London Capital
Encyclopedia
London Capital, officially called PAWS London Capital in reference to their partnership with PAWS Foundation, is a basketball
team based in London
, England
. They currently compete in the second-tier EBL
Division 1, having been demoted from the British Basketball League
in 2010.
in 1998, but only after withdrawals from the originally accepted 12 teams meant that a replacement was required. However, they quickly justified their inclusion, finishing that first season just behind Hull and North London, who were both promoted.
In 2000, they finished seventh (out of thirteen), and in the "clean-sheet" reorganisation of the League they were accepted into Division 2 (though this was still the third-ranked division, after the formation of the Conference), but once again only after withdrawals created extra vacancies. Finishing ninth in 2001, they continued their "skin of the teeth" progress by gaining promotion to the expanded Division 1 after Birmingham Aces dropped out.
The next season was one of consolidation, as they finished ninth, but they continued their steady progression, finishing third (behind Team Bath Romans on countback), and reaching the Championship Final, but just missing out on promotion. That promotion, though, was won in fine style the following year (2004), when they took the newly-renamed EBL Division 2 title, though they once again fell at the final hurdle in the Championship.
During that season they had begun to draw together the various stands of the club's development work, and their entry into Division 1 came as the PAWS London Capital after a partnership was agreed with local community support group PAWS Foundation.
's mass-expansion for the 2007-08 season
, as the 12th team to line-up after the newly formed Birmingham Panthers
.
The new elite franchise wasted no time in preparing for life in the professional league and on June 28 announced that former Los Angeles Lakers
star Steve Bucknall
would be coaching the team for their rookie season in the BBL. The former NBA star won a host an accolades and awards in the BBL, playing for Sunderland
, Birmingham Bullets
, Thames Valley Tigers
, London Towers
and Leicester Riders
, with whom he retired with in 2006.
Following the announcement on September 5 that London United
had withdrawn from the upcoming BBL season, London Capital were to be the capital city's sole representative in the top-tier league. A major coup during pre-season for the fledging franchise was the acquisition of North Carolina’s
starting guard Wes Miller
, who made his debut with an incredible 49-point haul against Milton Keynes Lions
on September 22, 2007, Capital's first game in the top flight.
As a team, Capital recorded an unspectacular start to their rookie campaign, recording only 3 wins in their first 9 games, the first an 84-85 overtime away victory against giants Sheffield Sharks
. In the BBL Cup
, Capital delivered a huge blow to Plymouth Raiders
, dumping the favourites out in the first round with a 74-83 win in Plymouth
, before being knocked out themselves by Milton Keynes, 73-78.
Major changes in the roster during the Christmas period appeared to affect the team's on-court performance, especially the loss of Miller through retirement. As a result Capital were knocked-out of the BBL Trophy
at the group stage, continued to languish near the foot of the table for most of the season and suffered through poor attendance, despite the signings of Czech
international Jaromir Fohler and American Fred Williams.
On March 5, Capital announced a major sponsorship deal with sports manufacturer Kukri Spboobsorts and a 5-year partnership with marketing agency Blue Crush Communications. The season ended with an 9th place finish and a 12-21 record, commendable for any rookie franchise, finished above established teams such as Leicester and Cheshire Jets
.
Capital’s sophomore season wouldn’t be as fruitful however, despite early promise with new coach Malik Jivens securing the signings of experienced Marcus Knight, formerly of Guildford Heat
, Darren Mills from Leicester, and Ajou Deng
coming later in the season. The season turned out to be a disaster though, with the roster seemingly becoming a revolving door and constant changes to the line-up ensured a lack of consistency and a disappointing 2-31 finish in last place. The team’s only two victories were at home to Guildford and Worcester Wolves
, the latter effectively ending Wolves’ play-off hopes.
Notes:
(www.bbl.org.uk).
As of November 19, 2009
Jeff Danchie
Ajou Deng
Jaromir Fohler Gareth Laws Chi Lewis-Parry Corey McGee Wes Miller
Lijah Perkins
Lekan Popoola
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
team based in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. They currently compete in the second-tier EBL
English Basketball League
The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League....
Division 1, having been demoted from the British Basketball League
British Basketball League
The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy....
in 2010.
