For this week's NBL takeover, City of Edinburgh Kings will be taking over the NBL Instagram story on Saturday 26 January.
We caught up with Kings' LLoyd Rohan ahead of their takeover weekend!
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Lloyd Rohan
Team: City of Edinburgh Kings
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am from Edinburgh, Scotland and have lived here for most of my life. I have been playing basketball for just over two years now. I joined City of Edinburgh Kings after researching the best teams in Scotland and joined the U16's team in 2016. This was the first competitive basketball I had ever played. I instantly fell in love with the sport and I started to play it every day non-stop. My journey began with basic training, moving quickly to the talent programme and then thankfully Coach Craig launched the Basketball Academy last year. My training is 16 hours per week with a gruelling morning session as well, it would be fair to say I am worked hard by Coach Craig!
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
I started playing for City of Edinburgh Kings in 2016 and after my first season the team announced they will be competing in England for the very first time in the next season. This was ideal for me, as it offered more exposure and tougher opponents helping me to grow as a player.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
My first impression was this is very different to basketball in Scotland, players had different skill sets, were more athletic and definitely had greater intensity. The main change I have noticed is that opponents have become much tougher as we have progressed up into the Northern Premier League. This is a challenge I enjoy.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
My bright spot would be getting promoted from Division 2 to the Northern Premier League in only one season. We had just joined the league and finished second, this got us promoted.
What was your biggest challenge?
I joined this sport later than most and many players have years more experience than me. That experience helps you on court with confidence, know-how and gelling with your team members. I have put extra hours in both on and off the court to fill that gap and I feel that I have caught up.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
My skills set has grown significantly as I could barely shoot or dribble when I first started playing. My confidence is growing and I feel more respected. My body has also changed as I have been doing a lot of strength and conditioning through the club which has improved my overall fitness and well being.
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
Currently, my goal is to make it to an academy in England this September. Training and playing with the best talent at U19 level will allow me to continue to build and develop. I believe that the EABL will offer me the best opportunities for my next step which is to pursue a scholarship in USA. I learn from every game, every training session and anything I watch. Consistency is key and that is exactly what I am working on just now.
What is your favourite NBL memory?
Playing my first game in the Northern Premier League which resulted in a win for the team which was the best way to kick off our first season in the top flight.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
I would say if you love the sport and want to work at it then don’t stop at anything to get where you want. Train everyday and master your craft. Everyone can do it even if you start late all you need to do is have an ambition and work till it’s a reality.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I love to hang out with my friends, play 2K on my Xbox in my spare time. Most of my time is dedicated to basketball so I must try fit this in where ever I can.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
My favourite player would be Gareth Murray as he is a true player for his country and represented Great Britain and Scotland at different competitions. My favourite moment of his was at the Commonwealth Games where he lead Scotland to a brilliant win and took the team to a strong and credible finish in the competition.
You can follow Lloyd's progress this weekend as the City of Edinburgh Kings takeover the NBL Instagram stories!
