Could the London Lions and Manchester Giants become forces in the BBL?

The BBL season has come to a close with the Leicester Riders securing the play-off win to the league and cup victories.

On the last day of the league season it was a battle between two clubs, two cities for the right to face the Leicester Riders and clinch the final play-off spot.

Manchester Giants hosting the London Lions in a clash for 8th place in the BBL. Two big cities who wanted one spot.

The London Lions had moved from Milton Keynes at the start of the season and were hoping to build up a fan-base as in the 2013/14 season they would be using the Olympic Copper Box.

The Manchester Giants were back in the BBL after a few years out of the premiere league of British basketball.

These two big city franchises have the opportunity to attract a large following and become two of the key players in the future of the BBL.

The Lions are of course moving to the biggest arena in the BBL so could feasibly attract large crowds and make more money than any of their BBL opponents.

This would allow for more spending on players wages and training, attracting bigger names who want to play in the Copper Box.

While the Manchester Giants won't be moving into an olympic stadium, they still have the attraction in playing in one of the biggest cities in the UK and can therefore attract a larger following.

The history of the Giants means that they didn't need to grow an immediate fan-base but now they can build on that and attract a larger audience.

These two franchises could become the major forces in the BBL in the next few years, add to the mix the established front-runners in the Leicester Riders and the Newcastle Eagles, PLUS the emergence of a Birmingham franchise and the BBL could be an exciting and close league in the next few seasons.

- IMAGE IS FROM HERE.

Comments

Worcester Wolves Coach praises British basketball legend Sullivan

Worcester Wolves head coach Paul James has praised former GB captain Drew Sullivan following his retirement from the game. Sullivan - who made over 100 appearances for his country - announced his decision earlier this year. He led a team to victory one more time yesterday with London beating the World 89-84 in his testimonial. Paul James coach of the Worcester Wolves, has come up against Sullivan as a coach a number of times over the years and says he has a lasting legacy on the British game. James said: "I think he has been phenomenal for the British game, the ultimate professional. I haven't really had the pleasure to work with Drew, but to see the way he handled himself on and off the court, you could see he was very serious about his basketball and his success has happened because of that. "He's won many championships and for sure he has been a real leader on and off the court, for anybody that has worked with him. "It's sad to see such a...

BBP: Surrey United: "One of our strengths is United's past"

Surrey United - previously Surrey Heat - have gone through multiple changes this summer, including a change of owner, name, coach and various players. The 2012/13 season was largely a success with the team finishing in fourth place and getting to the play-off semi-finals. Now a new man is in charge; Jack Majewski, who was part of London United's BBL exploits which are confined to recent history. He is keen to dispel any fears that Surrey's stay in the BBL may be shortened by the takeover and thinks the future can be bright. He said: "I don't believe in a program which isn't run on integrity and financial transparency and at London United we were misled that the borough would pump money into basketball and we are paid for our mistakes." "The main difference between then and now will be stability, we will use local young players and we can use Surrey Sports Park and Surrey University as a base, so players can come in for three years." ...

Kendal Johnson wants to ball in the BBL

Kendal Johnson is an American who wants to play in England in a busy week where he is likely to find out where he will be playing and when. Johnson is the cousin of NBA star Marcus Camby and is looking to be a player/coach in the British Basketball League or English Basketball League. He admits he doesn't know too much about the current state of British basketball but has heard good things. He said: 'I've always wanted to go to England but I don't know a lot about the basketball league, I have a friend at the Worcester Wolves and he has told me there is lot's of positives.' 'I've played basketball since I was little obviously having Marcus Camby as a cousin I was always in that sort of environment.' Johnson revealed he had been in talks with various BBL and EBL clubs and is hoping a move can be agreed in the coming days. He also thinks that it is important to get young people involved in sport. He added: 'One thing I would like to ...

The UK Basketball Hub

Search This Blog