Early years
The franchise started out as the North West London Wolverines, and were immediately accepted into Division 3 of the National Basketball LeagueNational Basketball League (United Kingdom)
The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:...
in 1998, but only after withdrawals from the originally accepted 12 teams meant that a replacement was required. However, they quickly justified their inclusion, finishing that first season just behind Hull and North London, who were both promoted.
In 2000, they finished seventh (out of thirteen), and in the "clean-sheet" reorganisation of the League they were accepted into Division 2 (though this was still the third-ranked division, after the formation of the Conference), but once again only after withdrawals created extra vacancies. Finishing ninth in 2001, they continued their "skin of the teeth" progress by gaining promotion to the expanded Division 1 after Birmingham Aces dropped out.
The next season was one of consolidation, as they finished ninth, but they continued their steady progression, finishing third (behind Team Bath Romans on countback), and reaching the Championship Final, but just missing out on promotion. That promotion, though, was won in fine style the following year (2004), when they took the newly-renamed EBL Division 2 title, though they once again fell at the final hurdle in the Championship.
During that season they had begun to draw together the various stands of the club's development work, and their entry into Division 1 came as the PAWS London Capital after a partnership was agreed with local community support group PAWS Foundation.
Entry to the BBL
On May 10, 2007 it was announced that London Capital would become the latest addition to the British Basketball LeagueBritish Basketball League
The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy....
's mass-expansion for the 2007-08 season
British Basketball League 2007-08
The 2007-08 season, the 21st since the establishment of the British Basketball League, commenced on September 9, 2007, when the Plymouth Raiders succumbed to the Guildford Heat in the inaugural Cup Winners' Cup competition...
, as the 12th team to line-up after the newly formed Birmingham Panthers
Birmingham Panthers
The Birmingham Panthers was a professional basketball club in the British Basketball League. Established in 2007, the Birmingham-based franchise competed in Britain's top-tier league during the 2007-08 season, but following a disastrous season and a lack of organisation, the franchise ceased...
.
The new elite franchise wasted no time in preparing for life in the professional league and on June 28 announced that former Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
star Steve Bucknall
Steve Bucknall
Steven Lee Bucknall is a retired English professional basketball player, and former head coach of British Basketball League expansion franchise London Capital....
would be coaching the team for their rookie season in the BBL. The former NBA star won a host an accolades and awards in the BBL, playing for Sunderland
Newcastle Eagles
Newcastle Eagles is a British Basketball League team from Newcastle upon Tyne. Since 2010 they have played all home games at the 3,000 capacity Sport Central arena at Northumbria University in the city...
, Birmingham Bullets
Birmingham Bullets
The Birmingham Bullets is a basketball team from Birmingham, who competed in the British Basketball League . The club resigned from the BBL league in the summer of 2006 and soon after went into liquidation, and currently no-longer exist as a basketball franchise.-The future of Birmingham...
, Thames Valley Tigers
Thames Valley Tigers
Thames Valley Tigers was a British basketball team competing in the British Basketball League until 2005, when funding was ceased and the franchise folded. Based in Bracknell, Berkshire, the team's fans setup a new team to replace the Tigers and just a month later the Guildford Heat was born...
, London Towers
London Towers
London Towers was a professional basketball team based in London, England. They were one of the most successful and recognised British sports teams of the 1990s, collecting many titles in the British Basketball League as well as regularly competing in European competitions such as the Euroleague...
and Leicester Riders
Leicester Riders
The Leicester Riders, officially known as the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders for sponsorship reasons, is a British professional basketball team that play in the British Basketball League...
, with whom he retired with in 2006.
Following the announcement on September 5 that London United
London United
London United is basketball team from London, England, currently competing in English Basketball League Division 2. In 2006 they were elected into the professional British Basketball League to replace the London Towers as the sole representatives for the capital city...
had withdrawn from the upcoming BBL season, London Capital were to be the capital city's sole representative in the top-tier league. A major coup during pre-season for the fledging franchise was the acquisition of North Carolina’s
North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history...
starting guard Wes Miller
Wes Miller
Warren Weston Miller is an American basketball coach and former player, having played professionally for London Capitals of the British Basketball League. He is currently an assistant coach at UNC-Greensboro under head coach, Mike Dement...
