CIA are delighted to announce that Christian Lacsina will become the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for the forthcoming 2010/11 season alongside Player/Head Coach Tony Brown.

Born in the Philippines, where basketball has been the national sport for well over 100 years, Christian joined CIA 3 years ago and soon joined the coaching staff that visits over 40 schools in the local South London community. His positive approach to the game and Phil Jackson-esque calm demeanor made an immediate impact amongst the young players; an attitude he’ll hope to pass on to the Senior Men.

CIA Basketball commented, “Coach Lacsina has an advanced understanding of the offense we run and great ideas to develop our defense. He’s also got an infectious passion for the game that matches our values, putting teamwork above winning games.”

CIA will return to Premier Division competition facing a host of familiar faces. Despite being demoted for the first time ever two seasons ago, CIA are confident that the progress they’ve made coupled with a continued commitment this summer will put them in good stead to return to winning ways.

Hear more from Coach Lacsina in this video:

CIA first team Point Guard Luke Bowler believes keeping the team united throughout the summer period will be essential to their success as they return to Premier Division competition next season.

“We had a really difficult year 2 seasons ago that led to our demotion – last season a lot of effort went into learning a new system and keeping everyone together but we managed to do that and it’s vital we maintain that throughout the summer.”

The 23-year old guard is inspired by the commitment of CIA’s senior players too as many players start intense workouts away from the court. “Players like Gene Brown, Darryl Lewis and Daniel Montague have shown great commitment working out in the gym and running. They should be in great shape when the season comes around and it’s up to all of us to follow suit.”

More than just physical development over the summer, Luke stressed the importance of the team staying on the same page. “We’re all comfortable with our offense, it suits all of us individually and as a team and takes the pressure off a bit as a point guard too. But all of that is secondary. We have to continue to do the little things, even in training.”

“At the beginning and end of every session we pray and come together as a team – it’s easy to forget that and rush in to a session. It’s also a different dynamic having a player/coach – it’s important we allow Coach Brown to lead us and follow his example. As the more senior players in the team, we have a responsibility to set an example for the younger guys.”

The 2010/11 season will start in October as CIA return to the Premier Division to face familiar rivals. Luke is confident the team can also return to winning ways. “We essentially run the triangle which gives us a really flexible offense based on sound fundamentals. Last season we learnt a lot from it as a team. By the close of the season everyone looked comfortable and ready to move up.”

Fans can stay up to date with all the fixtures, results and stats right here on www.ciabasketball.com

There was a surprise in store at this year’s Family Festival 2010 at Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham as CIA Basketball were honoured to present the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award’ to Patricia Fairclough OBE.

After being asked to present the award, the unsuspecting Patricia was surprised to be greeted on court by Peter Scantlebury MBE, the former England Head Coach and last year’s winner. With the Golden Molten Basketball in hand Peter Scantlebury took the mic, opening “Patricia thought she was presenting this award, little does she know…”. Normally the person to surprise others, Patricia pointed at Luke Bowler (CIA’s Promotions Manager and event organiser) as he smugly hid, as if to say, “You did this”.

Patricia kindly said, “I was completely shocked to receive the Golden Ball Award and deeply honoured that Basketball people still remember me after 43 years and continuing voluntary service to our sport in building communities. I will continue with my voluntary work to assist the development and promotion of basketball and officials for our great family game which helps to promote trust, discipline, respect and unity whilst building a safe and secure future for our young people. I totally enjoyed my evening with CIA Basketball.”

Event organiser Luke Bowler replied, “It was truly our pleasure to honour someone who has invested so much time and passion into the community. Training and developing officials and equipping them to work in the basketball community is a vital part of the game that often goes unnoticed – Patricia Fairclough’s unique and infectious character leaves an indelible impression on anyone she comes into contact with and we wish her continued success.”

CIA Basketball would like to thank Bob Hope and Molten Sports for supporting this award each year.

CIA today launched the first of several videos commemorating their prestigious 15th Year Anniversary. The short viral was filmed and produced by Brighthand Pictures and features Director Tony Brown alongside HOOPS coach Christian Lacsina and several CIA juniors.

The video delves into CIA Basketball’s current coaching and mentoring activities ahead of the anticipated launch of ‘HOOPS’ in September. Director Tony Brown discusses the ethos behind the work we do while Coach Lacsina shares how the project allows him to pass on the life lessons he’s learned through basketball to the young players he coaches.

2010 spells an exciting time for CIA with hard work behind the scenes coming to fruition and plenty of exciting announcements to follow.

Special thanks goes to our friends at the Luol Deng Foundation for granting permission to film at the Luol Deng Half Term Camp at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

On Saturday 15 May, 25 players met at Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham South London) with a score to settle and bragging rights to gain. With the past few years dominated by the future stars of the New School, a bolstered Old School squad took the young guns back to school with a confident 89-82 victory led by a late surge by veteran England International, Julius Joseph.

