squad to victories.

Coach Kieran Matthews said: “Odaine is a great player and even better leader and player. I’m really proud of him and how much he’s developed over the year. He has such a high sealing and I think panther hoops will be a great fit for him, the opportunity to play in high profile events and with a very promising staff and group of players will no doubt aid Odaine’s development into a great player. We’ll be watching closely and supporting him over the upcoming years”

We had a chance to sit with Odaine and ask him couple question.

  1. What made you join London Elite program?

-I joined Elite because I saw an opportunity to create something never seen before, a newly founded programme with unmatched potential and skill that could take the country by force and shock the ball community.

2. What did you learn while being with Elite?

-I learnt the importance of situational circumstances such as late game situations, I solidified my reading and reacting ability which was well helped by the way we communicated as a team, team bonding was key in our success. My shot was a weak part at the start of the season, but I got it down and ended the season able to shoot the ball well enough to go to the next level thanks to the early morning sessions with continuous reps.

3. What else impressed you during your stay?

Elite put me on a platform with Nationwide competition which allowed me to thrive and show my ability to everyone else. Although coronavirus held us back, Elite was still able to give me a stage to shine on and get global recognition.

The camaraderie at Elite is unlike any other school I had came across before, there is a sense of brotherhood and welcoming love on court, off court and in the classroom; where we all pushed and helped each other reach our goals as well as being pushed by our coaches.

4. If you could recommend anyone our program, what would you say?

-Elites best thing is utilising everything around them to make you succeed and that’s what got me to where I am now. Although we did win 2 minor championships, rather than any big time championships such as the National League, Elite still succeeded in all aspects of competition and allowed me to prove a point to the nation. The CBL allowed elite to thrive with me and my peers and rebranded itself into a league which could possibly open its horizons even further, as we succeeded they did, as well as the newly begun RBL which got the programme and me myself to where we are to prove our worth.

We would like to say one and massive Thank you Odaine , for helping us lift first championship as club, for becoming one of our family members, for all effort put into our program, for trust placed in the club, passion and thrive to achieve the impossible, and example you imprinted in us by your hard work , perseverance in challanges which lead you in achieving this goal. We will be actively looking out for your progress Mr.Evertyhing.

Elite pathway always was and will be established on developing every player to reach their true potential , create right and individual platform for them to shine and show their true potential not in short perspective but in further career. . We lay the foundations for every player to progress with individual training programme, outlining areas of improvement and searching for future career opportunities within Europe and US programmes. We aim to find the right basketball and educational programme, which will tick all the boxes. At the same time its important to negotiate the right amount scholarship to cover daily needs of a student/ player. Elite works with only with reputable Basketball programmes and Universities.

WE ARE BACK.

Sixteen full months. Sixteen months of waiting. Probably longest and most difficult time for our club. However the wait is over. We are excited to confirm that in season 2021/22 we will be participating in 3 different age groups of European Youth Basketball League. Our club has entered boys teams into U16, U17 and U20 age groups. EYBL CE has been expanding internationally, providing a good level of competition and great experiences across 21 countries, 100+ teams, with 26 stages annually.

EYBL CE Director Balazs Radics said:” We are happy to welcome London Elite in the European Youth Basketball League again, after working together with Daniel Szatkowski for many years we are looking forward to have his Club competing for EYBL in 2021/22 season.”

Our teams will play in minimum of 2 stages with possibility of 3rd stage of play offs for top 5 teams. In previous years boys came close to play offs stage. This time our squads head into competition after solid period of preparation which allows us believe we will be very competitive on this level. First stage is set to take place in period September 21′- December 21′ with 2nd stage taking place January 22′-February 22′.

Our General Manager Daniel Szatkowski said:” We have missed this competition so much. We play in lots of great leagues however EYBL is a prime competition where boys are able to gain unreplaceable experience playing overseas. Those tournaments are helping our teams mature and develop their pro mindset. News of us returning to this competition is something we have been waiting for. Indeed, we have been longing for..”

Each squad will start preparation in early August to make sure teams are ready for upcoming European campaign. we can confirm that coach Mauro DiNunzio will be in charge of U16, Coach Kieran Matthews will run U17 while Coach Daniel will take our oldest group, U20’s. We will confirm details as soon as hey become available.

Should you be interested in trying out for any of these teams, please contact [email protected] or sent a message to 07453314867.

2020 Review

2020 is the year to be remembered. We look back in what happened in previous calendar year. Our club has grown in strength despite all obstacles we faced.

SEASON 19/20

Season 19/20 was cut short due to lockdown being imposed however we look back to our EYBL experience keeping our heads high. In first year of entering club performed on great level against top European competition.

It led to some of our players receiving individual awards of prestigious All Star 5 of tournaments. Aaron Pyne and Israel Olalekan shined at U17 level while Matthew Disu collected this award for his great performance at U20 level. Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “It is shame we never got to finish U17’s season but overall experience showed we belonged to that high level of basketball and can perform against great clubs”

Our Club always priorities development as a key for success. In season 19/20 our talented U12 squad was crowned champions of CBL Division 1! This is outstanding achievement bearing in mind how competitive the league was. Boys showed amazing commitment and heart for the game. This successful campaign would not be possible without impact that our young guard Kaya Birsen had on a team. On many occasions Kaya led our team and earned himself a MVP of the league title. We cannot miss the fact that our top scorer Anton Safin was named to All Star 5 of the league. Well done!

