THE London Lions have added 7’1” centre Phil Wait to their already brimming squad after beating several other basketball clubs to the giant’s signature.

The talented English big man joins the Crystal Palace-based Lions after a college career which saw him initially play at St Johns University before completing three further years at NCAA Division One College, Monmouth University.

Lions’ head coach Vince Macaulay said: “We needed to add a bit of beef under the basket and Phil is very much that.

“However, he is also very talented and an excellent back to the basket player. which adds a different dimension to our all action athletic style of play.”

Heavily sought after among rival BBL clubs, Wait has been working out with the Lions over the last two weeks whilst a deal was concluded.

Wait hails from Stockport Manchester and complements the already terrific group of young English players at the Lions, led by the sensational duo of Orlan Jackman and Tayo Ogedengbe.

Shooting more than 50 percent from the floor at college, and averaging five points per game, Wait attended High School at Procter Academy in the states then a year at the Gran Canaria Academy in Spain.

The first chance for London’s home fans to see Wait in action will be on Friday at 7.30pm when the team plays the Leicester Riders in the quarter-finals of the BBL Cup at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

For more information on the London Lions, visit londonlionsbasketball.com or ticketmaster.com for ticket information.

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