After a thrilling 68-62 victory over Sussex Storm in the semi-final, our squad advanced to the National League Final in Manchester to face familiar foes—London Stars, reigning National Cup champions and our cross-city rivals from the east side of the capital.

From the opening tip, the energy was electric, and both teams came out trading baskets in a fast-paced, evenly matched first quarter. Unfortunately, a major setback came early, as Omer Zardok Shemer, our standout performer from the semi-final, was forced to exit the game due to injury. Losing a key contributor so early was a blow, but the team responded with heart and resilience.

In the second half, London Stars adjusted their defensive strategy, switching to a compact zone in an attempt to clog the lane and force outside shots. Despite our strong perimeter performance in previous games (including a scorching 12-for-14 from three), our outside shooting suddenly went cold at the worst possible moment.

General Manager Daniel Szatkowski said: ” I cannot describe how proud i am of Coach Daniel James and Boys. They made a history as a first London Elite U16 team to make Final 4 and they pushed further more to claim Silver medal. Lots of them are returning to team next year and i am excited to see project growing from strength to strength under such talented coach this squad has. U16’s squad made whole club proud.

London Elite U16 squad:

Kaya Birsen, Daniel Olusanya, Will harper, Will Henderson, Zan Milovidow, Omer Zardock Shemer, Olly Raynolds, Luca Petrou, Leo Bowman, Kye Thomas, Niko Sagiryan

Our Elite U16s squad has made history, becoming the first-ever U16 team at the club to reach the Final 4!

It’s been a tough road through the playoffs, all on the road:

Sweet 16: A hard-fought win away at Milton Keynes

Elite 8: Another gritty performance to knock off Manchester Magic on their home court

Final 4 Debut – vs Sussex Storm 🌀

Facing the winners of the Western Premier League, Sussex Storm, our young squad.had a lot to prove. Storm opened strong with a 5-0 run, but our boys stayed composed.

Storm came out of the locker room firing and briefly took the lead early in the 4th quarter. But our resilience showed, especially through Omer Zardok, who powered the offence with an outstanding 24 efficiency rating.

📺 Watch the game here
📊 Full Stats available here

London Elite are through to the NBL Final Four finals, and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. Every player stepped up at key moments, showing heart, resilience, and the kind of togetherness that defines us. Basketball is never a straight line—momentum shifts quickly—and credit to Sussex for pushing us to stay locked in right to the end.

Tomorrow’s final will be a battle between two strong sides. We’ve prepared thoroughly and are confident in our readiness, though there’s always room to grow. Hopefully we’ll make the right adjustments, continue to play our brand of basketball, and may the best team win.

🔥 Next Up: London Stars

Tomorrow, we face a tough test against East London’s London Stars for a place in the National Final. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Look out for a livestream link and show support for our U16’s team to make a history!

This season has been a milestone year for our U14 team, full of growth, development, and proud moments – both on and off the court. From individual accolades to major team achievements, our young London athletes have truly embraced the vision we’re building here at Elite Basketball.

---

Player Development & Achievements

What stands out most this year is the progress of our players. Many have made impressive strides in their skill development, discipline, and understanding of the game. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed:

🏀 8 players selected for the Aspire Program
🏀 5 players competed in the prestigious UK50
🏀 Milun Watson named EYBL All Star 5
🏀 Milun Watson and Bora invited to Italy this summer as guest players through our international partnership with On My Grind

These milestones are a reflection of the dedication, passion, and high standards we hold at Elite. Recognition at this level isn’t just about talent – it’s about effort, character, and consistency, and our boys have shown all three.

---

Reaching the Sweet 16 – A Team Milestone

One of the season’s biggest highlights was reaching the Sweet 16, an incredible achievement that demonstrates not only the technical growth of our players but also their teamwork, resilience, and competitive spirit.

While our regular season record of 13-9 doesn’t fully reflect the team’s potential – with six of those losses coming by fewer than five points – it tells a story of close games, learning moments, and growth under pressure.

Led by Coach Kieran’s strength and conditioning program, the team developed both physically and mentally, showing week-by-week improvements that set a strong foundation for the future.

---

Looking Ahead: EYBL Challenger Cup

---

Next Steps: Trials on April 26th

As we close out this season, we’ll be hosting U14 trials on April 26th – an exciting opportunity for new talent to join our growing program. We’re not just building players – we’re building confident young individuals who are ready to face challenges, work as a team, and reach their full potential.

