- Milton Keynes Lions
-
Milton Keynes Lions 
Main sponsor Prestige Homes League British Basketball League Established 1977 History Hemel Hempstead Lakers
1977-1985
Hemel Royals
1985-1996
Hemel & Watford Royals
1996-1997
Watford Royals
1997-1998
Milton Keynes Lions
1998-presentArena MK Lions Arena
(Capacity: 1,400)Location Milton Keynes,
BuckinghamshireHead coach 
Mike NewOwnership 
Vince Macaulay-RazaqColours Black, Gold and White Website Uniforms 
Home
AwayThe 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 Cup title, won in 2008. The club also operate the Milton Keynes College Lions Basketball Academy in partnership with Milton Keynes College, which was established in 2007.
Contents
Franchise history
Hemel Hempstead
The franchise that would become Milton Keynes Lions initially started out in the town of Hemel Hempstead, as the Hemel Hempstead Lakers. The team was named after one of the NBA’s most famous teams, Los Angeles Lakers, and even adopted the famous Lakers colours of Purple and Gold. In 1977, the Lakers entered the National Basketball League’s Division 2, and enjoyed a rather successful rookie season, finishing 5th (from 11 teams) with a 10-10 record. Their second season would be even more successful, with the Lakers finishing second in Division 2 (15-3) and winning promotion to the top-level league Division 1.
With entry into the country’s top league ensure, the club received a major sponsorship deal from beverage brand Ovaltine, and as part of the deal were known as Ovaltine Hemel Hempstead. The franchise became a formidable force in Division 1, regularly finishing at the top-end of the table and making many appearances in the Play-off semi-final’s at Wembley Arena, finishing 3rd in 1981. Following the end of the Ovaltine sponsorship and a one year deal with retailers Poundstretcher, the franchise was rebranded as the Hemel Royals in 1985. Meanwhile on court, the team failed to reproduce the performances of the past few seasons and often settled for mid-table positions.
For the 1989-1990 season the franchise opted to leave the top-tier, now known as the Carlsberg League due to sponsorship from the Carlsberg Group, and return to the second-tier league, rebranded as NBL Division 1. After only one season, and a 4th place finish (14-8), the Royals returned to Carlsberg League. The team finished bottom of the league in the 1992-1993 season with a 4-29 record, and were subsequently relegated back to Division 1, however they were later reinstated and returned to the rebranded BBL for the following season. A dismal spell ensued and over the next decade the team wouldn’t finish outside of the bottom 3, but with the removal of the promotion/relegation system between the BBL and Division 1, this had little consequence.
Moving to Milton Keynes
The lack of fortunes and an aging venue prompted the franchise to look at relocating and found a suitable, yet temporary solution in the neighbouring town of Watford. In preparation for the move, the franchise was rebranded as Hemel & Watford Royals in 1996 and made the move from the Dacorum Centre to Watford Leisure Centre in 1997. The move had little luck on the team’s playing performance and they finished 13th out of 13 in the 1997-1998 season (3-33). Royals’ stay in Watford lasted just one season and, in 1998, with the promise of a future purpose-built arena being offered in the town of Milton Keynes, the team packed up, moved and renamed themselves as the Milton Keynes Lions.
Lions’ on-court performances were an instant improvement and the franchise began a slow but noticeable turnaround, reaching the Semi-finals of the National Cup and also the end-of-season Play-offs for the first time in eight seasons in 2000. After a hugely successful run, the franchise reached its first major final in 2002 with an appearance at the SkyDome Arena in the BBL Trophy. The Lions fought valiantly but eventually lost to the all-conquering Chester Jets, losing 90-89 in a close contest. From then on, the Lions remained a competitive force in the league often qualifying for the post-season Play-off’s, though having little impact on the final outcome, and an appearance in the BBL Cup Semi-final in 2005 was considered to be a major landmark.
