Lions show off their not so average Joe
Joseph Ikhinmwin is the latest player to pen a deal with the London Lions for the 2013/14 BBL season.
The 6’6’’ forward confirmed the news to his fans on Twitter last night, and sounds eager to get started: “Its Official… I have signed with The @London_Lions *rips off shirt in excitement*”
Ikhinmwin comes with BBL experience, having spent the majority of last season with the league runners-up, Newcastle Eagles. Making an impact from the bench, Joseph managed to tally an average record of 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14 minutes per game.
During his short spell in Tyneside, Ikhinmwin collected runner-up medals from the BBL regular season, the Playoffs and the BBL Cup. Having been painstakingly close to glory in all three competitions, the 25 year old will undoubtedly be keen to make amends second time round and taste glory with his new side.
Ikhinmwin is the second big-name pre-season signing for the Londoners – following fellow summer acquisition, Nick Freer. Like his new American teammate, Joseph spent his early years playing college basketball. After a stint with UK Division One side Leopards, Ikhinmwin headed stateside – where he spent four years playing at the South Carolina State University.
Lion’s fans have been lucky enough to witness their new star in action already. The former under-20 GB international donned a yellow jersey in last Wednesday’s 107-72 loss to Iowa University. Despite defeat, it was the new man’s slam-dunk that proved to be play of the night. Taking advantage of a silky no-look assist by Jordan Spencer, Ikhinmwin brought the crowd to their feet with a powerful finish – something that the fans will hope to see plenty more of in the future.
Wednesday’s sell-out attendance were not the only ones impressed by Joseph’s start. Coach Vince Macaulay was equally as happy: “I’m delighted to have Joe on board, he has done plenty of work this summer, played in the London Summer League and attended our Exposure Camp at the Copper Box Arena. That was the clincher really because you have a view of players when you see them on other teams but watching him first hand at the camp was very impressive, he took instruction well and worked really hard, I’m happy for him he gets to play in front of his friends and family here in London.
“Joe brings great intensity to our team on defence, we intend to set our stall out this season very much on that end of the floor and he is perfect for that, as a young English player we want to continue our tradition of having the most exciting and up and coming British stars in our side and Joe fits the bill.”
Ikhinmwin’s next opportunity to light up the Copper Box will during in his side’s BBL opener against the Manchester Giants on Friday 27th September 2013.