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LAKELAND (Florida) - Lakeland Magic are bidding to become the first US team to win the FIBA Intercontinental Cup since Maryland triumphed in 1974.

The development affiliate of the Orlando Magic are the reigning NBA G-League champions after a memorable run in last season's playoffs that saw the team make their way through the postseason as a six-seed.

And, now that BJ Johnson has acquired a taste for winning silverware, the upcoming competition in Cairo presents an opportunity to add to that feeling with the added bonus of an overseas venture.

"After finally winning the G-League Championship after falling short the years prior just speaks to who we are as an organization," he said. "We're going into this trip with the mentality to win another title.

"To get the opportunity to see another part of the world is a blessing in itself. Just being able to compete against different countries is exciting and we’re looking forward to it."

Head coach Joe Barrer also sees the personal challenges that the competition will bring with Lakeland paired with Brazilian side Flamengo in the Semi-Finals in a clash of styles.

"As a coach, I'm excited to see different styles of play. The G-League is somewhat of a copycat league so you see the same styles and schemes night in and night out.

"So this is a chance to see something different and pick up a few things. I can hopefully learn something as a coach with different parts of the game and we look at it as a valuable opportunity to continue our growth in a unique environment.

"A lot of us haven't been [to Egypt] before so it's a new experience. Our biggest thing is wanting to represent our organization and league well."

There is perhaps nobody more determined to represent the franchise than Johnson. The 26-year-old forward has had multiple spells with Lakeland since finishing his college career in 2018 and was part of the team that landed the historic maiden Championship.

"I love Lakeland," he stated. "It's become my home for the past three-four years. The culture is amazing. The front office and the staff are amazing. There's always a good group of guys on the roster battling day in and day out.

"We're a family and we take on any challenges head on together and we live with the results. It's not about individuals here, everything is about the team and achieving our team goals."

Barrer now has an increased responsibility in driving forward that environment within the team. The first-year head coach has been with the franchise from the start with multiple years as an assistant before taking over from Stan Heath.

The familiarity that came from those four years prior helped pave a solid platform to build upon as Barrer looks to continue to help those around him grow and provide further opportunities for the players and staff.

"It's been a real easy transfer," he said. "Well, as easy as can be. The process has been very comfortable and that's a large part of the organizational structure with continuity of the staff. It's how we do things in Lakeland.

"Being with the program for so long helps with the transition; knowing what we've done and what we can do better. There are obviously challenges on-court that you go through as a head coach. 

"Our culture and environment established in Lakeland really started with our front office. There is a focus on growth and improving as players and as people. We have a heavy emphasis on making each individual better people and better at their craft. 

"The leaders that we had established something that I was able to follow as an assistant and now honoring that commitment as a head coach. I've been very proud of what we've been able to do and proud of what we're trying to do."

Lakeland believe they can make some noise in Cairo with the opportunity to showcase themselves in a global competition. For Johnson, too, a chance to shine in a new environment against teams and players they wouldn't usually come up against.

"Getting to play basketball on another platform is always an exciting potential," concludes Johnson. "You never know who's watching and you never know what the future entails. So this is always special."

FIBA