Any player who is currently in school year 7 and 8 can sign up on this form here

---

Final Thoughts

To our players and families – thank you for your support and belief in the journey. What we’ve built this season is just the beginning. The future is bright for London basketball, and at Elite, we’re committed to taking things to the next level.

Let’s keep pushing boundaries. Go Elite!

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Joshua Phillips, a talented 6’9″ forward from Pasadena, California, to the London Elite Men’s team. This exciting addition marks a significant milestone in our club’s development and underscores our commitment to becoming a powerhouse in UK basketball.

Introducing Joshua Phillips

Joshua Phillips’ basketball journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Pasadena, California, Joshua honed his skills at East LA Community College, where his talent and determination gained him international recognition through the popular Netflix series Last Chance U. This platform highlighted his resilience and passion for the game.

Following his stint at East LA, Joshua earned a scholarship to Grambling State University, a Division 1 NCAA institution. His time at this high level of competition has prepared him with the skills and mindset necessary for professional success.

Starting His Pro Career with London Elite

We are thrilled to announce that Joshua Phillips is embarking on his professional career with the London Elite Men’s team. His addition to our roster signifies our club’s serious ambitions and underscores our commitment to making a significant impact in the league. With Joshua on board, London Elite is set to become a formidable force.

A Testament to Our Growing Strength

Joshua’s signing reflects the growing strength and reputation of London Elite. Our commitment to attracting top talent and providing them with exceptional opportunities and support is evident. Joshua’s choice to start his pro career with us highlights the trust and belief that top athletes have in our program.

Our GM, Daniel, shares his thoughts: “After last year’s disappointing season, it was clear that we needed to reassess and understand what went wrong. One key area we identified was the need for deeper recruiting. Signing Joshua brings renewed hope that our fantastic club will reach new heights. His skills on the court will be a game-changer. And what’s even more exciting—there are more signings to come!”

Looking Ahead

As we continue to strengthen our team, we are excited about the future. With Joshua Phillips joining the London Elite family, we are more determined than ever to achieve success both on and off the court. We invite our fans, supporters, and the wider basketball community to join us on this exciting journey.

Check out what Joshua has to say:

“What’s good, London! It’s Joshua Phillips, coming all the way from Los Angeles to join London Elite. I’m excited to bring the West Coast game across the pond! You can expect some showtime dunks, blocks, and lockdown defense throughout this season. We’re ready to get to work and bring home some hardware🏆. Let’s get it, London!”

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to elevate our game and work towards becoming a leading force in UK basketball. Welcome to London, Joshua—we can’t wait to see you shine!

At London Elite, we are committed to providing the best possible training and development for our U16 athletes. This commitment is reflected in our latest addition to the coaching team: we are thrilled to announce the signing of Daniel James as the new Head Coach for our U16 Premier squad.

Daniel’s professional journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to the world of basketball, extending from NBA player workouts to coaching in renowned leagues such as the Eurocup, the Chinese Basketball Association, and the British Basketball League. Through these diverse experiences, Daniel has cultivated a wealth of expertise in coaching, both within the dynamics of a team and from the unique perspective of individual players.

In addition to his technical coaching abilities, Daniel is deeply committed to mentoring young players. He focuses on instilling professional habits, a strong work ethic, and essential life skills, drawing from his extensive experience coaching at all levels of the game across the globe. His approach not only develops players’ skills on the court but also prepares them for the challenges and demands of professional sports.

Now, as the U16s Head Coach for London Elite, Daniel is excited to bring his wealth of knowledge and passion to the next generation of basketball talent, guiding them to reach their full potential both as athletes and as individuals.

To further enhance our U16 Premier squad’s development, we are also pleased to announce that they will receive weekly strength and conditioning sessions from Kieran Matthews, who has recently returned from Colorado University. Kieran’s expertise will ensure our athletes are physically prepared to meet the rigorous demands of competitive basketball.

Together, Daniel and Kieran represent a formidable team dedicated to the growth and success of our U16 Premier squad. We are excited to see the impact of their combined expertise on our players’ development in the coming season.

