London Elite Shine at Final 4 – U16 National Champions, U18 National Runners-Up

What a weekend for as the club celebrated one of the greatest achievements in its history. Our U16 team were crowned National Champions, while our U18 squad finished as National Runners-Up after an incredible Final 4 campaign.

U16 Semi-Final: London Elite 94–84 Sussex Storm

Our U16s opened the weekend against in a game that proved far tougher than expected.

Despite recording two comfortable wins over Storm during the regular season, the semi-final was a completely different story. Sussex entered the game full of confidence after knocking out in the quarter-finals and showed tremendous spirit throughout.

Storm even held a four-point lead late in the third quarter, forcing our team to raise its level. A dominant fourth quarter eventually saw Elite pull away for a 94–84 victory and secure a place in the National Final.

Alex Nicholas led the way with a huge double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Pavel Obadowski added 19 points in a crucial performance.

U18 Semi-Final: London Elite 79–63 Solent Kestrels

Our U18s faced , a team we had beaten twice during the regular season. With two close games we knew our Semi final will be not an easy one. Both teams came out and traded baskets.

Coach Kelson boys remained focused on defensive end, while early transition points kept them in the game.

The game remained close throughout the first half before Elite took control in the third quarter and never looked back, eventually claiming a convincing 79–63 win over the Southampton side. Final ticket has been secured. Unbelievable journey continued.

Daniel Olusanya scored 21 points, while Ishmael Ahmed added 19 as the U18s booked their place in the national championship game.

U16 National Final: London Elite 82–80 Manchester Magic

The second day of Final 4 action began with a blockbuster U16 final against — the same team that had beaten us by one point away from home earlier in the season.

In front of nearly 800 loud supporters, the atmosphere was incredible and showcased the very best of U16 basketball in the UK.

Manchester came out firing from three-point range and, led by Theo Westwood, David Akhidime and Ege Cakmakkaya, took a 47–40 lead into halftime. The third quarter brought little change, with Magic still leading 58–51 entering the final period.

What followed was one of the most memorable quarters in London Elite history.

With both teams trading baskets and the entire crowd on the edge of their seats, the intensity reached another level. Then, with just three minutes remaining, Alex Nicholas suffered a game-ending injury — the ultimate test for our team’s resilience.

Omer Zardock, our floor general, kept his composure and brilliantly orchestrated the offence. Leo Bowman showed why he is considered one of the top U16 shooting guards in the country, producing crucial defensive stops before knocking down a massive three-pointer with just over a minute remaining.

Then came the defining moment.

With 15 seconds left, Pavel Obadowski hit the biggest shot of the game to give Elite an 82–77 lead. Manchester responded with a three of their own, forcing Coach Daniel Szatkowski to call a quick timeout. A late turnover gave Magic one final possession with two seconds remaining, but their last-second three-point attempt bounced off the rim.

The buzzer sounded. Pure joy erupted.

London Elite were crowned U16 National Champions.

Coach Daniel Szatkowski said:

“This is probably one of the best days since I opened Elite. Winning a title is one thing, but winning it by beating such a great team in that fashion is another. This game will become a reference point for the whole club going forward. Absolute cinema and unforgettable memories for everybody involved.”

Omer Zardock was named Final 4 MVP after a near triple-double performance, while Alex Nicholas earned a place in the All-Star 5. Special mention also goes to Ignacy Zakrzewski for his outstanding contribution in the final.

U18 National Final: London Elite Finish as National Runners-Up

Our U18s entered the final against local rivals after an unbelievable playoff run.

The team had already defeated , Western Conference champions , and Solent Kestrels on the road to the final — an achievement that placed them among the top 0.5% of teams in the country.

The final could not have started in a worse way, as top scorer Daniel Olusanya suffered a tailbone injury early in the game and was unable to continue.

Despite the setback, the team showed tremendous heart and character. Back-to-back three-pointers from Eli Zash, who finished 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, brought Elite within one point late in the second quarter.

