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20 February 2026  4 min read

‘Infectiously positive’ - Manchester’s Demi Babalola to continue his development in SLB 

The teenage Mancunian has switched from Manchester Magic, where he progressed through the club’s famous youth development programme, to join neighbours Manchester Basketball in Super League Basketball. 

Following a similar trajectory to clubmate Irene Oboavwoduo on the women's side, Babalola, the Great Britain U18s captain, has been added to the SLB outfit’s men’s roster for the rest of the season. 

After excelling in Magic’s NBL side this season and being one of the driving forces behind the club’s academy side’s march to the EABL North Conference title, he will now have a full-time platform to train and play for the city's professional team. 

“I'm very grateful for the opportunity. I can’t wait to grow, learn, contribute and be around incredible talent and top-tier coaches," said Demi, who joins the likes of Kaiyem Cleary, Charli Wroe and Oboavwoduo as local talent currently representing their home city at the highest level. 

Babalola in EABL action for Manchester against Myerscough. Image: Kareem Lee

Manchester Basketball coach Matt Pitkin is looking forward to seeing the 6ft 4ins wing blossom. 

He said: “We’ve had intermittent opportunities to integrate Demi into the team so far this season, but now, we are excited to see how he’ll develop whilst spending more time with the club. 

"He first debuted for us during pre-season in Switzerland against Fribourg Olympique. We’re optimistic and hopeful that he will gain further playing opportunities between now and the end of the season. 

“Demi has a lot of upside and is someone who has come into the game fairly late. His enthusiasm and commitment for our franchise is refreshing and he embodies what we are looking for in youth prospects moving forward.  

“I’m certain that he will benefit greatly from spending extended time with professional players on a daily basis." 

General Manager Dominique Allen added: “Demi is a fantastic talent and it’s important for us to support his development as he looks to further his career. 

“Irene has followed a similar path and we are really pleased with her progress, now a regular starter for our women’s team at just 17. The future is bright for youth basketball in Manchester and we are looking to play our part in supporting these young kids.” 

Babalola will continue to turn out for Magic’s academy team as the EABL season hits the playoff stage, with the team’s #1 seeding giving them hope of success. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Infectious positive attitude and energy

His former NBL1 coach Joshua Perkins is proud to see another young player graduate from the Magic talent hothouse.  

He said: “It’s an oxymoron of emotions to see Demi move on from our group.  

“He brings an infectious positive attitude and energy towards the day to day which is needed in a long season.  

“Demi’s greatest quality is his insatiable hunger to defend the best players in the league and prove he could impact winning through his defence.  

“We remain his biggest supporters and hope to see him given the opportunity to show his growth and continue his development through meaningful minutes on the court.” 

Manchester Basketball hosts the London Lions in SLB action on Sunday (3pm). The EABL Academy Final takes place at Essex Sports Arena on 26 March.