, who made his debut with an incredible 49-point haul against Milton Keynes Lions
Milton Keynes Lions
The Milton Keynes Lions, officially called Prestige Homes Milton Keynes Lions due to sponsorship, is a basketball team which represents Milton Keynes in the British Basketball League, the top level men's basketball league in the United Kingdom. The franchise’s only trophy success to-date is the BBL...
on September 22, 2007, Capital's first game in the top flight.
As a team, Capital recorded an unspectacular start to their rookie campaign, recording only 3 wins in their first 9 games, the first an 84-85 overtime away victory against giants Sheffield Sharks
Sheffield Sharks
Sheffield Sharks, officially named One Health Sheffield Sharks due to sponsorship, is a professional basketball team from the city of Sheffield, England. Sharks currently play in the British Basketball League and play their home fixtures at English Institute of Sport - Sheffield...
. In the BBL Cup
BBL Cup
The BBL Cup is one of two peripheral competitions operated by the British Basketball League during the regular season, the other being the BBL Trophy...
, Capital delivered a huge blow to Plymouth Raiders
Plymouth Raiders
The Plymouth Raiders, officially called UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders for sponsorship reasons, is South-west England's leading basketball team. Based in the city of Plymouth, they play their home games at the Pavilions arena and have competed in the top-tier British Basketball League since 2004...
, dumping the favourites out in the first round with a 74-83 win in Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
, before being knocked out themselves by Milton Keynes, 73-78.
Major changes in the roster during the Christmas period appeared to affect the team's on-court performance, especially the loss of Miller through retirement. As a result Capital were knocked-out of the BBL Trophy
BBL Trophy
The BBL Trophy is one of three cup competitions operated by the British Basketball League. The competition begins with a regional group format and comprises the BBL clubs divided into four regional qualifying groups of three...
at the group stage, continued to languish near the foot of the table for most of the season and suffered through poor attendance, despite the signings of Czech
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
international Jaromir Fohler and American Fred Williams.
On March 5, Capital announced a major sponsorship deal with sports manufacturer Kukri Spboobsorts and a 5-year partnership with marketing agency Blue Crush Communications. The season ended with an 9th place finish and a 12-21 record, commendable for any rookie franchise, finished above established teams such as Leicester and Cheshire Jets
Cheshire Jets
The Cheshire Jets are a British professional basketball team based in the city of Chester, in Cheshire, England. Formerly known as the Chester Jets, their home court is the Northgate Arena and they play in the top-tier British Basketball League....
.
Capital’s sophomore season wouldn’t be as fruitful however, despite early promise with new coach Malik Jivens securing the signings of experienced Marcus Knight, formerly of Guildford Heat
Guildford Heat
Guildford Heat is a basketball club based in Guildford, England that currently play in the British Basketball League. Heat play their home games at the brand-new Surrey Sports Park and was formed in 2005 by fans of former BBL franchise Thames Valley Tigers, who folded during the same year...
, Darren Mills from Leicester, and Ajou Deng
Ajou Deng
Ajou Ajou Deng is a British-South Sudanese professional basketball player. He is the son of Aldo Deng, a former Sudanese politician and is the brother of Luol Deng, an NBA player who is also his teammate on Great Britain's national team....
coming later in the season. The season turned out to be a disaster though, with the roster seemingly becoming a revolving door and constant changes to the line-up ensured a lack of consistency and a disappointing 2-31 finish in last place. The team’s only two victories were at home to Guildford and Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves is a basketball team from the city of Worcester which plays in the British Basketball League. The Wolves currently play at in the 800-seat capacity Sports Hall of the University of Worcester, although they are to use the new Worcester Arena as their home venue once completed in...
, the latter effectively ending Wolves’ play-off hopes.
