Tag: #londonbasketball #westlondon #elitebasketball #trophy #history

Coach Daniel reflects on EYBL experience.

London Elite participates in 2 age groups of European Youth Basketball League in season 19/20. As both teams completed their first stages, coach Daniel reflects on importance of participation in such a big basketball project.

“As I decided to enter two of our talented squads into the most competitive league in Europe, it was no brainer that we will face challenges that we cannot see in the UK”

“Any good youth coach always has a player development at the bottom of his heart. It is easy to realise players need the toughest possible challenge. Why? Because without continual growth and progress through falls, struggle and sacrifice, such words as improvement & success have NO MEANING.”

“Our U20 team finished their first stage with 1-4 record however progress made was stated by EYBL President “quickest improving team in EYBL”. As boys improving with each game it was obvious that young Londoners will collect the win. In game number 4 we beat Helsinki Rocks 61-58 behind 23 from Matthew Disu, whereas at the last game of tournament boys came inch away from collecting 2nd win however DSN Riga got away with 2 OT win”

Our U20 squad is currently in Riga, Latvia for their 2nd stage of EYBL. Boys will face BS Jugla, BC Ventspils, Sandvika BB, BC Liepaja and Myerscough.

Coach Daniel continues” We had decent preparation for this tournament, playing few competitive friendlies, working on our weakest sides which extensively improved our squad since the previous stage. Still, a great deal depends on our top scorers M.Disu and R. Murray, however, our squad is deeper and we have lots of players that can step up to that level and contribute significantly to our team.

Team Roster: K.Kolesnikovas, R.Murray, M.Disu, J.Alimi, K.Ogunbona, R.Bumba, T.Agbede, K.Hines.

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IT IS JUST A BEGINNING.

Two of our boys teams took part in Hoop Dreams tournament which took place on 1st December at beautiful ACS Cobham venue.

Both squads are building on a successful start of the season as they started top Division of CBL London with perfect 2-0 record. Having done intensive preseason and played numerous friendlies our squads entered competitive tournament organised on monthly basis.

First two group games our squads won in convincing way. U16 beat Sevenoaks Suns and Bracknell Cobras booking their spot in final. Our younger team faced Richmond Knights and Woking Blackhawks and collected 2 solid wins on their way to the final.

U12 had their own final played first, facing Bracknell Cobras. Despite great effort from Cobras team our boys showed a great team effort and an offence execution, winning their first ever final and collecting first club ever trophy!

U12 Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “it was a very beneficial day for us, great opportunity to rotate all players providing needed experience. Great to see boys collecting first ever trophy but i am more then sure this is just a beginning.”

Their older friends faced challenging game from Kingston Wildcats in final of their own. As result was tie at Half time, it was coach Mauro team they picked more intensity in 2nd half claiming 2nd trophy of the day winning by 8 points.

Head Coach Mauro said:” We are still learning and it is longer process. I am happy with effort boys put but we have lots to work on.”

Next game for U16 will be in CBL Division 1 as they face London Halos while our younger boys will visit high caliber tournament organised by Zoo Crew on 21st December.