KW Titans: NBLC Team Previews
After pulling off one of the biggest shocks of the season gone, the KW Titans seem to be staying on course in hope of doing even more this time out. As well as shake off the perception of being an outsider in the Central Division and firmly establish themselves as an elite team in the NBL Canada.
Returning to the team are head coach Cavell Johnson alongside fellow NBLC veteran Tramar Sutherland for his sixth straight season in Canada. He will be suiting up again for the Titans, as will front court player Nigel Tyghter and guard Ed Horton, the best performer for KW last season to return, having averaged 14.5 points per game in 2018-19.
Meanwhile, Damon Lynn impressed with 12.8 points per contest in only his second season as a pro for KW last time out. He has the opportunity now to build on this performance in the new season, which could see him become a long-term star of the franchise.
This leaves some gaps in the roster and Titans management have filled them with a combination of new faces and some who have experience playing in the league, but new to the team.
One of the longest-serving NBL Canada players, Olu Famutimi, will add the KW Titans to his resume this season. Similarly, Marvin Phillips has previously played five season in the NBL Canada, all with the London Lightning, a streak he is set to break this December when he will be suiting up for the Titans.
Former Maryland Terrapins shooting guard Jared Nickens will be in familiar settings in his sophomore season, having averaged 7.5 points in 54 games with the St. John's Edge last time out. So will Jonathan Harris, who posted 6.3 points per contest for the Saint John Riptide in 2018-19.
There are other new imports who will bring outside experience to the team: forward Jamell Harris, who was last seen in a starring role for Froya in Norway and Kiefer Douse, who previously won a BBL championship and seen time in the FIBA Europe Cup with British team the Leicester Riders.
Rounding off the roster are ex-Texas-Arlington Mavericks forward Julian Harris, who last played for the Raleigh Firebirds of The Basketball League and former Ryerson Ram guard Myles Charvis, firmly staying in Canada having spent the summer playing with the Guelph Nighthawks.
If the Titans are truly setting out to prove their capabilites this NBL Canada season, they have it completely within them. This is the strongest roster they have probably ever had and should serve them well once they begin their regular season against the London Lightning on December 27th and beyond.
