LIONS TOUT WARE
London Lions have acquired point guard Kevin Ware.
The American, who spent part of last season at Korihait of Finland, is the nephew of former BBL player Marlin Capers.
He famously caught attention when he broke his leg ahead of the 2013 NCAA Final Four while with Louisville, later transferring to Georgia State before later spells in Greece and Canada.
He said: “Being here feels like home as I have family here. My uncle Marlin Capers played here for many years and I am motivated and excited to be here with him.
From the time I got off the plane and met the team and the coaching staff I felt comfortable instantly. We have incredible talent on this team and I know within a short time collectively we will be ready for any challenge. I am excited, my teammates are excited. We will take great pride in representing London and the UK with class and hard work.â€
It adds to the strength of the Lions who have prepared for their forthcoming Basketball Champions League qualifiers by assembling one of the deepest rosters in the BBL of recent times.
Giants hire a DJ
Manchester Giants have signed American forward Donovan Johnson who last played for Ameghino de Villa Maria in Argentina.
The experienced professional has played across South America for five seasons, including a title-winning stint in Paraguay in 2016-17 with Olimpia de Asuncion as Johnson scored 20 points to lead all-scorers in the Play-off Championship game.
He also enjoyed success in Chile the following season, where he led AB Ancud to a 20-12 record, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds per game, while shooting 43% from the three-point line. From there he joined Ameghino for a second stay in Argentina, averaging 12 points and five rebounds, shooting 48% three-pointers, 57% inside and 85% at the free-throw line.
Over his career, Johnson is a 41% three-point shooter on more than 300 attempts and a 79% free-throw shooter on more than 500 attempts, and that is alongside his long-standing reputation for stifling defence.
In 2019, he played for Team KBC in the $2m The Basketball Tournament, on the same team as two-time BBL MVP candidate Victor Moses.
Head coach Danny Byrne said: “Donovan brings a really unique mix of attributes to the team. He is an elite defender, with length, great foot speed, and intensity; and he tends to guard the opposition’s best player almost without exception and regardless of size.
“He is a great shooter and good decision-maker, efficient offensively, and doesn’t need to see much of the ball to get points on the board.
“On top of that, he brings a great deal of experience from a number of rugged South American leagues. With his experience and character I expect him to be a glue-guy for this group. He’s really well poised to make an impact at both ends of the floor in the BBL this season.”
Bunyan makes it ten
Meanwhile, Glasgow Rocks guard Jonny Bunyan insisted there was no danger he would walk away after signing on last night for his tenth season at the BBL outfit.
After challenging for the title last term, it’s expected the Scots will contend for the wooden spoon due to major budget cuts.
But the 28-year-old claimed he is game for helping old pal Gareth Murray re-build at the Emirates Arena – whenever the campaign eventually begins.
“It will be a big challenge this year,†he said. “Right now I am looking forward to getting back to basketball as soon as possible. It is difficult times for the club and league right now, I am hopeful we can get past it and all be back at the Emirates soon.â€
American duo Dante Thorpe and Terrell Vinson are not expected to return next term but Murray signalled Bunyan is in line to become the club’s new captain.
The Rocks player-coach said: “In his time playing for Glasgow he is now third in games played with 239.  Known for his three-point shooting, he is fifth in made threes with 230 and ninth in points scored with 1198.
“This season he will take on a leadership role being one of the most experienced and oldest on the team at 28. Â I will be looking for him to lead by example while continuing to improve his overall game. ”
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