The Old School combined the wisdom of CIA coach and former professional Tony Brown and BBL player Roderick Wellington in the coaches corner while Arek Deng, Great Britain International and sister of NBA superstar Luol Deng, took over the reigns as coach of the New School.

As the two teams entered the court to their respective theme tunes an ominous pause followed Chi Lewis-Parry’s name. After a few minutes the 6′8″ crowd favourite took the court sporting white and red face paint causing a rapturous applause and leaving some of his teammates in hysterics.

As always there was a relaxed vibe to the first two quarters as both coaches rotated their squads to get everyone involved. Tayo Ogedengbe, young star of the Guildford Heat, provided the first highlight, effortlessly unleashing a two handed reverse. The Old School responded with some truly veteran moves including a no look pass from Junior Williams and quickly followed by an up and under move from Steve Vear, reminiscent of his London United days.

Arek Deng was clearly confident of maintaining the New School’s winning run as Tayo Ogedengbe closed out the half with a buzzer beating 3.

At Half-Time the crowd was treated to a variety of on court entertainment including a live music performance and slam dunk contest. Ishmael Fontaine started the proceedings by delivering a powerful windmill. Newcomer Jordan Gillhespy-Edison showed some passion with a dunk from distance that propelled him into the wall. Much to the despair of Arek, Leon Bernard ran away with the crown to prove the veterans still had the hops!

In the second half the game began to heat up and the final quarter belonged to the Old School. Conscious of the offensive onslaught of Jordan Gillhespy-Edison, Julius Joseph took it upon himself to teach the rookie a lesson, starting with a devastating inside move and following it up with several consecutive baskets.

As the game came to a close the New School gave everything they had but the experience of the Old School shone through as they held on to win 89-82.

Top Scorers:

Old School: Julius Joseph 22, Pierre Henry Fontaine 17, Peter Scantlebury MBE 14
New School: Stefan Gill 17, Tayo Ogedengbe 11, Ishmael Fontaine 10

MVP: Pierre Henry-Fontaine (17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists)

Catch all the highlights above or visit the HoopsFix website. A huge thank you to Sam Neter and HoopsFix for sensational coverage and to our resident DJ collective, Family First Soundsystem.

We are delighted to announce that Arek Deng, a Great Britain International and sister of NBA superstar Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls) will take the reigns as guest coach of the New School at this year’s Family Festival.

The 6′3″ Centre made her national team debut in 2007 in a campaign that saw the Women’s team clinch promotion to the A Division.

Arek attended Blair Academy in New Jersey and later received a basketball scholarship from the University of Maryland before moving to the University of Delaware. After a successful college career Arek played professionally in France before returning to the UK. Arek is still a Great Britain International and will hope to compete in London 2012.

Meanwhile Arek is also committed to her off court responsibilities as CEO of the Luol Deng Foundation, the charitable foundation for her brother.

“Arek is an incredible person and player who’s made a huge impact on the game on and off the court. We’re delighted to have her coaching the New School this year and we know the kids will enjoy meeting her and interacting with her,” Organiser Luke Bowler commented.

Arek will face off against Midnight Madness organiser Nhamo Shire who has a wealth of experienced players at his fingertips. Join the FamFest fan page and add your opinion on which team you think will take the 2010 crown.

Photo credit: luoldeng.org

In front of a jubilant home crowd CIA were crowned champions of the LMBL Division 1 after an epic battle against a physical Euston Power team that came right down to the wire. Player/Coach Tony Brown led by example, recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds and adding a game-high 6 assists.

The first quarter looked like an NBA game as both teams shot upwards of 80% from the field. CIA went on the attack from the beginning, pushing the ball down the floor and feeding the ball inside. Euston answered on every occasion seemingly unable to miss despite good shot defence from CIA. Daniel Montague and Darryl Lewis combined for 8 points in the quarter and Tony Brown hit a buzzer beating three-pointer but Euston led at the end of the quarter by a single point, 18-17.

In the second quarter CIA stepped up on the defensive end and slowly increased the gap at the offensive end. Tony Brown hit 13 of CIA’s 22 points in the quarter while Shooting Guard Nik Lawry added 3 of his own and controlled the pace. By the half-time interval CIA stretched the lead to 8, closing out the half 38-30.

Despite the lead CIA were visibly frustrated at the unbalanced foul count and their foul troubles only continued in the third quarter. As expected, Euston played a physical game and CIA were forced to go big. Darryl Lewis and Chi Lewis-Parry both contributed on the inside, Lewis pulling down 5 of his 6 rebounds in the quarter. As Euston stepped up their intensity on defence Daniel Montague tracked down a stolen ball and provided the highlight, pinning a Euston layup to the backboard and altering a second shot opportunity to keep the pressure on Euston going into the final minutes. A step-back later in the quarter capped an 6-2 run for CIA as they extended the gap to 9 points, 53-44.

