London Lions have announced the appointment of Petar Božić as the new head coach of the men's team.

With Božić at the helm, the Lions are gearing up for what promises to be another record-breaking season, domestically and in Europe, following their historic achievement of becoming the first-ever British side to reach the playoff rounds of the EuroCup last season.

 

 

Božić, renowned for his coaching prowess and remarkable playing career, joins the London team after a successful six-year spell within the San Antonio Spurs organisation.

Božić began as an assistant coach (2017-21) before progressing to a head coaching role (2021-23) with the Austin Spurs in the G-League, during which he led the team to a G-League championship victory in 2018.

Hailing from Serbia, Božić's coaching journey also includes his time as the head coach of Partizan Belgrade during the 2015-16 season. He previously served as an assistant coach for the same team from 2013-15, contributing to their Serbian League Championship win in 2014.

Božić's illustrious 16-year playing career showcased his commitment and skill, notably spending eight seasons (2004-12) and participating in 471 games for Partizan.

He secured an impressive 18 titles across the Serbian League, the Adriatic (ABA) League, and the Serbian Cup, capturing the championship five times. Božić's legacy also includes 122 EuroLeague appearances and a significant Final Four appearance in 2010, where he captained the team.

The Lions staff for the upcoming 2023-24 season will include assistant coaches Robert Youngbood and Polat Kaya, who are returning to the club, as well as newly appointed assistant coach Chris Caird. 

"We are ecstatic to welcome Coach Božić and his family to the London Lions," said general manager Brett Burman.

"He is an individual who brings the toughness and passion of his playing days right to the sideline. Coach Božić embodies all the characteristics we were searching for when identifying the next leader of our program. I can't wait to watch him raise the bar and take this group to new heights."