However, the physical and emotional toll of a long season eventually caught up with the squad. After battling through injuries and a demanding schedule across Division 1, Tier 2 and U18 Premier competitions — totaling over 55 games — the boys continued to fight until the very end before eventually falling 75–58.

National runners-up. Second-best team in England.

An extraordinary achievement.

Coach Kelson said:

“An unbelievable achievement despite the frustration of losing the final. The boys became brothers and fought for each other every step of the way. I am beyond proud of their development and the way they represented London Elite throughout the season.”

Ammani Kasseyet was named to the Final 4 All-Star 5 following his excellent performances throughout the weekend.

Elite Level Confirmed: U16 & U18 Among Nation’s Top 4 Once More

Our club continues its outstanding national success, with both U16 and U18 teams securing their place in the Final 4 for the fourth consecutive season, confirming their position among the top programmes in the country.

This remarkable consistency highlights the strength of our pathway:

2023: U14s finished 4th, U18s were National Runners-Up
2024: U14s crowned National Champions
2025: U16s finished as National Runners-Up
2026: U16 and U18 both return to compete for national titles

This season, the U16 team, led by Coach Daniel Szatkowski and Sterling Muschett, have been dominant throughout. They topped the Western Premier Division, securing the #1 seed for the playoffs with the best overall record in the UK. This year’s Final 4 also highlights the experience within the squad, with Omer Zardok Shemer set to make his fourth Final 4 appearance, underlining his consistency at the highest level. Meanwhile, Leo Bowman, the U14 Final MVP from 2024, will be making his third Final 4 appearance, continuing to play a key role in the programme’s ongoing success.

Their playoff journey has been equally impressive:

  • Last 16: Defeated Haringey Heat 104–74
  • Quarter Final: Beat rivals London Stars 77–66 to book their Final 4 place

The U18 team, coached by Kelson Dickson, also delivered a strong campaign, finishing 3rd in the Premier Division before making a powerful playoff run:

  • Last 16: Defeated St Helens Saints 86–50
  • Quarter Final: Won away at Surrey Rams 77–63

The U18 squad is also led by experience, with Daniel Olusanya making his third Final 4 appearance. Now in his fifth season with the club, he is the longest-serving player in the programme and continues to demonstrate his development and commitment. Notably, Daniel is still an U17 player competing at U18 level, highlighting both his ability and the trust placed in him to perform against older competition.

Both teams now prepare for the national stage, with the U16s set to face Sussex Storm at 12:00 on 2nd May at the National Performance Centre, followed by the U18s who will take on Solent Kestrels later that day at 16:00 at the same venue.

Quote from GM Daniel: “London Elite was founded with the aim of providing top-level coaching and a platform for players to develop. Seeing us reach the Final 4 for the fourth consecutive year is a strong testament to the fact that our philosophy works. This year’s event in Manchester promises to feel like a real festival of basketball, and it’s the perfect stage for our club to show what we’re made of. I can’t wait.”

Half term camp is back!

London Elite is excited to announce a February Half-Term Basketball Camp, taking place from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February at West London College, located in the heart of Hammersmith and easily accessible by public transport.

The camp is open to players aged 8–15 and is designed to provide a fun, safe, and professionally run environment where young athletes can continue developing their game during the school break.

Delivered by experienced London Elite coaches, the camp will focus on:

  • Skill development and core basketball fundamentals
  • Age-group based training and competition
  • Tailored drills with individual feedback
  • Strength & conditioning sessions, making full use of the college’s fully equipped gym
  • Competitive games designed to challenge and inspire players

Players will train and compete within their own age groups, ensuring appropriate development, balanced competition, and maximum engagement throughout the week.

In addition to on-court development, participants will have the chance to win great prizes, including basketballs, London Elite merchandise, and more — rewarding effort, improvement, and positive attitude throughout the camp.