We are proud to announce that our Women’s pathway is growing and at the top of this branch will be our Senior Women’s Team entering into the National League and the National Cup Season 24/25.
We recognize that the retention of players in the women’s game has been more challenging but by adding a competitive women’s team into the mix, we hope to provide a platform for players to grow, develop, and showcase their talents.

London Elite has been very successful on the boys’ side and we are now investing in the girls and women’s side as part of a long-term plan. This expansion underscores our commitment to fostering talent and competitiveness across both genders.

With Head Coach Hugh Wilkinson’s connection with the ever-competitive Camden Panthers Women’s Basketball Team, we aim to capitalize on Camden’s success after they went undefeated in the London Metropolitan Basketball League Women’s Premier Division and The LMBL Women’s Cup.
Coach Hugh Wilkinson said: “It’s an exciting prospect to have a new team in division 2 with a number of players who are bursting to take on all that the competition has to offer. I know that we will be able to compete from the get-go and look forward to having the club’s supporters get behind its very own national league women’s side.”

We are also adding a National League U18 squad on top of our already established U16 Premier League team. This will provide a sustainable pathway for our young athletes.
Additionally, Crest Academy is now a girls academy for London Elite providing a dedicated environment to nurture and develop female athletes in basketball. They have already had a successful season going all the way in U19 English Schools and winning the AoC. We will look to build a strong WEABL academy in the coming years and demonstrate that all the Elite knowledge, exposure, and pathways will be recreated on the girls side.

Crest Academy also offers a pathway to our Division 2 women’s team, ensuring our athletes have opportunities to progress within the sport. Furthermore, we will look at possible opportunities for our players to enter the European Girls Basketball League for U18, giving them invaluable international experience and exposure.

We are thrilled to announce that Coach Kieran will be embarking on an incredible summer experience trip to Colorado, where he will spend two months working with the esteemed Buffaloes’ Strength and Conditioning team. This opportunity places Coach Kieran at the heart of one of the powerhouses of NCAA athletics, promising a wealth of knowledge and networking potential.

Colorado Buffaloes: A Legacy of Excellence
The Colorado Buffaloes have a storied history in NCAA Division 1 athletics, particularly in basketball. Their prominence was once again highlighted in 2024 when both the men’s and women’s basketball teams secured spots in the March Madness tournament. This achievement underscores the program’s competitive edge and dedication to excellence.

Adding to their accolades, the men’s team also clinched an impressive 3rd place finish in the Pac-12 tournament, further cementing their status as a dominant force in collegiate basketball. Over the years, Colorado has produced 36 NBA players, with the most renowned being Chauncey Billups, a testament to the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent.

Immersive Experience in Strength and Conditioning
During his time in Colorado, Coach Kieran will work closely with the Buffaloes’ popular Strength and Conditioning team. This group is known for their innovative approaches and rigorous training regimens that contribute to the athletes’ outstanding performance on the court. Coach Kieran will gain hands-on experience in advanced training techniques, recovery protocols, and performance optimization strategies.

Enhancing Professional Networks
Beyond the practical skills and knowledge, this experience offers Coach Kieran a unique chance to expand his professional network. Interacting with coaches, trainers, and staff from a top American program will provide invaluable connections and insights. These relationships can open doors to future collaborations and opportunities within the competitive landscape of NCAA athletics.

A Step Towards Excellence
This summer trip to Colorado is more than just a professional development opportunity; it is a step towards excellence for Coach Kieran. The lessons learned and connections made will undoubtedly enrich his coaching career, benefiting not only him but also the athletes he trains.

“I will be in Colorado for two months with the Colorado University Buffaloes,” Coach Kieran shares enthusiastically. “I will be there to learn as much as I can from one of the best strength and conditioning staffs in the country. As I start to shift more towards strength and conditioning delivery, this kind of learning opportunity is one I couldn’t pass up. The IUSCA, (with whom I have done my L4 basketball strength and conditioning and introduction courses,) have been really valuable in making this possible for me. I am thankful for the opportunity.”

Nothing is guaranteed, but the opportunity to be with a program like the Buffaloes, coming off an appearance at this year’s March Madness, is truly exciting. “I know that, like anything, I will get out what I put in. As long as I learn and come back able to deliver and provide better for the players at Elite, I am happy.” Good luck to coach K on his extraordinary journey filled with growth, learning, and the chance to be part of something truly exceptional in the heart of Colorado!