Return to the EBL
On May 18 2010, the Capital announced they would be withdrawing from the BBL and to enter the EBL Division 1, the second-tier of competition behind the BBL.Season-by-season records
| Season | Div. | Pos. | Pld. | W | L | Pts. | Play Offs | Trophy | Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West London Wolverines | |||||||||
| 1998-1999 | NBL 3 National Basketball League (United Kingdom) The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:... |
|3rd | 20 | 12 | 8 | 24 | Semi-final | ||
| 1999-2000 | NBL 3 National Basketball League (United Kingdom) The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:... |
|7th | 24 | 9 | 15 | 18 | Quarter-final | ||
| 2000-2001 | NBL 3 National Basketball League (United Kingdom) The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:... |
|9th | 24 | 9 | 15 | 18 | DNQ | ||
| 2001-2002 | NBL 1 National Basketball League (United Kingdom) The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:... |
|8th | 22 | 7 | 15 | 14 | Quarter-final | ||
| 2002-2003 | NBL 1 National Basketball League (United Kingdom) The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a British basketball league. The league started in 1972 and continued through to 2003 renamed the English Basketball League.-1972-1993:... |
|3rd | 16 | 10 | 6 | 20 | Runner-up | ||
| 2003-2004 | EBL 2 English Basketball League The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League.... |
1st | 20 | 19 | 1 | 38 | Runner-up | ||
| London Capital | |||||||||
| 2004-2005 | EBL 1 English Basketball League The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League.... |
|9th | 22 | 7 | 25 | 14 | DNQ | ||
| 2005-2006 | EBL 1 English Basketball League The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League.... |
|11th | 26 | 6 | 20 | 12 | DNQ | ||
| 2006-2007 | EBL 1 English Basketball League The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League.... |
|5th | 22 | 13 | 9 | 26 | Semi-final | ||
| 2007-2008 | BBL British Basketball League The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy.... |
|9th | 33 | 12 | 21 | 24 | DNQ | 1st Round | Quarter-final |
| 2008-2009 | BBL British Basketball League The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy.... |
|12th | 33 | 2 | 31 | 4 | DNQ | 1st Round | Quarter-final |
| 2009-2010 | BBL British Basketball League The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy.... |
|13th | 36 | 3 | 33 | 6 | DNQ | 1st Round | 1st Round |
| 2010-2011 | EBL 1 English Basketball League The English Basketball League is a semi-professional and amateur basketball league in England. It forms the second-tier of competition below the professional British Basketball League.... |
|- | |||||||
Notes:
- In 2001 the NBL was restructured so Division One became the third tier replacing Division Two.
- In 2003 the NBL was replaced by the EBL which reverted Division Two back to the third tier.
- DNQ denotes Did Not Qualify.
Current roster
The numbers are established according to the official website of Britain's top professional league, the BBLBritish Basketball League
The British Basketball League, often abbreviated to the BBL, is the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. The BBL runs two knockout competitions alongside the league championship; the BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy....
(www.bbl.org.uk).
As of November 19, 2009
| 4 | Leon Nziye-Munango | Guard | |
| 5 | Santa Ataha | Guard | |
| 7 | Ryan Cadogan | Guard | |
| 8 | Darren Mills | Forward/Guard | |
| 9 |  |
Milek Jivens | Guard |
| 10 | Chiedozie Offiah | Forward | |
| 11 | Cesar DaSilva | Guard | |
| 12 |  |
Ibrahim Gariba | Centre |
| 13 | Xavier Lutaaya | Forward | |
| 14 |  |
Tomas Janusauskas | Centre |
| 15 | |
Giedrius Knyšas | Forward/Centre |
| 21 | Charles Madike | Forward | |
| 24 |  |
Dian Ivanov | Guard/Forward |
Notable former players
Kabiru Abu Steve BucknallSteve Bucknall
Steven Lee Bucknall is a retired English professional basketball player, and former head coach of British Basketball League expansion franchise London Capital....
Jeff Danchie
Jeff Danchie
Jeff Danchie is an English professional basketball player, and currently plays for the London Mets in the English Basketball League's first division...
Ajou Deng
Ajou Deng
Ajou Ajou Deng is a British-South Sudanese professional basketball player. He is the son of Aldo Deng, a former Sudanese politician and is the brother of Luol Deng, an NBA player who is also his teammate on Great Britain's national team....
Jaromir Fohler Gareth Laws Chi Lewis-Parry Corey McGee Wes Miller
Wes Miller
Warren Weston Miller is an American basketball coach and former player, having played professionally for London Capitals of the British Basketball League. He is currently an assistant coach at UNC-Greensboro under head coach, Mike Dement...
Lijah Perkins
Lijah Perkins
Lijah Perkins in Birmingham, United Kingdom is a professional basketball player, currently signed to Worthing Thunder, playing as a Power forward or Centre.-Biography:...
Lekan Popoola
External links
- Official London Capital's website
- London Capital on FacebookFacebookFacebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
- London Capital on MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....