Daniel, London Elite Head Coach, highlighted the purpose of the camp:

“This camp is more than just fun in a safe environment. It gives players the opportunity to really work on their game with the top-quality coaches London Elite has. Through tailored drills and individual feedback on player development, this is a unique opportunity to spend meaningful time improving your game.”

Registration Details

  • Dates: 16–20 February. 10am-3pm
  • Location: West London College, W149LB, Hammersmith
  • Ages: 8–15
  • Capacity: Limited to 40 players
  • Early Bird Price: Available until 6th February

Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly. Early registration is strongly recommended to secure a place and take advantage of the early bird offer.

NBA Takeover as part of NBA Europe

As part of the NBA Europe initiative linked to the recent NBA game at The O2 Arena, our programme was proud to host an NBA Takeover at Harris Lowe Willesden on Thursday 19th.

The event welcomed 72 U18 and U16 players, who took part in an elite development experience designed to reflect NBA standards, values, and best practices. The session was led by Chris Oliver, a globally respected figure in basketball development and a current consultant to the NBA in youth and elite player pathways.

Chris Oliver brings extensive experience at the highest levels of the game, having previously served as a Head Coach at NCAA Division I level. He is also the founder of Basketball Immersion, one of the world’s leading basketball education platforms connecting coaches, players, and organisations worldwide.

The takeover focused on high-level skill development, decision-making, and professional habits, providing players with a rare opportunity to learn directly from an NBA-linked development consultant in a live training environment. Watch it here.

The event was delivered in partnership with Basketball England, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between national bodies and local clubs in creating meaningful development opportunities.

Laura Doherty, Senior Participation & Partnerships Manager at Basketball England, praised the environment created during the takeover:

“As part of the Basketball England NBA Club Takeover with Chris Oliver and Basketball Immersion, London Elite created an amazing environment through their energy, professionalism, and strong sense of togetherness. As a federation, it is so important for us to connect with clubs at a local level, and we were pleased to be able to do that through our partnership with the NBA. We’ve worked with Daniel for over a decade and it’s great to see the sense of community and high standards he has created. It was a genuine pleasure to recognise their enthusiasm by offering complimentary tickets to the game.”

As recognition of a highly successful event, 20 complimentary tickets were provided for players and staff to attend Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic, allowing participants to experience the NBA environment firsthand.

Reflecting on the experience, Daniel said:

“I am incredibly grateful for the recognition and continued support from Basketball England. The past few days have truly felt like a dream for the entire Elite family. Having the opportunity to work with Chris Oliver, whose knowledge and approach inspired both our players and coaches, was a special experience, and the support from Laura Doherty and the wider Basketball England team made this initiative possible. From the NBA Takeover session to being rewarded with 20 complimentary NBA tickets, the level of trust and backing we receive as a club means a great deal to us. We are extremely fortunate to be part of such a strong and supportive basketball community.”

This NBA Takeover highlights the power of partnership between clubs, governing bodies, and the NBA, while continuing to inspire, develop, and create pathways for the next generation of players.

U18 Premier Team Shine at the Prestigious VIB Tournament in France

Our U18 Premier Team received an unexpected yet incredible invitation from SEPA Basketball Club to participate in the VIB Tournament, held from 11–14 December 2025. From the moment the opportunity arrived, it felt like the breakthrough we had been waiting for.

Being one of the top teams in the UK is an achievement in itself, but our program, coaches, and players constantly strive for more. Competing internationally, especially in a tournament of this calibre, was the perfect chance to test ourselves against Europe’s elite.

Battling Europe’s Best

Across the event, our boys faced top programs from Italy, Slovenia, France, and Germany.

Game 1 – vs Stella Azzurra (Italy)
We opened the tournament against Italian powerhouse Stella Azzurra. After a close, intense battle, our boys delivered a statement win to start their European campaign.

Game 2 – vs Inter Bratislava (Slovenia)
That evening brought a huge test against Inter Bratislava, the team that would later go on to win the entire tournament. Despite a strong fight, we fell by around 20 points.