The stage was set for a battle in the final quarter. A win wouldn’t be enough to secure a league crown for Euston; they would need to win by at least 4 points to be in with a chance and a loss would send them into third position and out of the promotion zone. Point Guard Luke Bowler would be forced to sit much of the final quarter after picking up his fourth foul as referee Aaron Senior called an intentional foul that would result in 2 free throws for the visitors. Shortly afterwards the tension continued to mount as Chi Lewis-Parry picked up a technical foul. A passionate crowd put the pressure on Euston as they went to the charity stripe only able to hit 2 of their 4 shots.

Two late 3-pointers from Euston narrowed the game to just 3 points but strong moves from Chi Lewis-Parry and a monstrous block from Forward Michale Brown inspired a late surge. Gene Brown hit a big three from downtown and added one from the line to ice the game, 70-65.

CIA are officially League Champions 2009/10 and will return to the Premier Division next season.

CIA will hold an awards evening in June at their home court, Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton. Stay tuned for more information. CIA Basketball would like to thank everyone involved in making this season a success and we look forward to more of the same in 2010/11.

CIA will hold open workouts starting from Saturday 22 May at Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham, for both A and B team squads for the 2010/11 season.

Workouts will take place over two courts from 5-7pm and begin with an open scrimmage during the early summer months. Pre-season will start officially in August and both A and B team squads will train together.

Players unable to make Saturday workouts but still wishing to tryout can attend our Wednesday session from 9-11pm at Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton.

All teams will be introduced to the ‘GRID’, an innovative system of coaching in grids that will form the basis for offensive and defensive strategies for CIA. By implementing the system across all age groups players follow a natural progression that hopefully leads them towards National League/professional competition.

The open scrimmage costs £4 for non-members and £3 for members. Players wishing to join the club may benefit from a monthly membership which reduces training costs throughout the regular season.

With CIA’s annual showcase ‘Family Festival’ less than 2 weeks away, fever is mounting for an epic showdown between the Old School and the New School.

Last year the New School became victors for the second straight year but the Old School return stronger than ever, with a line up littered with current and former professionals as well as Great Britain and England Internationals. With a wealth of experience at their fingertips, coach Nhamo Shire (founder of Midnight Madness) seems confident his team can pull off a win and restore order.

BBL players Lekan Popoola, Julius Joseph and Marcus Knight all suit up for the Old School this year and are joined by seasoned professionals such as Junior Williams, Pierre Henry-Fontaine and Steve Vear. MBE Peter Scantlebury also returns, the former England Head Coach and one of the country’s all-time leading scorers will hope to carry his team to his first FamFest victory.

On the opposing New School, players such as Westminster’s Henry Wilkins and Luke Baker provide a threat from outside while Chi Lewis-Parry and Joel Hewitt will be expected to get the work done on the inside. The New School also feature EBL Division One ‘Player of the Year’ Stefan Gill who led the Manchester Magic to a playoff title. Standing at just 5′8″, ‘The Matrix’ promises to wow the crowd with his leaping ability while providing a cool head at the point guard position. He’s joined by BBL newcomer Tayo Ogedengbe who was voted ‘Most Exciting Player’ by Guildford Heat fans who had the pleasure of watching Ogedengbe cause havoc for the Heat this season.

With both teams so evenly matched, FamFest 2010 promises to be one of the most tightly contested games to date. Alongside the All-Star Game, fans will get a chance to see their favourite high flyers face off in the Slam Dunk Contest as well as a new format Old v New Shootout as representatives from both teams battle it out from downtown.

The event takes place on Saturday 15 May 2010 and tickets cost £5 Adults, £3 for Children (u16) and £12 for Family* (of 4). Doors open at 5:30pm and the event begins at 6:00pm.

Click here for a map.

With a convincing 86-67 win over the visiting London Capitals in CIA’s penultimate game of the 2009/2010 season, CIA are on the brink of becoming league champions. Everything will be decided when CIA face off against second place Euston Power on Saturday 8 May.

After a turbulent start to the season in which CIA fell twice in quick succession, CIA turned the tables around and as the season draws to a close, recent wins over NLA Saints and London Capitals could prove pivotal.

CIA managed to overcome a full NLA squad with just 5 players when they travelled to the Saints just a few weeks ago and a win last night means they hold the best record in the league at 14-3. Euston are hot on their heels at 13-4.

Coach Tony Brown (pictured) led by example with 21 points and 9 rebounds, leading in both columns, followed closely by son Gene Brown who racked up 13 points and 6 assists. The visiting Capitals kept it close in the first quarter, CIA unable to break away and ending the first quarter just 2 points ahead. In the second quarter CIA still struggled to get the ball inside but fastbreak basketball, including an alley-oop from point guard Shaun Gray to high flyer Daniel Montague, inspired a late surge forcing an 8 point lead going into the halftime interval.

In the second half CIA took over as they forced the Capitals into foul trouble and converted from the free throw line. CIA entered the final quarter with a 10 point lead before a barrage of points from Shaun Gray stretched the gap to 19, closing out the game 86-67.

CIA will host second place rivals Euston Power on Saturday 8 May at Westcroft Leisure Centre and will hope to bring home the silverware on home soil. Should CIA win the league they’ll return to the Premier Division next season.