Few people can claim to have had the resumes in top-flight British basketball that Ant Rowe, Drew Lasker and Mike Tuck have amassed, which is why they were the perfect trio to sit down with and preview what is sure to be a spectacular Super League Basketball season.
Ant, Drew and Mike gave their thoughts on a bunch of topics, which we’re excited to share with you ahead of the season start on Friday night, but we’re tipping off with the most controversial – the end-of-season standings!
The guys went bold with their selections, so read on to find out more about where they think your favourite team might finish the season.
Ant Rowe:
1. B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
This is the most excited I’ve been about a Sheffield roster in a while. It’s all about experience and team culture. Atiba Lyons is one of the most experienced coaches in the league and has recruited a talented roster. Historically, successful professional British teams have retained players and boast a wealth of experience – this roster has both.
Rodney Glasgow Jr., Prentice Nixon, Mike Ochereobia, Rodney Chatman III, Jordan Ratinho and Reyad West all return, while they’ve added proven players in Dirk Williams and William Lee. If they can get production and energy from their rookies, this is a championship calibre team. I think the combination of experience and talent will top all others in the league this year.
2. London Lions
The defending league champions are back with another exciting roster and new coaching staff. If talent was the only measure, the London Lions would be top of the pile, but we know you need more than talent to win a championship. Retaining MVP Aaryn Rai is huge for this team while they look to embed superstars and talent on the roster.
Strong signs with Rai, Ciaran Sandy, Ovie Soko and Matt Goodwin returning, plus they’re boosted by returning GB star Tarik Philip and teammates Amin Adamu and Mo Soluade. The acquisitions of Kameron McGusty, Ryan Mikesell and Johnathan Williams III signify that expectation are high at Lions again this season. The talent is undeniable, but chemistry and integration will be key to their success.
3. Manchester Basketball
There have been wholesale changes at Manchester Basketball, including a new coaching staff. New Head Coach Matthew Otten comes with high pedigree and a fantastic winning record of 32-7 in the Austrian league last season. It’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to British basketball’s unique style. He’ll have a talented roster boasting some offensively gifted players.
Max Jones appears to have the makings of a SLB star following a points stacked college career at the elite level. The Manchester boy Kaiyem Clearly is a talent and could be a huge piece in their bid for silverware. Interesting to have Kayne Henry back on British soil after his professional success and memorable Commonwealth Games gold medal. They have solid returners Zach Ervin, Cody John, and Kyle Carey that should provide some stability with this brand-new roster.
4. Leicester Riders
You’re only as good as your last game, and Leicester’s last game saw them lift the 2024/25 SLB Play-off finals. However, this championship team is very different this year with a brand new roster, having lost key players including Zach Jackson, Charles Thompson, and SLB finals MVP Jalen Hunter. Coach Rob Paternostro has had to start fresh.
This may be a rebuilding year as continuity is limited, but if you’ve watched British basketball over the last decade (or two), you’ll know Rob is one of the best recruiters to have blessed the British game and always seems to bring in diamonds in the rough and talent. If individuals can emerge collectively and some become leaders, this could be one of the teams to beat.
5. Newcastle Eagles
6. Cheshire Phoenix
7. Surrey 89ers
8. Bristol Flyers
9. Caledonia Gladiators
Drew Lasker:
1. London Lions
The Lions enter the season as overwhelming favorites, aiming for a historic fourth consecutive top-flight Championship title. Their roster is the deepest in Super League Basketball and, with a return to EuroCup action, they boast more scoring options than any rival. Returners like Rai, Soko and others may see reduced roles, but that depth strengthens their title push.
London’s ability to rotate stars, dominate the glass, and defend at a high level makes them the safest bet for the regular season crown. The real question isn’t about talent—it’s about balance. Can rookie Head Coach Sabonis manage the demands of a rigorous EuroCup schedule while keeping his squad motivated to stay sharp domestically? That’s the only potential slip point for the Lions.
2. B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
Sheffield look the best equipped to challenge London’s dominance, boasting a roster that blends ambition with experience. With six returners, Superstar Prentiss Nixon, the league’s leading scorer before injury, Rodney Chatman III, proven bucket-getter Mervin James, and the explosive Dirk Williams returning to his roots, the Sharks have genuine championship credentials.
The key question is chemistry – who’s willing to take a back seat? With so many elite scorers, consistent ball-sharing will determine their ceiling. Backed by improved depth and a hunger to end a 20-year title drought, Sheffield may finally have the firepower to push the Lions all the way.
3. Manchester Basketball
Few teams enter the season with more momentum than Manchester. Backed by growing investment, a surging fanbase, a European campaign, and the honor of hosting the 2026 Cup Final in the city, MCR are stepping into the spotlight. On the court, they bring athleticism, depth, and a style built for both winning and entertaining.
