London Lions coach Vince Macaulay says he is brimming with excitement as the new BBL season dawns.

The Lions have moved from Milton Keynes, leaving their MK Lions name at their former home. The move to Crystal Palace means they will now be known as London Lions, and be based in Crystal Palace.

But as the Lions prepare to face Newcastle Eagles this weekend in their home opener, Macaulay is expects the rebranded side to compete for the BBL title.

He said: “Anyone who knows me will know that I wouldn’t be on the floor if I didn’t think we could compete.

“I expect us to compete for every title we play in and in every game, we want to win every game we play and we will do everything we can to do so.”

Despite the short turnaround after moving from Milton Keynes to London, Macaulay says the side have gelled together well and he is happy with the recruitment this season.

He said: “I’m not sure we’ve had a pre-season. Building a club in five weeks is as tough a challenge as there is. However I am delighted with the players we have been able to recruit. We have played well in the two pre-season games we’ve had but none of them will be as tough as what we will face in the BBL.

“At the moment I am content with my team, there is always the possibility of adding to the squad but these players have bought in to what we are going to build here in the Capital and they will be given the chance to start our exciting journey.”

The Lions travel to Manchester on Friday before hosting their opener on Sunday against Newcastle.

London Lions coach Vince Macaulay says he is brimming with excitement as the new BBL season dawns.

The Lions have moved from Milton Keynes, leaving their MK Lions name at their former home. The move to Crystal Palace means they will now be known as London Lions, and be based in Crystal Palace.

But as the Lions prepare to face Newcastle Eagles this weekend in their home opener, Macaulay is expects the rebranded side to compete for the BBL title.

He said: “Anyone who knows me will know that I wouldn’t be on the floor if I didn’t think we could compete.

“I expect us to compete for every title we play in and in every game, we want to win every game we play and we will do everything we can to do so.”

Despite the short turnaround after moving from Milton Keynes to London, Macaulay says the side have gelled together well and he is happy with the recruitment this season.

He said: “I’m not sure we’ve had a pre-season. Building a club in five weeks is as tough a challenge as there is. However I am delighted with the players we have been able to recruit. We have played well in the two pre-season games we’ve had but none of them will be as tough as what we will face in the BBL.

“At the moment I am content with my team, there is always the possibility of adding to the squad but these players have bought in to what we are going to build here in the Capital and they will be given the chance to start our exciting journey.”

The Lions travel to Manchester on Friday before hosting their opener on Sunday against Newcastle.