2007-08 season
It was announced on May 8, 2007 that coach Tom Hancock would not coach the Lions for the 2007-08 season, after just one term at the helm.[1] On May 17, the club declared owner Vince Macaulay-Razaq, a former player and coach of the franchise, would be appointed head coach for the proceeding season.[2] The signing of Yorick Williams during the pre-season was a massive coup, and for many fans signalled the dawning of a new era for the club. During this exciting time and in preparation for a planned move to a new arena, the club also undertook a rebranding initiative, redesigning the logo and changing the kit colours from the traditional purple and gold, to a more dynamic black, gold and white, as well as the establishment of a new Academy in partnership with Milton Keynes College. The Milton Keynes College Lions Basketball Academy is headed by Lions’ player Mike New.
With Macaulay back controlling the club on court as well as off it, the team's standing in the league was immediately matched to his own ambition as the clubs' owner. The veteran team performed sensationally and by the Christmas break they were well in contention for the league crown, resting in second place behind title-rivals Newcastle Eagles, who coincidently they beat in their first-ever BBL Cup Final appearance at the National Indoor Arena (NIA), on January 13, 2008. Milton Keynes led for most of the game and sealed the 69-66 victory when New scored the final points of the game to end a Newcastle resurgence, handing the Lions franchise its first piece of silverware.[3]
After finishing 4th in the league (19-14), Lions qualified for the post-season Play-offs with a seeded home-court Quarter-final tie against Scottish Rocks. The home team eased past the Rocks, 105-93, with the game filmed live in front of Setanta Sports cameras. For the first time in its history, Milton Keynes progressed to the Championship Finals weekend at the NIA where they defeated league champions Newcastle Eagles (63-72) on the way to the final eventually succumbing to Guildford Heat, 88-100, again live on Setanta Sports. The incredible achievements of the season, earned coach Macaulay-Razaq the accolade of BBL's Coach of the Year. Another highlight of the Lions' most successful season in history was the development of players through the new Academy with 18 year-old Greg Harvey progressing onto the roster in the latter stages of the season.
2008-09 season
As of 2008, Lions expected to be playing at the brand-new 4,500-seat capacity arena:mk adjacent to the new stadium:mk (home to Milton Keynes Dons football team). The move to their new home would have seen the Lions play in one of the BBL's biggest, modern venues, rivalling the homes of the Rocks and Newcastle. Unfortunately, the completion of the arena has been delayed due to the deferral of proposed commercial developments around the site (which would have funded the project). With the demolition of Lions’ current home, Bletchley Centre, scheduled for November 2009, the lack of alternative venue raised question marks as to the future of the franchise remaining in Milton Keynes.[4]
On court, there were big expectations following the successful campaign previously, but the 2008-09 season didn’t start off too well for the Lions, with defeat to Guildford in the Cup Winners’ Cup. After losing 91-89 in the first leg at Guildford, the Heat rolled over the Lions to a 68-60 victory at the Bletchley Centre, and a 159-149 series win. Further woe was added with a BBL Cup Quarter-final exit at the hands of visiting Everton Tigers, coupled with an exit at the 1st Round of the Trophy. The disastrous season came to an abrupt end in April, with a 14-19 record and 9th placed finish meaning the Lions missing out on the end-of-season Playoffs.
2009-2010 season
With the demolition of the Bletchley Centre looming, the club sought to find an alternative venue for home games and on July 31, 2009 announced that from January 2010, the Lions would be playing out of Middleton Hall at thecentre:mk as a temporary measure until the new arena:mk is completed later on in the year.[5] The Lions played their last game in front of a packed Bletchley Centre crowd on December 18, with a dramatic 98-97 victory over Guildford Heat. Robert Youngblood scored the winning point from the free-throw line and thus scored the last basket for Lions at their former home.[6]
Lions Arena
After Middleton Hall decided upon changes that would no longer make it suitable for basketball, the Lions were forced to seek out yet again for another new home venue for at least the 2010-2011 season.[7] The club secured a three-game lease for an out-of-town venue at Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury to begin their 2010-2011 campaign, and decided upon renovating a site in the centre of Milton Keynes to host home games for the duration of the season.[8] A three-year deal was agreed upon to use a warehouse in Winterhill and convert it into a 1,400-seat basketball arena and practice venue.[9][10] The venue opened (as the Lions Arena) at the end of November 2010.