What truly sets them apart is ambition. Once stuck at the bottom of the SLB, they’re now positioning themselves as genuine contenders. While still a step behind London in raw talent, their energy, home-court edge, and steadily improving roster make them dangerous. If they find chemistry early, a top-three finish is well within reach.
4. Cheshire Phoenix
Cheshire Phoenix are built to be this season’s surprise package. Their roster might lack the household names of London or Sheffield, but its balance and spacing could prove a nightmare for opponents. With Skyler White & Policelli, two unconventional stretch Bigs who can step out to the perimeter, Cheshire create the kind of floor spacing that allows LaQuincy Rideau to thrive.
Rideau’s return is massive. A fearless competitor with a relentless motor, he has the ability to set the tone for a roster full of players still looking to prove themselves. That combination of star power and untapped potential makes Cheshire dangerous.
Meanwhile, rivals Newcastle and Bristol will inevitably split their attention between European competition and the domestic grind. That opens the door for the Phoenix. If they stay healthy and Rideau stays in attack mode, Cheshire could steal a top-four finish—quietly, and decisively.
5. Leicester Riders
6. Bristol Flyers
7. Newcastle Eagles
8. Caledonia Gladiators
9. Surrey 89ers
Mike Tuck:
1. London Lions
The London Lions once again enter the season as the team to beat, with expectations stretching well beyond the domestic league. Their return to the BKT EuroCup sets the stage for another year of balancing domestic dominance with European ambition, and they’ve reinforced accordingly.
The headline addition is new head coach Tautvydas Sabonis, a rising talent from EuroLeague giants Žalgiris Kaunas, whose tactical pedigree should help guide London on both fronts. On the floor, the Lions look loaded: high-scoring guard Kameron McGusty arrives after leading the Polish League in points, while returning MVP Aaryn Rai provides continuity and versatility. Ethan Price brings homegrown size and skill, and veteran big Johnathan Williams adds leadership in the paint.
With star power, depth, and a clear vision under Sabonis, London has the tools to dominate in the SLB and prove themselves on the European stage.
2. B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks look primed to build on last year’s resurgence, when Atiba Lyons guided them to their first silverware since 2016 by lifting the SLB Cup and finishing third in the league at 22–10. Continuity is at the heart of their success, with five key players returning — none more vital than floor general Prentiss Nixon, whose leadership and scoring give Sheffield stability.
Around that core, Lyons has added proven talent: high-flying forward William Lee, versatile Mervin James, and most notably the return of Dirk Williams. Williams began his professional career in Sheffield, but now comes back as a seasoned veteran with big-game experience and a reputation as one of the league’s premier scorers.
Entering his 18th season in charge, Lyons has built a balanced roster blending defence, athleticism, and firepower. With momentum, experience, and depth, the Sharks are legitimate contenders to challenge anyone at the top.
3. Leicester Riders
Change is the theme in Leicester, but stability comes in the form of long-serving head coach Rob Paternostro — a proven winner who knows how to mould new-look rosters into contenders. The Riders finished 23–9 last season, securing second place in the league before capturing the inaugural SLB Play-off Final with a memorable win over Newcastle.
This year, they’ve turned the page with a wave of exciting additions: Mike Mitchell Jr. brings playmaking and pace, Travis Evee and Denzel Mahoney add scoring punch, while Nate Martin and Tomiwa Sulaiman provide size and athleticism. Promising Brit Fynn Boardman-Raffet further deepens the rotation.
Key returners Duke Shelton and Spencer Johnson give Leicester familiar anchors to build around. With Paternostro’s experience on the sidelines and a roster capable of playing at a high tempo, the Riders look set to remain a force.
4. Manchester Basketball
Manchester head into the new season as one of the league’s most intriguing teams, with fresh leadership and a retooled roster creating plenty of buzz. New head coach Matthew Otten arrives from Austria’s Oberwart Gunners, where he delivered a historic 32–7 campaign capped by an undefeated playoff run — a pedigree that signals big ambitions. On the floor, the roster blends exciting new talent with key returners.
Kaiyem Cleary looks set for a breakout year, while PJay Smith Jr. and Max Jones add athleticism and scoring options. British international Kayne Henry makes his long-awaited SLB debut, adding further intrigue. Meanwhile, Cody John and Zak Irvin return to provide continuity and leadership. Early signs are promising: Manchester claimed preseason wins over Swiss champions Fribourg Olympic and French Pro A side SIG Strasbourg.
With Otten’s winning mentality and a squad loaded with upside, Manchester could quickly emerge as a serious contender in the top four.
5. Newcastle Eagles
6. Caledonia Gladiators
7. Cheshire Phoenix
8. Bristol Flyers
9. Surrey 89ers
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