These girls can!

London Elite basketball club is pleased to reveal plans for girls teams in season 2020/21. With current season coming to the end, we saw our group of girls going through ups and downs of their first ever experience in basketball. Girls section within our club is yet to see its best and we are more than confident that our girls group is heading in the right direction.

We are proud to announce that coach Afiz Olaniyan would be the head coach for girls team.What he brings with him is a vast level of expertise and knowledge which contributes to high level coaching delivery at Elite. The team led by him has just entered into U14 girls national league team.

Speaking about the past season , coach Afiz said:

“I think for the first season the girls did well. Most of them hadn’t played in organised basketball games outside of a school setting but they didn’t let it faze them. I’m very happy with their growth and look forward to helping them develop even more next season”

After first ever U12 games our girls collected much needed experience which instilled the right values , shaped their development which will hopefully be visible in their further basketball journey next season. In season 19/20 our girls collected first ever win and showed potential which sent a strong message that they are able to achieve even more.

National League U14 will allow girls to play in home and away format which practically means our home venue Alec Reed will see our girls play basketball proudly wearing Elite logo! Our program director Daniel Szatkowski said:

” I have to give credit to coach Afiz, players and parents for making this happen. I saw them girls improving so much that it is pure joy to see them continue. We will support our girls section in all possible way!”

During lockdown period we are allowed to hold small group up to 5 players trials. Please contact coach Afiz or email [email protected]

Stars on the rise…

With the end of season 19/20 we have finally time to reflect on progress and achievements London Elite u14 team.  We find it very remarkable what our kids have been able to accomplish. Club which was just launched last summer , still in development stage and many unanswered questions was accepted into its first competitive season. Our team jumped into deep waters with straight placement into Division 1 of CBL.Our young squad quickly established themselves in top of the league winning against teams from across the capital. Coach Matt reflected over the season:

“In the season opener a tentative London Elite Under 14’s seemed to enjoyed the environment and occasion but found it hard playing the emphasized tough defence and teamwork. Roll on some two or so months and you would not have recognized that young excited fresh faced team. An Xmas tournament grew and matured the this team, friendship forged through hard fought games, silence replaced with laughter and hardwork. The team finish with an amazing 4 – 2 but if they this season had ever continued as a group they knew they was going to do something special. An amazing learning experience for me as a coach and definite for the players. Roll on next season – same again please!”

As season went by, some of our individuals improved massively. Likes of fiercy guards J.Midha (season MVP) and I.Manderson (coaches best) enjoyed guidance of experience coach in Matt Williams. With another amazing opportunity to play abroad at Coca Cola tournament in Belgium, we witnessed amazing journey of boys development to their potential with raising confidence, putting forth their best efforts to fight for the win . This experience will definitely help them to continue marching into their dream basketball pathway.

London Elite U14’s team might have finished first season with high hopes however, our coaching work behind the scenes is still active . All of our coach team proactively use this time to develop , progress and bond so when the season comes we are prepare to fight with determination to keep the basketball coaching up to the best standards for all our kids.

In season 20/21 London Elite will play in Div 1 CBL alongside playing National league with home court venue still being Alec Reed Academy! With likes of George Coultas-Pitman (Most improved) and Christopher Abdelmasih will lead our young squads under coach Matt Williams.

Additionally, our U14 squad will take part in International tournament planned in June 2021 in beautiful town of Wimereux in Northern France. This will provide extra international experience which is one of biggest goals at London Elite Basketball Club.

Should you express an interest in this kind of opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact coach Matt on 07961 606483 or  [email protected]b. We run regularly outdoor sessions you can join in and try out so do not miss this amazing opportunity!

Champions within…

London Elite U12 has been crowned a champions for most competitive Basketball competition there was in season 19/20. In our first season in operation, as a rising force in London basketball we have come first in CBL U12 Division 1!

Since opening first time doors to new members in summer 2019, philosophy of club has been very clear with development as a center point of whole club. Our coach Daniel Szatkowski is a biggest fun of grassroots basketball, spending countless hours in primary schools to get more kids in love with basketball. “We want to put a lot of effort in area where it matters most… grassroots!” Coach Daniel said. It did not take him long before establishing very competitive U12 team with regular sessions taking place at Alec reed Academy in Northolt. Within few month London Elite was able to establish 2nd U12 team providing additional experience to our younger players.

CBL had proven to be extremely competitive league with lots of great talent on teams across London. By far our biggest challange was a American team OWE Zoo Crew which our young squad faced in very first game (link for the game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDVjyoE_gfE&feature=emb_title).

Coach Daniel said:”Zoo Crew pushed us all the way in that game. With amazing talent on roster, amazing coaching and one of biggest support in whole league that team was a problem for us. However Safin brothers really stepped up in that game and helped collecting really important win and additional booster in confidence for our boys. Anton collected MVP f the game while his brother Thomas was key factor on offense. I really have to give credit to that Zoo Crew organisation for the great work they do”

One of highlights of the season was Christmas trip to Belgium for Coca cola basketball tournament where our team came 7th of 32 teams proving there is bright future lying ahead of us. With a lot of players still being in u11 age group (K.Birsen, C.Sagun, D.Olusanya, M.Davendra) our team fought really brave against top teams from France, Belgium and Germany. It was definitely great experience and helped boys understand how great basketball journey can be.

