The inaugural London Basketball Classic came to a thrilling end at the Copper Box Arena as Princeton University Tigers beat Northeastern University Huskies to claim the trophy.

The first half of the final was dominated by Northeastern but Princeton bounced back with the help of Newcastle native and NBA prospective Tosan Evbuomwan – who was later named the tournament MVP – Ryan Langborg, Keeshawn Kellman and Xaivian Lee.

A highlight was the homecoming of British player Evbuomwan, who wowed fans including friends and family who got to see him play for his US-based university.

“We’re really pleased, this is a first-class event, and I can’t wait to tell other people about it,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson.

“It’s a cool thing to be able to be here in London. This is a really impactful trip for our programme and I’ll never forget it.”

Noting the important role Evbuomwan has played for Princeton, Henderson added: “Tosan is a very unusual player and we feel fortunate he’s at Princeton. As good of a player as he is, he is unselfish, humble, and a terrific student striving at Princeton academically, too.

"He’s also willing to get better – he knows he wasn’t perfect tonight – and he’s got to work at his game, and that’s great when one of your best guys is pushing us to get better.”

Reflecting on his experience playing with Princeton in London, Evbuomwan added: “It means a lot to be able to play here. I’ve been through a lot with injuries, so I’m just thankful for this experience.

"It’s great to see what college hoops is like for the young people aspiring to get there. This is our team’s second time going abroad this year, and it’s a real team bonding experience.”

Marc Mulholland, executive director of the London Basketball Classic presented by Inspirus Sports, said: "We are so proud of the effort put in by all four teams who took part. From the players who brought everything they had to the court, to the coaching staff and support teams who agreed to play an important season game in London and travelled with their teams, to fans who came from as far as the USA and as close as London to fill the Copper Box Arena and cheer on their teams, we're truly inspired by the passion and support showed by all involved.”

Manhattan College, Northeastern, Princeton and Army West Point treated local fans to back-to-back games for the inaugural London Basketball Classic and, in addition to playing two games each, student athletes were also offered a unique opportunity to connect with young people in local schools, offering them insight into the life of a college athlete in America and inspiring them to pursue their passions to the fullest extent, basketball or otherwise.

The school visits were especially impactful for Evbuomwan, who developed through Britain’s grassroots basketball programmes before being accepted to Princeton and being recruited for their team.

Speaking about his experience of visiting young pupils at London’s Bobby Moore Academy with West Ham United Foundation he said: “I’m super thankful we were able to do that. It was me not too long ago, so we were fortunate we got the opportunity to go and speak to the kids.”

Following the success of the Dublin Basketball Classic held last week and previous Belfast Classic tournaments held pre-pandemic, the inaugural London Basketball Classic, presented by Inspirus Sports, was organised as an opportunity to showcase the high level of talent in American college basketball and inspire young players in Britain to pursue this fast-growing sport whilst growing awareness of the opportunities that sport can bring, including studying in prestigious colleges and universities.

For more information about the London Basketball Classic visit https://www.inspirussports.com.