With the British and Irish Lion’s squad announcement imminent, it is time to create a star-studded Super League Basketball squad to set off on a hypothetical tour of the USA.

In an attempt to pay homage to the prestigious British and Irish Lions tour, I have constructed an exciting line-up that would have the potential to tour the USA and lock horns with the elite teams of the NBA – this roster shall hence forth known as the SLB Select.

Point Guard: Prentiss Nixon – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

Prentiss Nixon is one of the most dynamic and dangerous guards that plies his trade in Super League Basketball.

Maybe not everyone’s first choice as the primary ball handler but Nixon has displayed that he can fill up every column of the stat sheet.

Sheffield Sharks’ star guard currently averages 15.9 points, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Despite not blowing any teams out of the water when it comes to his average assist numbers, Nixon has shown that he can takeover the game with his playmaking if that is what is required – producing a season-high eight assists against the Surrey 89ers.

Prentiss Nixon’s impressive rebounding ability (5.1 rpg) cements his place in the starting five – the NBA is an unforgiving, physical warzone and the battle of the boards will be a vital element to the outcome of the game.

Shooting Guard: Mike Okauru – Newcastle Eagles

Every British and Irish Lion’s squad has their own biased picks, and Mike Okauru could be seen as that pick.

However, it would be scandalous for any selection committee to omit the league leading points per game scorer from their squad – Okauru is currently averaging 20.4 ppg.

Of course, scoring will not come as easy against defensive stalwarts who are as effective in drop coverage as they are at defending the perimeter.

Transition offense will be key. Magic Mike has the speed and agility to get coast to coast with devastating effect, allowing the SLB Select to strike before the defensive unit has chance to get set.

Not only this, Okauru has already become somewhat of a journeyman during his budding career since leaving the United States. His enhanced experiences of different cultures and the way they play the game could benefit this roster massively.

Working in tandem with Nixon in the guard position, Newcastle’s talisman would have every opportunity to display his ball handling prowess.

Small Foward: Donovan Clay – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

In at the ‘three’ is the versatile – but devastating – Donovan Clay.

During his college career, Clay was primarily used in one of the guard spots but in the new era of positionless basketball, he is the perfect mould to assume the small forward slot.

Standing at six foot and eight inches, the Sheffield starlet has displayed his physical dominance inside all year long – grabbing 8 rebounds per game.

Not only would Donovan add some much needed height and rebounding ability to the SLB Select, his efficiency would be vital against NBA teams that will not be willing to present you many glaring opportunities – as he scores 14.7 points per game while shooting 55% from the floor.

In addition to the efficient scoring, the 24-year-old would bring the excitement for travelling fans by slamming down some earth-shattering dunks with his fantastic athletic ability.

Power Forward: Charles Thompson – Leicester Riders

Adding some essential defensive resilience to a free-scoring roster, Charles Thompson is a man mountain who has the ability and the intelligence to disrupt any offensive gameplan.

Thompson is unquestionably one of the toughest defenders in Super League Basketball, especially in the painted area – blocking 2.9 shots per game.

Refreshingly, the forward refuses to shoot three-pointers and completes all of his work close to the basket, creating space for the guards on this roster to work in areas in which they can be lethal.

Another player who boasts efficient statistics – Thompson scores 12.2 points per game while shooting 62.2% from the floor.

Some will argue this is a false equivalency as the Leicester big-man is not a volume shooter from range, however it could also be said that Charles Thompson knows how he can devastate the opposition.

Center: Alen Hadzibegovic – London Lions

Hadzibegovic is another player that could be utilised in any spot in the front court, but the London Lions big fits into the center position seamlessly on this roster.

A physical presence will be crucial when defending the paint from an NBA center, who are not only the best in class but have a wealth of knowledge that takes their performance levels to another stratosphere.

Fortunately, Alen brings that in abundance –  averaging 1.5 blocks and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Guards such as Nixon and Okauru will thrive in the pick and roll with such a powerfully built human being, allowing them to create the separation they need to make shots and orchestrate plays for their team mates.

This roster will be vastly more dangerous on both ends of the court with Hadzibegovic present.

 

 Bench unit:

Keddy Johnson – Bristol Flyers

Aaryn Rai – London Lions

Mervin James – Surrey 89ers

Dame Adelekun – Surrey 89ers

Kendall Lewis – Bristol Flyers