We are really happy to see our youngsters shining at London stage and we value every single one of them in their basketball journey. Kaya Birsen was really consistent with all trainings and games showing he cannot be stopped by any other guard in whole league. It is hard to believe Kaya is still U12 next season and will lead our side once again.

In our short history we have managed to collect first ever official Championship and we are truly proud of all support from parents, effort from players and coaches. Our u12 roster for the season was: K.Birsen, M.Davendra, J. Bernadin, A.Safin, T.Safin, C.Sagun, D.Olusanya, E.Aroyo, J.Balaba.

As our season is officially over, we are already planning preparation for campaign 20/21. Look out to our social media for details of coming up trials!

Get to know Josh White

We had a chance to sit down and talk to our Men’s team player who recently moved to UK and will represent London Elite during season 20/21. See what Josh White had to say:

1) How did you start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball when I was in year 5, I must have been 10 years old. I was a pretty chubby kid and I had no idea what I was doing but my parents really wanted me to play a few different sports at a young age. They were really encouraging as well, in fact my dad and my stepmom volunteered as assistant basketball coaches that season.

2) What is your best moment in your career?

I’ve got a few good memories from playing basketball over the years. I think the one that stands out to me most was hitting the game winning shot and winning a championship while playing professionally in Argentina. It was a really close game, I hit a few big shots down the stretch including back to back three’s that sent the game in over time and a three from deep that ended up being the game winner! It was really special celebrating with my team and all our fans. I’ll never forget that feeling.

Check highlights from that game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx-0t0ig2U4&feature=youtu.be

3) What is your philosophy in basketball?

My philosophy in basketball is pretty simple, “just keep showing up.” As a basketball player, just like anyone else, you’re going to have good days and bad days. The key is consistency, don’t get to high on the good days and don’t get too low on the bad days. Also, be disciplined in your training, even on the days you don’t want to be there, “keep showing up”.

4) What is your favourite NBA player?

My favorite NBA player is the GOAT, the best basketball player to ever play the game, Lebron James. However, I don’t play like Lebron, most of us don’t, so I always tried to watch other players who I thought I could play like or who had similar style games. A few of my favorites, who I tried to model my game after were guys like Gilbert Arenas, Stephen Jackson, JR Smith, JJ Redick and Rajon Rondo. I think it’s really important to watch film of player who you have a realistic chance to model your game after.

5) What do you expect from playing in UK?

Thats a good question, I don’t have many expectations from playing in the UK, I’m pretty open minded. I’ve always said, my favorite part about playing professional basketball overseas has been the relationships and opportunities to experience new cultures. If I’m being honest, I just hope to build some lasting relationships and have a positive impact on the community and the club.

We truly look forward seeing Josh White wearing London Elite uniforms in season 20/21 and having big impact on our local community!

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.

Where future stars now…

Having announced details for Mens and U18’s it is right time to reveal details of upcoming U16’s season!

After very promising first year at CBL, our squads are moving to National League for domestic competition. Since the day one we saw a big increase in numbers for our U16 age group. We have started with 12 boys, just before lockdown, and now we have 37 players registered. We did enter 2 squads in CBL which turned to be very competitive league with great exposure. With such a great interest and need for basketball we can confirm that in season 2020/21 we will enter 2 teams into National League and 1 into CBL. Additionally, best players will represent London Elite in EYBL which shows exactly the philosophy of the club: Play against the best as often as it is possible!

In Season 20/21 one of squad’s National league level teams will train and play at Alec Reed Academy while other team will be based at Capital City Academy. As this was widely discussed at coaches meeting, we decided to spread this age group locations. Our GM Daniel Szatkowski said:”The Interest in playing for our club has grown so rapidly to the point that we currently face one issue: how to create more squads? Furthermore,the decision of teams playing at different venues will wider catchment area and allow various kids to join us and compete at European level.”

We are in the process of recruiting for Head coach position for Alec Reed branch, so few candidates are being considered, while we can confirm that Coach Mauri Di Nunzio will take our Italian coach had to say:

“As a new team, my goal is to create a competitive and solid group mainly focusing on the personal skill set and team chemistry. As first season together, we will try to compete as high as possible to give the kids the necessary experience to achieve goals.

All squads will have regular 2-3 training sessions a week, what is more they will benefit from access to our Osteopath Adam. Social media service run by Ivan Grotsev would make sure their best performance moments are recorded and shared, while most talented kids will play up with U18’s.

In respect of quarantine restrictions , we can confirm that we will be running trials on 1 to 1 basis, following government social distancing measures. Please check details below:

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!

Upcoming new men’s team!