2010-2011 season
At close of the 2010-11 season, the Lions came tenth in the British Basketball League.[11] Demarious Bolds was named Player of the Year.[12]
Home arenas
- Dacorum Centre (1977-1997)
- Watford Leisure Centre (1997-1998)
- Bletchley Centre (1998-2009)
- Middleton Hall (thecentre:mk) (2010)
- MK Lions Arena (2010-present)
Season-by-season records
Season Div. Pos. Pld. W L Pts. Play Offs Trophy Cup Hemel Hempstead Lakers 1977–1978 NBL 2 5th 20 10 10 20 n/a - 1st Round 1978–1979 NBL 2 2nd 18 15 3 30 n/a - - 1979–1980 NBL 1 4th 18 12 6 24 4th place - Quarter-final 1980–1981 NBL 1 3rd 18 13 5 26 3rd place - 2nd Round 1981–1982 NBL 1 6th 22 12 10 24 DNQ - Quarter-final 1982–1983 NBL 1 3rd 24 18 6 36 4th place - Quarter-final 1983–1984 NBL 1 11th 36 12 24 24 DNQ - 2nd Round 1984–1985 NBL 1 7th 26 15 11 30 Quarter-final Semi-final 2nd Round Hemel Royals 1985–1986 NBL 1 9th 28 13 15 26 DNQ 2nd Round 2nd Round 1986–1987 NBL 1 8th 23 8 15 16 Quarter-final 2nd Round Quarter-final 1987–1988 BBL 11th 28 9 19 18 DNQ 1st Round Quarter-final 1988–1989 BBL 7th 20 9 11 18 Quarter-final 1st Round Semi-final 1989–1990 NBL 1 4th 22 14 8 28 Semi-final Semi-final 1st Round 1990–1991 BBL 8th 24 4 20 8 Quarter-final 1st Round 2nd Round 1991–1992 BBL 7th 30 13 17 26 Quarter-final 1st Round 3rd Round 1992–1993 BBL 12th 33 4 29 8 DNQ 1st Round 3rd Round 1993–1994 BBL 12th 36 3 33 6 DNQ 1st Round 3rd Round 1994–1995 BBL 10th 36 9 27 18 DNQ 1st Round 4th Round 1995–1996 BBL 13th 36 6 30 12 DNQ 1st Round Quarter-final Hemel & Watford Royals 1996–1997 BBL 13th 36 2 34 4 DNQ 1st Round 4th Round Watford Royals 1997–1998 BBL 13th 36 3 33 6 DNQ 1st Round 4th Round Milton Keynes Lions 1998–1999 BBL 10th 36 10 26 20 DNQ 1st Round 1st Round 1999–2000 BBL S 4th 34 15 19 30 Quarter-final 1st Round Semi-final 2000–2001 BBL S 3rd 34 21 13 42 1st Round Quarter-final 1st Round 2001–2002 BBL S 3rd 32 16 16 32 Quarter-final Runner-up Quarter-final 2002–2003 BBL 8th 40 12 28 24 Quarter-final 1st Round 1st Round 2003–2004 BBL 8th 36 13 23 26 Quarter-final 1st Round Quarter-final 2004–2005 BBL 8th 40 15 25 30 Quarter-final 1st Round Semi-final 2005–2006 BBL 10th 40 16 24 32 DNQ 1st Round Quarter-final 2006–2007 BBL 6th 36 18 18 36 Quarter-final 1st Round Quarter-final 2007–2008 BBL 4th 33 19 14 38 Runner-up 1st Round Winners 2008–2009 BBL 9th 33 14 19 28 DNQ 1st Round Quarter-final 2009–2010 BBL 7th 36 18 18 36 1st Round Semi-final Semi-final Notes:
- From 1999-2002 the BBL operated a Conference system. Milton Keynes competed in the Southern Conference.