Game 3 – vs SEPA (France)
Day two began with a spirited performance against the host team SEPA. The boys pushed hard but eventually lost by 13.

Game 4 – vs La Rochelle (France)
In the evening, we faced an on-fire La Rochelle side who produced a dominant performance and allowed us little breathing room.
By this stage, our boys had played five games in 36 hours, leaving them shattered and in serious need of rest.

A Tournament of Outstanding Quality

From the level of competition to the professionalism of the organisers, the entire event showcased what top-tier European youth basketball looks like. The venue quality, hospitality of the French hosts, and the tournament’s strong social media presence made the experience unforgettable.

Barrage Round – A Rematch with La Rochelle

Finishing 5th in the group, we entered the barrage stage and were matched once again with La Rochelle—the same team that had dominated us the night before.

But this time, the boys were rested, focused, and determined.
Fueled by resilience, a never-give-up attitude, and true London Elite DNA, they battled possession by possession. Trading baskets, refusing to quit, and staying locked in, our squad turned the game on its head and secured a 3-point victory, earning a place in the VIB Semi-Final.

Semi-Final – vs SEPA (France)

On Saturday evening, we faced the host club again. Despite a brave effort and long stretches of excellent basketball, it was SEPA who booked their place in the final.

3rd Place Game – vs IBAM Munich (Germany)

We closed the tournament facing IBAM Munich, one of Germany’s top youth programs. After trailing by double digits for much of the game, the boys stormed back with huge energy and belief but ultimately fell just short, losing 65–61.

Despite finishing 4th out of 6, the achievement is enormous given the level of competition.

Coach Kelson’s Thoughts

“Finishing 4th out of 6 is a success for us, especially considering the level of the tournament, which is unmatched in the UK.
The organisation was top level, the players had an amazing time, and—most importantly—our club proved that we belong at this level.
Now we return to the U18 Western Premier stronger than ever.
What a time to be alive. Thank you, France—this was a movie.”

This tournament was more than a competition; it was a milestone for our program and a testament to the hard work of our players and staff. The boys return to the UK battle-tested, inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead.

U18 Squad Set for One of Europe’s Premier Tournaments

Our U18 team is preparing for an incredible opportunity as they head to one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe. What once felt unreal is now becoming a reality: on 11th December, our talented squad—led by Coach Kelson—will fly to the beautiful city of LA ROCHE-SUR-YON, France, to compete against some of the strongest youth basketball programs on the continent.

A Team Built for the International Stage

This year’s roster features players who are no strangers to performing abroad, including Sam Scott, Daniel Olusanya, and David Idowu. David recently represented UK50 in a highly successful trip to Shanghai for the Future Star Tournament, where the UK50 squad defeated China in the final. In front of 20,000 spectators, the ever-popular David delivered a memorable game-winner—an experience that highlights the calibre and resilience within this group. Their presence will bring invaluable international experience to our campaign in France.

Elite Competition Awaits

Our boys will be tested by a series of top European academies, each known for producing high-level talent:

Inter Bratislava (Slovakia)
One of the most successful youth academies in Central Europe, renowned for their strong development structure.

SEPA Academy (France)
A powerhouse within French youth basketball. SEPA regularly features players who go on to represent France at U18 level and has a long history of producing professional athletes.

IBAM Munich (Germany)
A leading program competing at JBBL and NBBL (Bundesliga) levels.
As part of the NBA Basketball School Germany In-Season Program, IBAM provides elite development pathways for top U16 and U19 prospects from across Munich and beyond.

Stella Azzurra (Italy)
One of Italy’s largest and most storied basketball clubs. Their U18 team has excelled on the European stage, including finishing runners-up in the EuroLeague Basketball Next Generation Tournament (2017–18).

A Major Step for Our Program

Our U18s have already proven themselves in the Western Premier competition, and now they will measure themselves against some of the best youth programs in Europe. This invitation is an incredible addition to what our club aims to provide for its players.