In 2019 Daniel Szatkowski established London Elite Basketball Club with a clear vision: to create a best-in-class Junior Development Programme and high-performing Men’s Project, and ensure a strong pathway to basketball excellence.

The road to success has not been smooth, with lockdown restrictions impacting the programme almost immediately – reducing development opportunities for our young players at a crucial stage in their growth, and completely halting the start of our Men’s project. Nevertheless, after successfully completing the 2020/21 Junior season, London Elite Men’s Project was underway, with the lofty ambition to reach Basketball England’s Division 1 by 2024. With a Team including Elite Legends Dixon, Dzwairo and Delano (aka The 3D) it was obvious that London Elite would be a force in Division 3.

The Team got off to a flying start, winning London Elite Men’s first ever game against local rivals CoLA in the National Cup, followed by our Division 3 South league opener against London United. Our talented Team grew in strength each week, completing a dream first season (9-0 clean sweep) to claim the Division 3 Title and reach the final 8 of the National Cup. Our season’s goal was achieved, London Elite Men were promoted to Division 2.

In Summer 2022, Daniel assumed the Head Coach position and immediately began preparation for life in Division 2. This included securing marquee signings Kane Daley, Ray Akpofure, Anthony Ozobuekwe, and Afra Khalil, a clear reflection of Elite’s big ambitions. The Team did not disappoint, with early wins establishing us in the Top 3. A sobering loss to Brighton Bears followed, providing a timely reminder of the quality in Division 2. Brighton proved to be Elite’s biggest rival in 2022/23, with both Teams fighting to stay at the top of Division 2, culminating in a top of table match-up in January at Capital City Academy. The Team battled hard, perfectly executing our game plan to win 91-74 and crucially, secure a better head-to-head result against our nearest rivals for the D2 crown.

With only 2 games left, London Elite hosted a talented and well-coached Ipswich side, in a crucial game that would ultimately decide Division 2. The game promised to be a nail-biter and it did not disappoint! Ipswich were in control until halftime (54-51), but astute adjustments made by  Coach Daniel resulted in what we had all dreamed of – a 90-80 win (26-4 record overall), to secure London Elite as DIVISION 2 SOUTH CHAMPION, 2022/23!

94 weeks, 658 days, and 30 league games since the journey began, Daniel’s ambition is close to realisation, and we will now complete our application to Division 1. Daniel said:

‘I still can’t fully believe what this group of players has achieved for our club. From the start of the season, we knew we could do – it wasn’t going to be easy, but we were all determined and had a confidence that comes from having such a great, balanced squad. The mix of talented and hungry young players alongside experienced players like Walid Mumuni and Mike Quamina, resulted in a really competitive Team that was fully committed to winning. The coming months will be a real test in terms of organization, budgeting, and admin for the club as we submit our Division 1 application. Thank you to our London Elite Family – Players, Coaches, Sponsors and Supporters – none of this would be possible without you.”

The Men’s Team still have Play-Offs approaching, with the first game taking place on 8^th of April at Capital City Academy – we hope to see you all there so we can celebrate together!

After months spent searching for the right candidate to lead our U-16 Girls’ team, our patience has finally paid off with the appointment of Melita, a well-respected figure within GB Basketball. 

Melita’s vast experience on the international stage includes playing professionally in Spain and Belgium, representing GB at EuroBasket, and winning silver medal at the Commonwealth Games!

Melita also played for 4 years at NCAA Div. 1 team University of Illinois’ Chicago Flames, where she averaged nearly 10 points per game.

London based Melita recently launched her coaching pathway, fulfilling a long-held ambition to share her knowledge and experience with a new generation of players.

 Melita said: “I’m super excited to start my new basketball journey with London Elite. When I became a pro’ I made a promise to myself to support, educate, and inspire the younger generation, especially in the West and North-West London area, where there is a lack of programmes for girls. These girls have what it takes to be champions, and I hope to carry them to their first chip!”

Melita will take over the Head Coach role with our talented U16 team for the upcoming season, a fantastic addition to our coaching board!

GM Daniel Szatkowski said: “Having seen a rapid rise in numbers and quality of girls’ basketball at Elite, we were waiting for the right person to guide, inspire and lead our project. In Melita, I am certain that we’ve found the very best – she is a role model for all London basketball players, and I can’t wait to see fruits of her work. London Elite is truly blessed to have Melita onboard!”