Teesside Lions have confirmed the signing of highly rated British forward Beau Sproul, signalling a boost to the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2025–26 Men’s National Basketball League campaign.

Sproul, 19, returns to the North East after a scholarship year at the prestigious International Sports Academy (ISA) in Ohio, where he competed against nationally ranked US high school programmes and earned attention from several American colleges. 

His year included a strong showing at the Portuguese Basketball Festival and a string of matchups against elite talent; experiences which have helped sharpen both his skills and resilience.

Standing at 6’4”, Sproul is a versatile two-way player known for his high IQ off the ball, mid-range and 3-point shooting, and ability to impact games defensively. In 2022 he joined Queen Ethelburgh in York which is an Internationally renowned elite college in North Yorkshire and home to a strong basketball academy run by Oliver Hylands and Josh Metcalfe. He spent two years at QE, participating in the College Basketball League (CBL) as well as featuring for Doncaster Eagles ion Men’s NBL Division Two.

Sproul’s basketball journey is decorated with accolades. He was crowned Ball Out U16 3x3 National Champion in 2022, then went on to be named CBL Tier 2 U17 Player of the Year for the 2022–23 season. Internationally, he represented Scotland at U17 level, and was selected again at U18 for the 2023 Home Nations Tournament, underlining his standing among the UK's brightest prospects.

In 2023, Sproul earned Camp MVP honours at the Hakeem Olajuwon Camp and was invited to the Kings of the Court Tournament in Brixton; an elite event ranking him among the Top 40 U17 players in the UK.

Lions head coach Serge Bojev believes Sproul is only scratching the surface of his potential:

 “Beau is a special talent. He is very good player at both ends of the court. He has gone out to test himself against top opposition across the UK and in the USA, and now comes back even better, stronger, smarter, and more composed. His maturity and drive are exactly what we want in this programme.”

Sproul himself is relishing the opportunity to make the Teesside fans proud:

“I am very excited for my debut season with Teesside Lions. I began training with Coach Serge, and Lions prior to joining ISA in the States. I have always loved what the club is about. I found all the coaching staff and players to be very welcoming and all working towards a common goal, which is to grow the club and help it succeed.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming season and contributing to the team having a successful campaign. I can’t wait to play in front of the Teesside fans. It will be a great honour to represent the club and hopefully make the fans proud.”

Lions Chief James Thomson was pleased to unveil Beau adding:

"There was a lot of interest in Beau, both in the UK, and abroad. The fact he has chosen us is very pleasing, and his comments regarding the club are great to hear. We want to build a team and brand of basketball with a positive culture the fans can be proud of, and Beau embodies this."

With the Lions building a young, strong, and committed roster, Sproul adds not just local pride, but real pedigree and promise. As Teesside continue to blend youth with experience, the signing is a clear signal of intent and a reminder that the region is producing talent ready to compete on national and international stages.