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 set to be a sensational sophomore 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, and after discussing their thoughts on who will win the Championship, now they go for their end-of-season award selections.

Read on to find out more about their choices.

Ant Rowe:

Most Valuable Player: Kameron McGusty – London Lions

Based on resume, McGusty will be one of the brightest stars this season and could be key to London Lions‘ success. He played major NCAA Division I at Miami and Oklahoma Sooners with impressive numbers.

His professional career started in Italy’s second division where he averaged 19.3 PPG, then France’s Pro A (one of the toughest leagues outside NBA) averaging 10 PPG, and last season dominated Poland’s top league with 19.9 PPG. Clearly someone who can put points on the board, and I’m excited to see how his game translates to British basketball.

Ed Percival Coach of the Year: Atiba Lyons, B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

If my prediction is correct and Sheffield Sharks win the Super League Basketball Championship, one of the most experienced coaches will be crowned Coach of the Year. Sheffield were one of the most consistent teams last year, winning the SLB Cup before coming up short in league play.

Atiba has won numerous trophies throughout his tenure, and everything is in place for a championship year. While the calibre of coaches in SLB is high, I think his experience in the British game will be his superpower.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Nedas Cholevinskas, Surrey 89ers

Going with an emerging young British talent who showed star potential last year with incredible plays down the stretch, willing his team into the SLB Cup final. Pressure is a privilege, and Cholevinskas has earned this privilege with the Surrey 89ers.

This is a big year where consistency is something he needs to improve. It’s clear coach Gardener trusts this young guard, and Cholevinskas now has the opportunity to become a star in this league. Back-to-back MIP award-winners are incredibly rare, but Nedas has the potential to do that this season and develop into a bonafide British star.

Defensive Player of the Year: LaQuincy Rideau, Cheshire Phoenix

This will be one of the more exciting offensive players you’ll see, but his energy and dominance stems from his ability to change the game defensively. Rideau posted impressive defensive records throughout his university career, and we’ve seen him do this in topflight British basketball during the 2023-24 season when his team upset London Lions in the trophy final.

It was Rideau’s infectious energy and defensive play that propelled his team to unthinkable wins. He’ll need that same dominance if Cheshire Phoenix are to be successful this year.

Drew Lasker:

Most Valuable Player: Kameron McGusty – London Lions

Cam McGusty enters Super League Basketball with the perfect blend of pedigree, momentum, and opportunity. Fresh off a dominant campaign in Poland where he established himself as one of the league’s premier scorers, McGusty now joins a more talented roster that will allow his game to flourish on an even bigger stage. At Miami, he proved he could be a relentless three-level scorer with the toughness to perform under pressure, and that same mentality has translated seamlessly into the professional game.

What makes him such a compelling MVP candidate is balance: he has the ability to take over games offensively while benefiting from teammates who can ease the defensive focus on him. Surrounded by depth, McGusty can play freely, showcase his scoring prowess, and elevate his team to contender status. If he maintains his efficiency and leadership, there’s every reason to believe the SLB MVP trophy will be his.

Ed Percival Coach of the Year – Tautvydas Sabonis, London Lions

When a rookie head coach inherits the league’s most talented roster, the challenge isn’t building belief — it’s managing egos, expectations, and the grind of a dual domestic–European campaign. That’s exactly why Domantas Sabonis could walk away with Coach of the Year.

If he keeps London sharp, motivated, and hungry while guiding them to a fourth consecutive title, it won’t just be about winning with talent — it will be about proving he can maximize it. That blend of results and vision makes Sabonis the clear frontrunner for Coach of the Year.

Most Improved Player – Cole Long, Newcastle Eagles

Every season, a player emerges who takes a noticeable leap — and this year, that player will be Cole Long, transforming from a reliable contributor into an offensive force.

Long has the physical tools: size, versatility, and the ability to stretch the floor as a forward. What makes this season different is the perfect mix of experience and opportunity. With the Eagles losing much of their offensive arsenal, expect Long to climb swiftly up the scoring hierarchy. The way he closed out the final stretch of last season suggests he’s ready to play with a new level of confidence and consistency.

With an expanded role in the rotation, Long will have the platform to showcase the full repertoire of his game. The biggest leap, though, may come in his mentality. No longer just a role player, he’s primed to embrace the responsibility of being a go-to option in big moments.

In a league filled with star names, Long may not dominate the Plays of the Week. But by season’s end, his steady evolution and expanded impact could make him the clear choice for SLB’s Most Improved Player.

Defensive Player of the Year- Johnathan Williams III, London Lions

The American has built his reputation as being one of the toughest interior presences and this season he has all the ingredients to capture Defensive Player of the Year in his debut SLB campaign. Standing out with his physicality, timing, and relentless motor, Williams anchors the paint with authority. He protects the rim, alters shots, and controls the glass — the kind of defensive impact that doesn’t just show up in stats but changes the way opponents attack.

What makes Williams special is versatility. He’s not just a shot-blocker; he has the mobility to switch onto smaller players, hedge screens, and still recover to clean up around the rim. With his team pushing toward contention, Williams’ ability to shut down the interior could be the deciding factor. If he continues to neutralize opposing bigs while setting the tone with his energy, expect Williams to be the leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Mike Tuck:

Most Valuable Player – Kameron McGusty, London Lions

Kameron McGusty is my pick for MVP, and for good reason. The 6’5 guard joins London after a dominant season in Poland, where he led the league in scoring at 19.4 points per game and powered Legia Warszawa to a championship — dropping 30 in the title-clinching game.

With his blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive presence (3.3 assists, 1.7 steals per game), McGusty adds both size and athleticism to the Lions’ backcourt. On a team with EuroCup ambitions and the deepest roster in the league, he looks poised to be the most productive player on the best squad.

Ed Percival Coach of the Year – Tautvydas Sabonis, London Lions

My pick for Coach of the Year is Tautvydas Sabonis, who brings a wealth of experience from his time with EuroLeague powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas. At just 33, he’s already built a reputation for tactical precision, player development, and composure under pressure — qualities that translate perfectly into both domestic competition and the rigours of Europe.

London’s ambitions are higher than ever, and Sabonis has the background to steer them through the challenges of the BKT EuroCup while keeping standards high in the SLB. His ability to balance those demands makes him the coach most likely to make a defining impact.

Most Improved Player – Ethan Wright, Caledonia Gladiators

Ethan Wright is my pick for Most Improved after a standout rookie campaign with Leicester Riders. Averaging 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just 21 minutes per game, he thrived as an impact player off the bench, only starting 3 of 37 games, earning Sixth Man of the Year honours.

Now moving to Caledonia, he has the chance to expand his role and responsibilities. If he can secure a consistent spot in the starting rotation, expect his numbers — and his influence — to take a big leap.

Defensive Player of the Year – LaQuincy Rideau, Cheshire Phoenix

LaQuincy Rideau makes his return to the league as my pick for Defensive Player of the Year. Back in 2024, he earned All-League Second Team honours and was firmly in the conversation for this award, averaging 2.6 steals per game. His defensive instincts have only sharpened since — he posted 2.7 steals per game in Bulgaria last season.

Rideau’s impact goes beyond the numbers: he’s crafty in the backcourt, relentless in disrupting passing lanes, and carries a hard-nosed, confident attitude that sets the tone for his team. If he brings that same edge to Cheshire, he’ll anchor their defence.

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