THE London Lions have announced the signing of Team GB star Gabe Olaseni, who brings with him a wealth of Basketball Champions League experience and is one of the most efficient scorers in Team GB history.

Olaseni joins following a successful spell at Turkish giants Darüşşafaka, ahead of the 2023-24 season. The signing marks a statement of intent from the Lions, who are looking for another record-breaking season after becoming the first-ever British side to qualify for the playoff round of the prestigious EuroCup last season. Olaseni joins a roster of British players who have returned to play in the UK from overseas after the recent growth of the British Basketball League (BBL), as it marks the player’s first spell in his career to play on British soil.
 
During his time at Darussafaka, Olaseni averaged 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 30.7 minutes over 13 Basketball Champions League games to help reach the Round of 16. In the Turkish BSL, he played 32 games, posting 12.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 30.1 minutes as his team made the playoffs. Olaseni’s experience in the Basketball Champions League will add another level of international pedigree to the London team, who are hoping to emulate their domestic success on a European stage.
 
This comes as the Lions completed a domestic treble last season after winning the BBL Playoff title, BBL Championship, and Cup. The London-based side have just been announced as one of the 20 top teams in Europe that will compete in this season’s EuroCup, providing them with another chance to qualify for the EuroLeague – the pinnacle of basketball outside the NBA – if they are able to win the competition. 
 
Head coach of the London Lions, Ryan Schmidt, said of his new signing: “We’re really excited for the addition of Gabe and for him to have the opportunity to return home and play in London. His experience and ability to impact winning are valuable, but most importantly, he’s someone of high character and a culture fit for the organization. I’m really looking forward to working together this upcoming season.”