Lions decide to take a Luke at new boy Mitchell
TEESSIDE Lions have unveiled Division One point guard Luke Mitchell from Division One outfit Nottingham Hoods as their first major signing of the new season.
Recognised as one of the best young British guards in the league, the 24-year-old star is an impressive coup for the Lions and shows the club still has major pulling power, despite the recent disappointing news it will have to play in Division Three again this season.
Hailing from Nottingham, Mitchell has had an illustrious career playing at Montverde Academy in Florida USA where NBA stars Ben Simmons, D’Angelo Russell and RJ Barrett are among a long list of players who have advanced to become successful professional players.
Prior to signing for Montverde, Mitchell played for England at under-14 to under18 level and won a bronze medal at the European Championships in 2014.
Last season he played a leading role for Nottingham Hoods where his highlights included averaging less than one turnover per game, collecting a season-high seven assists against Newcastle.
In 2018 he was Nottingham’s season MVP and has also featured in the Hoopsfix All Star game three times and was ranked seventh in the 2015 Deng Camp.
Lions’ owner James Thomson was delighted with his new signing.
He said: “It was important for us to show the basketball world that not only are we still in business but we very much mean business.
“The signing of Luke as our first new player ticks this box in an impressive way.
“In Luke we have a great all-round player who will not only produce the goods himself but also improve the players around him.
“He will be one of our most important players this season and I am delighted to welcome him to Teesside.”
Fans will enjoy watching a playmaker who can control the game, score, create opportunities for teammates, play high-intensity defence and who has a range of scoring abilities including a good three-point shot.
With the club still reeling from being refused promotion despite winning the league and play-offs. there is a sense of determination in the air this season will be better even than last year’s success and excitement. Mitchell said: “I am really excited about joining Teesside Lions.
“The club has a great feel and I am looking forward to being part of the Lions’ family.
“I watched their play-off final and was impressed.
“They play a good style of basketball and I was really impressed with how many fans travelled to Manchester.
“I am looking forward to pulling on a Lions’ jersey and putting on a show at Eston Arena for the Teesside fans to enjoy.
“I know how ambitious James Thomson and the club are.
“We are setting a high standard of expectations for ourselves so as a group we must prepare to deliver.”
The club will be hosting a number of pre-season events from September and fans can keep updated with news via TeessideLions.com, the Lions ‘social media and the Gazette.
In Luke we have a great all-round player
who will . . . also improve the players
around him James Thomson