Players’ professionalism praised in basketball trip to Czech Republic

New City College basketball players were a credit to their team when they travelled to the Czech Republic to compete in the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

Playing under the NCC London Lions moniker, the players, all aged 17 and 18, were up against tough competition from European teams but put in 100% effort and professionalism.

Coach Andre Lockhart said the team pulled together and it was a great experience for them as it was the first time many of them had played at such a high level. Although they did not win every game, the players did themselves and the college proud.

He said: “This league gives our young athletes a great opportunity to compete with other players from across Europe at a high level. During the tournament they met and came into contact with many professional players and national team players, so it was a great way for them to observe and learn from these well-known competitors.

“The tournament is also a great place to stand out. There are huge career possibilities for our NCC London Lions players because it gives them the chance to shine and be recognised at a high level which they wouldn’t get if they just played in the UK.”

The team will travel to Europe again for the second stage of the tournament. This was the second year that the London Lions NCC Basketball Academy took part in the European Youth Basketball League.

Coach Andre added: “The basketball programme between NCC and the London Lions continues to be very successful. One of our current students has signed with the London Lions Pro Team and has competed this season in the British Basketball League.

“In the previous academic year, two students received basketball scholarships to the US and another player signed a professional contract to an Italian team as a result of taking part in tournaments such as the EYBL.”

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