Sabonis Scoops Coach of the Year in Stunning Debut Season
London Lions head coach Tautvydas Sabonis has been named the winner of the prestigious Molten Ed Percival Coach of the Year award for the 2025/26 Super League Basketball season, following a vote involving the league's head coaches, captains, and select members of the media.
The Lithuanian play-caller claimed the honour in his very first season as a head coach — a remarkable achievement that reflects the outstanding campaign he has overseen at the capital club. London Lions have thus far secured a domestic treble, with a fourth title potentially on the way this Sunday at The O2.
Central to the Lions' success has been an exceptional defensive unit, holding opponents to approximately 73 points per game — at least 10 fewer than the next best defensive team in the league. That defensive identity has underpinned a dominant season that has seen the club lift the SLB Trophy, SLB Cup, and SLB Championship.
Accepting the award, Sabonis was quick to credit those around him. "To be in my first year as a Head Coach and winning this award, I just want to thank everybody in the London Lions organisation, from the players to the management to the staff," he said, before adding that his focus remains firmly on Sunday's decider.
London Lions General Manager Martynas Purlys echoed that sentiment, describing the achievement as "outstanding" and praising Sabonis' knowledge, leadership, and dedication throughout the campaign.
All eyes now turn to The O2, where the Lions will look to complete a historic clean sweep.