The Lions' star center is enjoying playing in his hometown for the first time in his career.
London's Gabe Olaseni is loving finally playing in front of friends and family
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Playing for London Lions and representing the English club in the BKT EuroCup means quite a lot to Gabe Olaseni. Not only did he grow up just a few minutes from the team’s home arena, but he also is lining up for an English club for the first time in his career - something he didn’t think would be a possibility.
Olaseni has thoroughly enjoyed competing in the EuroCup for the first time this season and it has been extra special to play in front of family and friends at the Copper Box arena.
“It’s been amazing so far,” said Olaseni, who has returned to his home nation for the first time to play as a pro.
“I’ve just missed friends and family. It’s still unreal that I can look into the stands and see the people I care about. I won’t take that for granted. Playing in front of them definitely gives me extra motivation when I step on the court.”
It had been a long time for Olaseni away from England. He attended high school and college for six years in the United States and then played professionally in Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the last four years in Turkey.
Olaseni, who hails from Plaistow in East London, said the London Lions’ recent improvement was a major reason for him to finally come home.
“I think the biggest factor was to be a part of growing something in my hometown. Playing back home was always a dream of mine and until recently I didn’t think it was going to be possible. Usually, I see my family for a few weeks a year but now I’m back and can see them much more so I’m enjoying that also,” said Olaseni, who did return to England often to play for the Great Britain national team.
The London Lions have become a force domestically, winning the British League in 2018-19 and 2022-23 while taking second place in 2020-21 and third in 2021-22. London also debuted in the EuroCup last season and went 8-10 in the regular season before bowing out in the Round of 16 against Joventut.
That made it more a possibility for Olaseni to play for London.
“Over the past few years I’ve seen the league grow so it’s exciting to be back when I think it’s better than ever,” he said.
“I only started thinking about [coming back] this past summer. I spoke to some of the returning players over the course of last season and they had positive things to say. When the summer came there was interest on both sides and I’m happy things worked out.”
Another big factor was the chance to play with Great Britain national team teammates Luke Nelson, Tarik Phillip and Mo Soluade.
“Knowing those guys off the court and already having chemistry having played together for a few years was another factor that helped me make the decision. They made the transition here a whole lot easier,” Olaseni admitted.
And Olaseni being a Londoner himself just makes it that much more meaningful when the Lions go to great cities like Paris, Badalona, Vilnius, Istanbul and Ljubljana among others.
“Growing up a few minutes from our arena, I know what sort of opportunity that we have to create something that will last. Going on the road against organizations with rich history you see how the game of basketball is huge and we want the same thing in London,” Olaseni said.
And the goal for the club is simple: win the EuroCup.
"It would mean everything to us. It would show that we can compete against some of the best in Europe and also achieve this goal with several domestic players contributing to the overall success of the team. Not only would it be great in the moment but would create a lasting impact for basketball in the country.”
And Olaseni would do it all at home with his home city club.
Their next step in the chase for EuroCup glory will see London host Turk Telekom Ankara in the single-game EuroCup Eighthfinals on Wednesday, March 6.