PAWS London Capital can officially confirm that they will be retaining much of their English born talent this season, whilst adding a few new faces to the squad.
After a tough season in 2008/09, player-coach Milek Jivens has managed to retain impact players Santa Ataha and Ibrahim Gariba. Both performed well in the BBL last year, with 6’9” Centre Gariba averaging 15.9 points per game, in the 32 games he played for the club. Ataha, who has also had spells with the club at EBL Level, has also played at London United and Milton Keynes Lions in the BBL, before settling at Capital last season, where he started at the Point Guard position in 33 games.
Also returning is Darren Mills. The English born 6’5” small forward will be looking to build upon a solid first season for the club and has had spells at London Leopards and Glasgow Rocks. However, he spent the majority of his career at the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, where he won the BBL Cup and Play-off Championship in 2001.
Whilst Jivens has also added Tomas Vichy and Isaac Nsiah to his squad, British born Xavier Lutaaya and explosive 6’3” guard Ryan Cadogan are set to return to the Capital. Cadogan, now in his third season with London, brings a scoring threat and a wealth of experience, having played for many EBL teams, as well as Milton Keynes Lions and Thames Valley Tigers in the BBL.
Club Director Brandon Bethel is pleased with how recruitment is progressing ahead of Capital’s third season in the top flight: ‘To retain the nucleus of last year’s squad along with our coach is very important for us. We feel that the additions we have made will strengthen the depth of the team, but to be able to keep a core of British talent is exactly what we are all about.’ He added: ‘We look forward to helping these players relish their chance to prove themselves in this league.’
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
