After joining fellow legends Ant Rowe and Mike Tuck to select his pre-season favourites to win the Championship title and other major awards, Drew Lasker is now flying solo to name his five storylines to watch ahead of the upcoming Super League Basketball campaign.
Keep reading to find out who made the cut in Drew’s rankings!
Aaryn Rai: What is the MVP’s ceiling?
Aaryn Rai’s rise is one of the most compelling stories in British basketball. In just three years, he has set a new precedent: few players have successfully made the leap from Basketball England’s NBL Division 1 to becoming stars at the top level. Having already claimed MVP honors in both Division 1 and Super League Basketball, Rai now faces his sternest test yet — proving he belongs on the EuroCup stage.
His unorthodox style is what makes him special, but how will it translate in an environment defined by elite talent, relentless pressure, and fierce competition? With the London Lions investing heavily in depth, Rai may be asked to embrace a more specialized role. But what exactly does that look like for a player whose game thrives on versatility?
The intrigue lies in how Coach Sabonis chooses to deploy him. Rai has shown he can adapt, create, and excel in any role — and if anyone is built to prove they belong on every stage, Aaryn’s the Rai-T guy.
Darius Defoe: Year 22 and still going strong
Entering his 22nd professional season, Darius Defoe is not just a player — he’s a living legend for British basketball. The 40-year-old forward has been a cornerstone for Newcastle Eagles, embodying consistency, leadership, and resilience through an era that has seen the sport transform around him. While his minutes may be more carefully managed now, Defoe’s role extends far beyond the box score.
For Newcastle, his presence is invaluable: he’s a mentor to younger players, a cultural standard-bearer, and still capable of delivering in clutch moments. For the league, Defoe is a walking example of loyalty and professionalism — a one-club man whose career longevity rivals legends in European basketball.
This season, the storyline isn’t whether Defoe will dominate night after night, but rather how he continues to adapt, contribute, and inspire in year 22. Each game he plays is another chapter in a career that already cements him as a Super League icon and British basketball legend.
LaQuincy Rideau: Can he lead Cheshire back to Championship glory?
After lifting the 2023/24 British Basketball League Trophy and pushing the London Lions to the brink in a dramatic Play-off Final decided by a Sam Dekker buzzer-beater, Cheshire Phoenix entered the inaugural SLB season with momentum and high expectations. But instead of building on that success, the Nix endured a subdued campaign — finishing in the lower half of the table and struggling to recapture the consistency that had defined their title run.
Now, attention turns to LaQuincy Rideau, the team’s floor general and defensive spark plug. Rideau has already proven he can impact games on both ends: controlling tempo, locking down opposing guards, and hitting clutch shots.
After missing out on end-of-season accolades, Rideau enters this campaign with plenty to prove. Expect him to carry the offense when needed, elevate those around him, and embody the relentless edge that has long defined Cheshire basketball.
This season is an opportunity for Rideau to step fully into the spotlight — not just as a playmaker, but as the franchise leader capable of guiding the Nix back to championship glory.
Manchester Basketball: Ambition Meets Expectation
After a promising debut campaign in SLB, Manchester Basketball head into 2025/26 with a new sense of purpose and ambition. The club has leaned hard into its big-market potential: branding upgrades, roster investment, and a clear message that they want to be more than just participants — they want to contend.
The question is whether that energy translates into results. On the court, Manchester have assembled a group with depth, athleticism, and a style built for both entertainment and winning. Off the court, their growing fanbase and the decision to host the 2026 Cup Final at Manchester’s AO Arena adds to the sense that the city is ready to cement its status as a British basketball hub.
But ambition is one thing; delivering against battle-tested powers like London, Leicester, and Sheffield is another. If Manchester can turn potential into consistency, they could shift from being an exciting project to a genuine championship contender — faster than anyone expected.
Dirk Williams: The key to ending Sheffield’s Championship drought?
The Sheffield Sharks have long been one of the most consistent franchises in British basketball. They’ve lifted cups, battled deep into the playoffs, and maintained a proud tradition of competitiveness. Yet, the ultimate prize — a league championship — has eluded them since the early 2000s.
Enter Dirk Williams, one of the league’s most explosive scorers and a player built for big moments. At 6’5”, the three-level threat can create his own shot, stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting, and attack the rim with trademark athleticism.
The Sharks already have plenty of difference-makers, but to dethrone the dominant Lions, they’ll need someone who can tilt the balance. Williams’ ability to provide consistent scoring while lifting the play of those around him could finally give Sheffield the formula to end their two-decade wait.
With a refreshed, more ambitious roster that blends veteran experience with new signings, Williams isn’t just another star in the Sharks’ lineup — he’s positioned to be the difference-maker who brings the league title back to Yorkshire.
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