London City Royals set for signing boost ahead of home BBL debut

BY GEOFF SWEET

London City Royals are hoping to make two new signings to bolster their squad for tomorrow’s home British Basketball League debut against the Surrey Scorchers.

The newly-formed Royals are in action at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on the back of last weekend’s terrific 78-73 opening victory at the Bristol Flyers.

Coach Jay Williams found himself without Marqueese Grayson (achilles) and Kyle Carey (suspected broken foot) as the Royals suffered a bitter-sweet start to life in Britain’s top basketball division.

Williams is already without long term forward star Ashley Hamilton (wrist), although guard AJ Roberts (leg niggle) could be back to face the Scorchers. And club insiders say he is ready to give baptisms of fire to two newcomers, believed to be experienced American University players, on the Royals’ historic first home night.

Williams said: “It looks as if both of them could be chucked in straight away. Neither Marqueese or Kyle will make it – but it is what it is.

“Whatever, we are really looking forward to our first home game. There is so much interest in the game and we can’t wait to show our fans, family and friends what we can do.

“It’s my first game as a professional coach on the court where I made my pro debut as a player. I’m not nervous – we’re all too focused for that.”

The projected imports will join a depleted, but cock-a-hoop Royals squad fresh from their triumph at Bristol where the commanding Matt Bryan-Amaning (28 points) was superbly backed up by ex-Scorcher Will Neighbour (13 points) and Orlan Jackman. Trailing 38-32 at half-time the Royals had no choice but to pull together to overcome adversity and led by Bryan-Amaning, whose dominant performance won him a place in the BBL’s team of the week, the Royals saw off the challenge from the Bristol Flyers

“There wasn’t panic, just determination which led to relief and joy at the end. It was great result,” said Williams.

“It underlined my belief that we can do well this season. The core of the squad have played together – or against each other – in English leagues and three to four weeks in pre-season means they are well acquainted.”

London City Royals vs Surrey Scorchers, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, 7.30pm, Saturday, September 29. You can buy tickets at https://londoncityroyals.com/