London Lions coach Vince Macaulay admits that he is looking forward to defending his side’s British Basketball All-Stars Championship crown on their home court at Copperbox Arena on October 14,
Tickets are already on sale for the event’s return in the autumn and London Lions have taken the first of eight places in the tournament as reigning champions. They will be joined by the top seven teams from the BBL Championship at the end of the season.
Lions won the inaugural British Basketball All-Stars Championship, beating Newcastle Eagles 26-25 in September. The tournament introduced some exciting new innovations – matches are just 12 minutes long with a 20-second shot clock while an All-Star five-point line offers rewards for those willing to brave a shot from distance.
Teams also have a two-minute Golden Buzzer Power Play at their disposal, during which any points were doubled, and Macaulay says those innovations make the All-Stars Championship a highlight of the basketball calendar.
“We are delighted as the first winners of the British Basketball All-Stars Championship to be able to defend it this October, but to be able to do that on our home court at The Copper Box Arena is even better,” Macaulay said.
“We enjoyed the inaugural event and thought it was a great way for teams to meet up and for the tone of the season to be set. Even now fans are talking about the event and the 10-point shots etc. It will be another great highlight to look forward to.”
