Such is the transient nature of the BBL, holding on to what you already have can be difficult; players tend to sign one-year contracts and that freedom of mobility allows them the opportunity to explore new cities, teams and cultures.
But in reinforcing his roster for next season's assualt on the play-offs, Bristol Flyers head coach Andreas Kapoulas has ensured his starting five should have a strong air of familiarity about it after Lewis Champion was confirmed on a new one-year deal.
Champion spent much of last season as Kapoulas' back-up point guard, averaging 19.3 minutes per games, registering 3.97 points per game, 1.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, but the belief within the camp is that the former Reading Rockets player can be a starter next season.
Last season was Champion's first in the BBL having graduated from life in the second tuer with with Reading and Team Northumbria and Kapoulas believes the team have only scratched the surface in terms of his development.
"It’s great to have Lewis return for a second season with the club," said the head coach. "He has all the qualities that we are looking for in a point guard and a Bristol Flyers player.
"This past season was valuable to him as he learned a lot from his first year in the league and contributed with strong performances throughout the year. This coming season I am looking for him to take more of a leading role within our team.
"He certainly has the ability to be one of the premium point guards in the BBL and I am delighted to see him back in a Flyers uniform for the upcoming season."
For Champion, the decision was as much personal as it was professional as the guard wants to "lay down roots" in Bristol as well as helping create and define the team's legacy in the BBL that Kapoulas is striving towards.
"It’s like a dream come true to be able to be able to come back for another year," Champion told Bristol Flyers TV.
"From the coaches, to the fans and the backroom staff - there’s such a great vibe around this club and it’s a place I really want to put down some roots.
"Obviously last year didn’t go the way we planned, but in terms of transitioning from Division One, I feel I took to it pretty quickly. Everyone's a lot faster and stronger in the BBL and the experiences I gained this year will really help me push forward into next season."