Our GM Daniel Szatkowski shared his thoughts:
“One thing is competing in the top leagues in the UK—but facing the toughest teams in Europe is a different challenge altogether. We are grateful for the invitation, and I am confident the team will return stronger than they left. I trust Coach Kelson and the boys to represent us proudly. At the same time, basketball has a unique power to build connections, and I look forward to expanding our collaboration with the VIB organisers: SEPA Academy.”

Follow the Journey

Stay tuned for daily updates, photos, and stories as our U18s experience this unforgettable opportunity in France!

EYBL U17: Stage 1. 27-30th November 2025. Sofia, Bulgaria

EYBL U17: Resilient Squad Finishes 2–2 in Sofia After Rollercoaster Tournament

The EYBL U17 team returned from Sofia, Bulgaria with a respectable 2–2 record, concluding a demanding four-game stretch that showcased both adversity and elite individual performances. Despite injuries to key players, the group demonstrated resilience, grit, and flashes of exceptional talent.

Game 1 – Tough Opening Loss vs Host Team BUBA (69–100)

The tournament opened against BUBA, a powerhouse built around Bulgarian national team players. The hosts displayed their strength early, handing our boys a difficult 69–100 defeat.

Standout Performances:

Noah Binun – 29 points

Leo Bowman – 14 points

Ramsay Quidam – 12 points

The team suffered a major setback when Alex Nicolas rolled his ankle in the first quarter, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Game 2 – Bounce-Back Win Over Hoopstarz Academy (79–72)

Showing impressive mental strength after a tough start, the team regrouped on Day 2 to defeat the Swiss side Hoopstarz Academy. The match remained close throughout, with our team entering the fourth quarter down by three. A dominant final period secured a 79–72 victory.

Top Performers:

Noah Binun – 31 points

Leo Bowman – 27 points (U16 player stepping up)

Ramsay Quidam – 14 points, along with exceptional defensive work in shutting down the opponents’ primary scorer.

Game 3 – Bowman’s Historic 41-Point Explosion vs KK Dubrava (85–77)

The third game delivered one of the most remarkable EYBL performances in recent memory. Leo Bowman (U16) erupted for 41 points and 10 rebounds, displaying fearlessness and maturity well beyond his age. His offensive brilliance propelled the team to a crucial 85–77 win over Croatian side KK Dubrava.

Supporting efforts came from:

Ramsay Quidam – 22 points

Noah Binun – 17 points

Game 4 – Depleted Roster Falls to Hot Peppers (Netherlands)

The final game proved a step too far, as the squad was forced to play without Leo, Alex, and Noah. With three key contributors sidelined, the short-handed team battled but could not match the firepower of a talented Hot Peppers lineup. Despite the heavy loss, the group showed pride and competitiveness throughout.

Tournament Highlights & Awards
Noah Binun – All-Star Five Selection

A dominant presence across all games, Noah earned a place in the tournament’s All-Star 5, averaging:

25.7 points

11 rebounds

24 efficiency rating per game

Leo Bowman – Team MVP

The U16 standout proved unstoppable, averaging 21.3 points per game, highlighted by his 41-point masterpiece against Dubrava.

Ramsay Quidam – Defensive Anchor

Ramsay delivered on both ends, recognized as the team’s best defender, while contributing:

19.3 points per game

6.3 rebounds per game

Coach Daniel’s Reflections

“This trip was a mix of frustration and satisfaction. We faced multiple injuries to key players, and this affected our performances big time. Nevertheless, our talented squad fought bravely and won two games. I am proud of this unit, and I know there is a great future for this team.”

Next Stage: Milazzo, Italy – 8–11 January

The team now prepares for the next EYBL stage in Milazzo, Italy, where they’ll aim to build on the progress made in Sofia and return with a healthier and even stronger roster.