We are excited to announce that in season 2020/21 we will be competing in National League Division 3 organised by Basketball England. With our ambitions to provide best possible platform for players to develop their game and collect needed experience this would be ideal opportunity. Our Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski will look after this project. He will be assisted by upcoming young italian coach, Mauro DiNunzio.

Our team will be based on our EYBL U20 team with addition of few men’s and experience players. Coach Daniel said:

“Our philosophy as a club is very simple. We want to develop best possible players. However we understand that on mens level, they need to be supported by experience players who can assist the younger group during season. We have very talented kids at Capital City who will benefit from this project and I am looking forward this new challenge for us as a club”

Despite lockdown period, our club has started working towards building strong structures for upcoming season, starting with addition of Adam Burjij to our staff who will look after our players and educate them about injury prevention. Our team will be having regular highlights and great social media exposure with credit to Ivan Grotsev who is one of best in business!

There is one more name that we need you to highlighted, which is Josh White.Our first men’s player has played professionally in countries such as Germany, France, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Prior to playing professional, Josh has experience playing university basketball at the NJCAA, NAIA and NCAA levels. This is what he said:

“I am 31 years old and I’ve been playing competitive high level basketball for the past 15 years. Over the last 6 years, I’ve played for well over 25 clubs in more than 10 countries around the world. Not every stop on my journey was successful, there have been ups and downs, I’ve been cut from teams and won championships with teams. In the end, I have always learned something and come out of the experience a better person and player. My favorite part about playing basketball overseas is the relationships I’ve developed all over the world. I’m looking forward to to playing with London Elite this season in the NBL and helping this group achieve their goals.”

We organising online trials for players interested due to lockdown restrictions. As soon as we are back to training we will have invitation only on court tryouts. Please do not miss opportunity as our men’s team journey is looking exciting! Please see details below.

Contact coach Daniel on 077453314867 or [email protected], should you have more questions.

The Future is bright

Despite ongoing lockdown situation where clubs have been forced to shut down their practises, we decided to work extra hard in other areas of the game.

Coaches discussion and brainstorming session helped to set the right direction for the club and its members to improve our basketball standards. As we have entered 5th week of lockdown, we are improving on delivering various basketball activities. Please have a quick preview below:

1. London School of Basketball Push up challenge.

We are proud of our teams competing against other clubs in push up challenge. Our squads worked hard and improved over 4 weeks time significantly. Additionally, our own U18’s have been crowned London Champions beating Cohenel in final!

2. Strength and Conditioning

We are fortunate to have some great S&C coaches on board, we decided to run online sessions on Zoom app. Great exercises allowed boys to imrpove their explosivnes, strenght and helped them understand more importance of stretching.

3. Adam on board!

We strive towards the best possible standards of the club, therefore we are happy to introduce Adam, our new Osteopath who will work with people across the club. Adam delivered great injury prevention clips which can be found on our Instagram Elite TV.

As players are working really hard on their game, we did not forget about fun ideas too. We organised 2K tournament which was played by 32 players, we have ongoing weekly spot the difference which turned to be great idea. Additionally we have Netflix parties with “Last Dance” documentary, parents meeting on zoom.

Finally what is most important, it would not be possible without one person. If it was not his creativity and amazing talent, most of our staff would not be possible. We are truly blessed to have Ivan Grotsev on board as Media person. He is true MVP!

Welcome to the family Adam!

Regardless of current lockdown situation, our club has not ceased working. Our director Daniel Szatkowski is fully focused on improving structures of the club to be 100% ready for day 1 of returning to our biggest passion, which is playing and training basketball everyday.

As first season proved we have unbelievable squad of coaches and supporters, we understood that certain parts of players development were reaching beyond their even advanced knowledge. This led the club into introducing Adam Bourjij to our London Elite team, who will be responsible for injury prevention and treatment. Adam will work on overall understanding of joint movement as he is fully qualified as Osteopath.

Coach Daniel said:” To have Adam with us is truly a blessing. His knowledge and experience is greatly recognisable and I am more then convinced that he will bring additional quality in development for our players. It is another sign London Elite is absolutely focusing on development and investing in better quality of service”

This is what Adam said:”It’s a true pleasure to officially join London Elite. My previous great professional experience with Daniel convinced me when I was making my decision and I am really excited to be part of this project and helping club growing in an optimal environment. As an Osteopath, the key is in prevention of injuries, which is true for players but also for everyone in general”

“By having a fair postural assessment, examining key areas of the body, you will be able to tailor the most suitable treatment and program to stay healthy whether you need to get ready for the games ahead or facing daily challenges!” Aam continues.

Adam will work from season 2020/21 however he is happy to help during lockdown with great workouts which will be posted on our social media.He collected amazing experience while working with London Wasp Rugby club and with some Olympian sprinters through Speedworks program.

Head to Instagram and Facebook tomorrow for his first injury prevention. We believe he will truly improve preparation of our players and we are excited to see what Adam can bring into our Elite family!