It was one of those moments you watch sport for. A 19-year-old GB wing, playing in his first SLB season, erupting in the Cup semi-final—knocking down threes at a rate he hadn’t shown all year to topple Leicester, one of the league’s best teams. Nedas Cholevinskas delivered across both legs—but in the second, he truly took over. He carried Surrey to their biggest win of the season and, for one night, made belief feel real.
That night captured everything people want to believe about the Surrey 89ers—a club that trusts young British talent, offers real opportunity, and rolls out a starting five that can beat anyone on their day.
But belief on its own isn’t enough. Surrey lacked the depth to build a season around that core. They couldn’t withstand injuries or turn flashes of promise into momentum. As other SLB clubs scale their ambition—with deeper rotations and stronger off-court operations—Surrey risks being left behind. They’ve got the beginnings of something special. Now they need the structure to support it.
Nedas’ Turning Point
His Cup semi-final performance didn’t just announce him—it marked a turning point:
| Stat | Before Cup Semi-final | From Cup Semi-final |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 22 | 22 |
| Minutes Per Game | 11.65 | 17.48 |
| 3PA Per Game | 1.86 | 2.86 |
| 3P% | 17.1% | 38.1% |
Since that series, Nedas took on a larger role—playing more minutes, increasing his three-point attempts, and hitting them at over 38%. That’s not just a feel-good story. It’s a model. With co-owner Dan Clark also serving as GM of the GB national team, Surrey are uniquely positioned to understand what young players need. The question is whether they can build the infrastructure that consistently delivers it.
With and Without Lawrence
Andrew Lawrence was never meant to carry the load. At 34, his role was to stabilise—to support Jalen Ray and Cameron Gooden, organise the second unit, and bring composure to a high-variance roster. And when he played, he did exactly that.
The difference with and without him is stark. Surrey scored more, moved the ball more crisply, got to the line and into the paint more often, and punished teams in transition. His presence didn’t just help the offence flow—it gave the 89ers a structure they often lacked without him.
| Per Game Stat | With Lawrence | Without Lawrence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTS | 83.24 | 78.47 | +4.77 |
| AST | 19.14 | 17.07 | +2.07 |
| TO | 13.24 | 14.67 | -1.43 |
| FTA | 19.38 | 16.13 | +3.25 |
| Paint PTS | 37.52 | 33.60 | +3.92 |
| Fast Break PTS | 13.14 | 9.87 | +3.27 |
Lawrence is still a high-level player—clever, efficient, and capable of raising those around him. But his availability simply wasn’t there. And for a team already stretched thin, that mattered. This wasn’t a luxury piece they could do without.
The Last University Gym
During an SLB Round Table podcast, Sheffield’s Sarah Backovic discussed working with architects to shape the Canon Medical Arena into a true home. When the conversation turned to Surrey co-owner Jodie Jackson, she smiled and said, “I can only dream of having those discussions at the moment. I’d love to.”
Surrey’s venue reflects exactly where they are—and what they’re up against. It’s not just about capacity or polish—it’s about having the space to grow. Once Bristol’s new arena opens, Surrey will be the last SLB team still playing in a university gym. They’ve done a remarkable job making it work. But sooner or later, they’ll need more than that.
Romance Needs Roots
There’s so much to admire about the Surrey 89ers. They’ve trusted youth, unearthed talent, and created moments that will outlast the standings. Behind the scenes, co-owner Dan Clark isn’t just calling shots—he’s taping baselines, doing whatever it takes to keep things moving. That Leicester win wasn’t a fluke. It was the payoff of belief and relentless work.
But in a league that’s moving fast, belief needs something firmer to stand on. If Surrey want to keep creating moments like that semi-final win—and turn them into something bigger—they’ll need more than just effort. They’ll need time, depth, and a platform that can carry the weight. It doesn’t diminish what’s already here. It just gives Surrey a better chance to grow.