- DNQ denotes Did Not Qualify.
Trophies
League
- NBL Division Two Runners Up: 1978/79 2
Playoffs
- BBL Play Off Runners Up: 2007/08 1
Trophy
- BBL Trophy Runners Up: 2001/02 1
Cup
- BBL Cup Winners: 2007/08 1
- BBL Cup Winners' Cup Runners Up: 2008/09 1
Players
Current roster
The following information is established according to the official websites of the team (www.mklions.com) and Britain's top professional league, the BBL (www.bbl.org.uk).
Milton Keynes Lions roster4 Fontaine, Ishmael 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) G 6 Gill, Stefan 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) G 7 Josey, Carl 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) G 8 Bolds, Demarius 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) G 9 
Pedroso, Nuno 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) F/C 10 Northern, Daniel 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) G 11 Bernard, Cameron 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) F 12 Schall, Nathan 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) F 14 Crawford, Howard 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) C 15 
Sturt, Adrien 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in) - Head coach
- Assistant coach(es)
- Roger Malpass
- John Staudt
- Legend
- (C) Team captain
Injured
Roster • updated 2011-10-12
Notable former players
Andrew Alleyne- Terrell Brown
- Joel Burns
-
Jelani Gardner - E.J. Harrison
- Laurent Irish
- Shawn Jamison
- Nigel Lloyd
Shawn Myers- Travis Nelson
- Mike New
-
Jayson Obazuaye - Yorick Williams
- Tony Windless
- Robert Youngblood
See also
References
- ^ MK Lions (2007-05-08). "Lions end Hancock hour". Milton Keynes Lions. http://www.mklions.com/news/display.asp?id=5277. Retrieved 2007-07-17.
- ^ MK Lions (2007-05-17). "Macaulay in charge - All back". Milton Keynes Lions. http://www.mklions.com/news/display.asp?id=5280. Retrieved 2007-07-17.
- ^ Rob Dugdale (2008-01-14). "Milton Keynes end 20 years of hurt". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jan/14/sport.sport1. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ Simon Downes (2007-02-15). "Winkleman can’t guarantee arena". Milton Keynes Citizen. http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/basketball/Winkelman-can39t-guarantee-arena.4735321.jp. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ Simon Downes & James Chard (2009-07-31). "Lions to play games at thecentre:mk". Milton Keynes Citizen. http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/basketball/Lions-to-play-games-at.5513926.jp. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ "Bletchley frozen finale". Milton Keynes Lions. 2009-07-31. http://www.mklions.com/news/display.asp?id=5688. Retrieved 2009-12-19.
- ^ MK LIONS IN SEARCH FOR NEW HOME – Milton Keynes Lions
- ^ http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/lions_forced_out_of_city_but_it_is_only_temporary_insists_macaulay_1_995335
- ^ New den and new era for Lions – Milton Keynes Citizen Tuesday 24 May 2011. Note that the report says 'Grafton Gate' which is nearly but not quite correct.
- ^ New Home For Lions – Milton Keynes Lions. Note that this item gives the correct location.
- ^ BBL standings – Milton Keynes Lions
- ^ Awards Signal Season End – Milton Keynes Lions
External links
- Official Milton Keynes Lions website
- Milton Keynes Lions news from the Milton Keynes Citizen
- Milton Keynes Lions news from the MK News
- Milton Keynes Lions on Facebook
2011–12 British Basketball League Cheshire Jets · Durham Wildcats · Glasgow Rocks · Guildford Heat · Leicester Riders
Mersey Tigers · Milton Keynes Lions · Newcastle Eagles · Plymouth Raiders · Sheffield Sharks · Worcester WolvesCategories:- Sports clubs established in 1977
- English basketball teams
- Sport in Milton Keynes
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
