Faye Endean: I’m learning everyday with London Lions

Image credit: British Basketball League

Faye Endean has the chance to add more success to a glittering young career when London Lions compete in the Betty Codona Trophy final, on Sunday.

The 20-year-old made the switch to the capital in the summer off the back of earning multiple accolades at both Solent Kestrels and Itchen College.

And, Endean can’t wait to take to the court in Birmingham this weekend as part of an incredibly talented London squad that boasts a remarkable 19-1 record across all competitions so far this season.

“I’m really looking forward to the final,” Endean told Hoopsfix. “I remember watching this final on the TV last year so to be a part of it this year is really exciting. Hopefully it will be the first of many for me.”

Endean led Solent to a league and playoffs double in WNBL Division 1 last season as the Player of the Year and Finals MVP, whilst also helping Itchen to a first WEABL final as the Southern Conference MVP.

The talented guard – who also competed at the 2023 Hoopsfix All-Star Classic – was undoubtedly the top performing junior in the UK last season. And, while that may not have correlated with a place on the GB Under-20 national team, it came as no surprise that top WBBL clubs came calling.

“It was easy for me to choose London,” declares Endean.

“The club has built something amazing here in England, so to get this experience so close to home made it really easy for me.”

The step up can be unforgiving. From playing in the WEABL to EuroCup in the matter of a few months is quite the leap, but development is key with Endean able to lean on some of the country’s greatest talents – including Holly Winterburn, who was also once an MVP in the WEABL.

“I did take a lot of confidence from my successful season, however WBBL, and EuroCup especially, are just completely different levels, so I’m now trying to find a new level of confidence,” admitted Endean.

“The experience so far has been really eye-opening. Everyday I feel like I’m learning more and more, so I’m very thankful to be given this opportunity.

“Being around this calibre of players is great because I can learn from every person as they’ve all had different experiences in their careers.”

Endean has seen an average of 17.6 minutes per game – no Lions player averages more than 25 minutes – across four league appearances with a season’s best of 14 points coming against Newcastle Eagles in November.

London’s dominance, albeit with a deep roster, allows for opportunities for the likes of Endean and Katie Cox as they look to reward the faith of head coach Stella Kaltsidou and push for more chances.

“Being young in this environment I just try and learn as much as I can every day and stay patient and always remind myself that my time is coming,” says Endean. “When it comes to contributing, I just try and stay ready and just make sure I am focused on what I need to do when I check into the game.”

Sunday marks the first opportunity this season for London to add to their ever-growing trophy cabinet having celebrated back-to-back clean sweeps of domestic silverware.

In contrast, Essex Rebels have never been in a WBBL final before – much like Endean, but the rising star is not taking anything for granted.

“As a team, we know we are strong favourites heading into this final, however we don’t let that undermine Essex in any way,” concludes Endean. “We know we still need to go out there and play the way we know we can, no matter the opponent.”

London take on Essex in Sunday’s Betty Codona Trophy final in Birmingham at 12pm.

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