U15s Show Heart and Growth in EYBL in Kaunas, Lithuania

Our U15 squad travelled to Kaunas, Lithuania for their first experience in the U15 European Youth Basketball League (EYBL)—one of the continent’s top development platforms. Entering the event with strong domestic momentum, including a 6–0 start in their U16 Conference League and several impressive 30–40 point victories, the boys stepped onto the European stage eager to test themselves against elite competition.

In Kaunas, they faced some of the toughest youth teams in Europe, including Unibasket Lanciano (Italy), Swedish champions Fryshuset, and Finnish contenders PuHu. The results on paper—0 wins and 4 losses—tell only a small part of the story. Across all games, the boys demonstrated determination, resilience, and a willingness to compete, showing clear signs of growth with each match. They matched the physicality, learned to adapt to new styles of play, and never let their heads drop.

Team Highlights & Standout Performers

Milun Watson – Team MVP

Milun continued his excellent season form, leading the team in points while also finishing top three in both rebounds and assists. His two-way impact and consistency throughout the stage earned him the well-deserved title of Team MVP.

Jakub Pedrak – Perimeter Threat

Jakub proved to be a constant danger from long range, leading the team in three-pointers made and maintaining an efficient percentage from beyond the arc. His shooting helped stretch defenses and provided key scoring bursts.

Makai – Control of the Boards

Makai brought strength and presence inside, averaging an impressive 12 rebounds per game. His work on both the offensive and defensive glass gave the team much-needed stability in the paint.

Ty McPherson – Defensive Standout

Ty made history in his own right by leading the team in blocked shots—a rare feat for a guard. His defensive timing and energy were crucial in slowing down some of Europe’s top perimeter talents.

Elgan Owen – Energy and Toughness Off the Bench

Elgan delivered valuable minutes throughout the tournament, bringing fearless intensity and hustle every time he checked in. His competitive spirit provided a real spark and lifted the team in key moments.

Enoch Onashile – Steals Leader & Lockdown Defender

Enoch established himself as one of the team’s most disruptive defenders, leading the group in steals and consistently applying pressure to opposing guards. His ability to win possessions, anticipate plays, and lock down matchups was one of the defensive highlights of the tournament.

More Than Results: A Valuable Development Experience

Beyond the court, the boys enjoyed exploring the historic and vibrant city of Kaunas, strengthening bonds and gaining memories that will last well beyond basketball.

The EYBL trip provided exactly what it promised: exposure, challenge, learning, and growth. While the win column remained empty this time, the boys return with greater experience, stronger character, and clearer goals for the season ahead.

We’re extremely proud of how they represented the club—showing courage, teamwork, and a commitment to improving. The journey continues, and the future remains bright for this promising U15 group.

London Elite U12s Make Triumphant Return to National League

It was a historic weekend for London Elite as our U12 team returned to National League competition for the first time in three years — and they did so in style, opening the season with a strong win over West London rivals, London Warriors.

London Elite first opened its doors in 2019, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse at the U12 level. The program’s early success came through a super-strong squad featuring standout talents such as Anton and Tomas Saffin, Ethan Arroyo, and Kaya Birsen.

In the club’s first-ever game, the young Elite squad faced the previously unbeaten American team, Zoo Crew. After an exciting contest, our side came out on top — a result that set the tone for the London Elite program in the years to come.

Several players from that original team, including Anton and Kaya, have continued their development within the Elite pathway. Both recently represented the UK50 squad, which made headlines after defeating China U16 in the Future Stars International Tournament Final in Shanghai — a proud moment for our club and its grassroots foundation.

Today, Kaya Birsen has committed to Northfield Mount Hermon School (USA), continuing his journey at one of America’s top basketball and academic institutions. Meanwhile, Anton Saffin is continuing his development at Riviera Prep in Miami, further showcasing the strength of the London Elite pathway and its ability to prepare players for international success.

In the following season, London Elite’s second U12 generation — featuring Q. McKelvey and N. Ferrari — continued the success of the previous year. Led by Quinton, who averaged nearly 40 points per game, our squad once again won the U12 league and competed successfully in the Summer Showcase, our first major tournament organized by London Elite. Quinton is now attending Seward School in New York, while N. Ferrari continues his basketball journey at DME Wisconsin.

