Lokole looking for Niagara to make big strides
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| Photo Credit: Niagara River Lions |
As Niagara gears up for its second year, so does head coach Grâce Lokole. The Welland native was passed the torch by Ken Murray last February. Shrugging off concerns over being too inexperienced, he ended the regular season with a winning record at the helm. However, despite his efforts, the River Lions were unable to rise above mediocrity.
The team enters season six with with bigger goals in mind, meaning that they none of the pressure will be off them. Niagara has been perhaps the most busy team this offseason, re-signing three players—including premier point guard Sammy Zeglinski—and acquiring seven more via free agency. Their roster revamp has only made opening night more appealing to fans.
"The front office has done an amazing job this offseason, generating more interest to the organization," said Lokole. "Now the basketball side has to deliver and win games."
The team enters season six with with bigger goals in mind, meaning that they none of the pressure will be off them. Niagara has been perhaps the most busy team this offseason, re-signing three players—including premier point guard Sammy Zeglinski—and acquiring seven more via free agency. Their roster revamp has only made opening night more appealing to fans.
"The front office has done an amazing job this offseason, generating more interest to the organization," said Lokole. "Now the basketball side has to deliver and win games."
The departure of star forward Logan Stutz, who was named MVP in 2016 after averaging a league-best 21.9 points and 9.2 rebounds, leaves a gaping hole in the Niagara roster. Stutz, who is now playing in Japan, is not expected to make a return to the league for at least another season. Lokole has already responded by signing Kirk Williams, Jr. and Canadian Richard Amardi.
He stated, "I feel we are going to be a more talented team next season. But more importantly we are going to play well together as one unit."
Lokole hopes to continue landing deals with more proven players, from the NBL Canada and elsewhere. It is currently unclear who else River Lions fans will be privileged to see play next season, but time will tell.
He stated, "I feel we are going to be a more talented team next season. But more importantly we are going to play well together as one unit."
Lokole hopes to continue landing deals with more proven players, from the NBL Canada and elsewhere. It is currently unclear who else River Lions fans will be privileged to see play next season, but time will tell.
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