PREPERATION FOR SEASON 20/21

We could not achieve our goals if it was not for our partners. We are fully delighted that from season 20/21 we have taken our partnership with London School of Basketball to whole new level. It creates unique combination and helps London players to take their game to next level while studying at Capital City Academy.

London Elite has entered 8 teams into national league, and 9 teams into CBL for upcoming season 20/21. It is linked to heavy increase of members in our club. It is worth to mention that heading into 2020 year we had 80 members while by Christmas 2020 time this number was 140!

Our European campaign not only continues, but has been expanded by adding U16 boys and U18 Girls. It gives 4 squads an opportunity to take part in European league in season 20/21! We are proud to say that we have made history as first British team to enter European Girls Basketball league. Head Coach William Twigg said: “Great opportunities for girls and women in our sport right now. I believe London Elite will optimise every experience for them in the EGBL and other leagues at U18s international level”

It was always obvious for us that we cannot be sure on when domestic leagues will start. However we focused on things we can control. We organised and played 30 friendly games between August and Christmas. It provided great replacement for lack of leagues that are delayed till at least March/April 2021.

Shortly before Christmas we have opened our clubs merchandise shop which provides all sort of clothing accessories at affordable level. It is another step club is taking towards bright future, but also a gives a way of direct support of club to stay afloat during current uncertain times .

WHATS NEXT?

Our Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said:” 2020 was a year of growth for us. Lockdowns imposed on UK did not help at all however we prevailed despite obstacles. We are currently in another lockdown which is frustrating. However I am sure and confident that determination of coaches, parents and players will not only allow us to pull through these times, but we will come out of it stronger. You will see in 2021 what London Elite is. New competitions added, new equipment, new pathways to America and Europe. New coaches and even more fun in this basketball journey”

Elite family welcomes Alex!

London Elite basketball club is very happy to welcome to its family Alex O’Neill. He  will be responsible for coaching our 2nd U18’s National league squad. Alex started his coaching pathway when he was 17 and  he took up assistance coach role at Oakland Wolves U16 and U14 boys team alongside Head coach of u14 development squad. He continued his coaching journey at Plymouth University, where he studied Strength and conditioning. Alex was responsible for men and women University teams . He is currently holding level 2 basketball coach certificate alongside foundation degree in S&C.

Our Director Daniel Szatkowski said:” Alex is a great, promising  young coach. He stands perfectly for London Elite philosophy of developing coaches in UK. Alex  has great attitude in place, and what is most important willing to learn. His degree directly applies into modern basketball so we see Alex as one of  brightest coaches coming up in UK basketball.”

Coach Alex O’Neill will be given big task as he will take Head Coach position of our 2nd U18 team which competes in National league and CBL.  Due to high interest in our program we had to open 2nd team to provide enough competition for boys representing London Elite in 19/20.

This is what Alex had to say: “As a young coach, one of the hardest things is finding a club that give you a great opportunity to grow and learn. Here with London Elite, I’ve come across an opportunity to put my degree in strength and conditioning sports coaching into practice. It also allows me a chance to gain more experience and develop myself further in coaching, as I have been placed into a club surrounded by high-quality coaching from all age groups”

We are happy to see Alex as part of our growing family and we will update you regularly about  Alex and  his team progress!

You can always contact us on [email protected] for more info.

U18’s new plan of action

London Elite U18’s plans are here! We are happy to announce that in season 2020/21 our squads will compete in National league, CBL and European Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

Provision of these competition will create unique platform in best possible exposure for players during 20/21 campaign.

A major change within the team will be Coach Daniel stepping down and handing team to coach Kieran Matthews. This is what he had to say:

“It was right time for me to hand this talented team into hands of Kieran. I see him as one of better upcoming coaches in whole UK. I am sure this is going to be really exciting project!”

Our home for U18/s will be Capital City Academy, which is fantastic venue with 500 bleaches plus attractive location in north west London.

Coach Kieran Matthews said:

“I’m 24 been coaching since I was 16. I can’t wait to take the u18s national and 17s EYBL. As a coach it’s a step up for me , as up until now I’ve mainly worked with u16 and academy players. I’ve been working with Elite players, who have gone on to do great things for some time, so I know I’m ready for any challenges ahead. I think this is going to be a great experience. My philosophy as a coach is very simple. I’m big believer in positionless basketball as-well as encouraging players to Think for themselves. I coach guys for the NEXT level for where they WANT to be not what we need know.”

“As a coach I am the tough love guy, I push the guys as much as I can to get the best out of them on and off the court. My priority with these guys is to develop Top level athletes who can achieve their goals and compete in the highest level league in Europe but also help them become good and disciplined people.” Coach Matthews continues.

Elite squad will benefit from everyday training with highly qualified coaches while will have access to compete in ABL too.

Head Coach Kieran Matthews will be available on Zoom on Saturday 9th of May at 3 pm. Link will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram profiles. Do not miss this opportunity to find out more details about his philosophy, opportunities and what support you will receive in reaching your basketball goals!