After a temporary dip in numbers and a three-year pause in the U12 age group, the program was reignited last spring when Coach Daniel and Coach Kieran began rebuilding the youth pathway through a strong U10 initiative. That movement has now flourished into a new U12 unit, marking the club’s full return to competitive youth basketball.

Under the guidance of Coach Imahni, whose energy and knowledge have inspired the players, the U12s made an immediate impact with a convincing opening win over London Warriors. He is a great addition to our program and we can’t wait to see what future brings!

Meanwhile, the U10 program continues to grow from strength to strength, with a dedicated group of young players attending regular training sessions and showing exciting potential for the club’s future.

Now, new talents such as Preston, Yotam, and Jackson have entered the same development pathway as Kaya and Anton or Quinton once did — proving that history has a way of repeating itself within the London Elite family.

With momentum building once again, the future of London Elite basketball looks brighter than ever. 🌟

Daniel James Lands Pro Coaching Role with China’s Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Ürümqi, China – August 2025 – London Elite’s U16 Premier head coach, Daniel James, has taken a significant step in his coaching career. After forging a high-performance culture and guiding his squad to the Final Four at the Manchester showcase in May 2025—where London Elite became the first U16 Premier side from the club to reach the national semi-finals, defeating Sussex Storm before narrowly falling to London Stars in the final—James has now signed a professional coaching contract with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, one of the most storied franchises in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

From Youth Success to the Professional Ranks

Since joining London Elite in the summer of 2024, James quickly established a culture of competitiveness and professionalism. Under his leadership, the U16 squad made history with its run to the national Final Four, ultimately finishing as runners-up—a milestone achievement for both coach and club.

Daniel James said:
“I would like to sincerely thank London Elite for taking a chance on me to lead their Under-16 program. This role provided me with an invaluable platform to grow, deepen my understanding of the game, and work with a special group of players. I’ve truly appreciated the support from the club, the staff, and the players throughout my time here.

While my journey now takes me to China, I look forward to keeping in touch with London Elite and maintaining a positive and lasting relationship. I will always be grateful for my time at the club and the impact it has had on my coaching career.”

About the Xinjiang Flying Tigers

The Xinjiang Flying Tigers are a professional basketball team based in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China. Founded in 1999, the club quickly rose through the ranks, advancing from Division 2 to Division 1A by the early 2000s.

The team plays its home games at the Urumqi Olympic Sports Center, a modern venue with a seating capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators. They also host certain events at the Hongshan Arena, nicknamed the “Red Mountain Sports Arena,” which holds around 3,800 fans.

On the court, the Flying Tigers have been a perennial powerhouse in the CBA. They captured their first-ever national championship during the 2016–17 season, defeating the Guangdong Southern Tigers in a dominant 4–0 sweep in the finals. Since then, Xinjiang has consistently been in the playoff mix, finishing as runners-up and strong challengers in multiple seasons, including 2023-24.

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) itself is China’s premier professional men’s basketball league, founded in 1995, and currently features 20 teams competing at the highest level of Chinese basketball.

Why This Move Matters

James’s move from youth coaching in London to the professional stage in China underscores his reputation for building winning cultures and developing talent under pressure. At a club as vibrant and historically successful as Xinjiang, his international coaching experience—including stints in the EuroCup, BBL, and youth development—brings fresh perspectives and methodologies that could help the Flying Tigers push for another championship.

For Xinjiang, the addition of an internationally experienced coach signals their commitment to innovation and continued growth.

Coach James added:
“I’m extremely grateful and pleased to announce that I have accepted an assistant coaching position with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, who compete in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This is a fantastic opportunity to continue developing as a coach and to contribute to the success of one of the league’s top teams.”

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Coach Daniel for everything he has contributed to our club. He made history with us and will always have a home here in London, where he will be remembered as a valued part of our journey.