London Lions sign Devon van Oostrum after Tarik Phillip out injured

By Sam Neter on September 3, 2022

London Lions have signed Great Britain point guard Devon van Oostrum after fellow GB guard Tarik Phillip has suffered a knee injury that will see him out indefinitely.

Phillip has had successful surgery on the knee – which explains his absence from the GB EuroBasket squad – while van Oostrum is expected to provide support in his place – it will be his first full stint in the BBL, having signed a short term loan deal with the now defunct Leeds Force in 2015.

van Oostrum is currently competing at EuroBasket with Great Britain – along with fellow Lions teammates Ovie Soko and Luke Nelson, having played in Spain’s LEB Gold last season with Club Melilla Baloncesto.

Meanwhile, the Lions are overseeing Tarik’s rehab, in what is a huge blow for the team.

“Tarik suffered a knee injury that will require him to be out for an extended period of time,” Lions GM Brett Burman commented.

“I am confident he will attack his rehab and find ways to contribute, while making his way back on the court. We will provide an update on his status at a later date in the season.”

The Lions opened up pre-season action on Friday night against Bourges, suffering a 43-point defeat, 105-62, at the hands of Bourg Basket.

Mincidélice Cup – Jour 1 🏀

🔴🔴🔴🔴
JL BOURG 105 ⚡️ 62 @londonlions

La maitrise jusqu'au bout ✅
L'équipe avait à coeur de faire une bonne première impression à son public, c'est chose faite ! Rendez-vous demain pour la suite, 21h15 face au @limogescsp 😈#WeRedy pic.twitter.com/ZdOAzq9INC

— JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) September 2, 2022

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