The UK Basketball Hub

The first game this weekend saw the undefeated Worcester Wolves take on the currently winless Manchester Giants. Will Creekmore would lead all scoring a double double of 24 points and 12 rebounds while also scoring 100% from the free throw line with 7/7. Manchester would finish with 4 players in double digits for points with David Aliu top scoring with 15. Worcester would start the game strong finishing the first quarter leading 24-16 before finishing the second half an impressive 24 points in front of the visiting Giants, with a half time score of 54-30. Manchester would rally back and win the 3rd quarter 19-15 and the final quarter would be the closest yet with Worcester edging 19-17. While it was always going to be tough for Manchester going up against the Wolves they played tough through-out and never gave up. Final score Worcester Wolves 88 – Manchester Giants 66 Next up Durham would host Cheshire in what would be the closest game of the weekend. With the Wildcats be...

We continue our BIG BBL Preview with the Birmingham Knights owner Jo Aldridge, to conclude our trilogy of Birmingham Knights interviews. The Knights will be the newest team to join the BBL and will be coached by former BBL player Paul Douglas. Aldridge believes that the coach Douglas' experience within the BBL will be important for the Birmingham Knights in their debut season. She said: "For me it was vital to have a local coach with BBL experience. Coach Douglas has been watching players for years, so knew some of the names he wanted when we appointed him." "I think having local players is important as well as they will be proud to represent Birmingham and the people of Birmingham." "Our main aim this season is for the fans to enjoy themselves and to win some games to keep the fan base interested." While she is looking forward to seeing a vision she helped make reality develop over the course of the season, she is also realistic with her ...

Martyn Gayle: Hoping to show what he can do One of the members of the new Birmingham Knights franchise is Martyn Gayle, who will be hoping he can step up from the EBL to the BBL. The Guard is a local player and will get the chance to represent his city and play amongst the elite of the British game. Gayle believes that the team will be a great chance for the local players and the local fans to enjoy the sport they love. "It is a fantastic opportunity in our own city with a local coach, it is outstanding to be able to do it with our local fans." "The training regimes and pre-season training have been amazing so far, we've all learnt something and we can change things within our game, we need to step-up as this is a tougher than anything we've done." "My ego was quite big as I was top scorer in the EBL division one, but i've had to improve work harder, become stronger and faster." Gayle is excited for the new season and can't...

BIG BBL Preview: Birmingham Knights. Douglas hoping for success (Picture from http://www.bbl.org.uk/) Birmingham Knights head coach Paul Douglas is looking forward to the new BBL season as the Knights join the elite of British basketball for the 2013/14 season. Douglas has had previous experience as a BBL player and also as an assistant coach and acting head coach at various clubs across British basketball. The new coach believes the team will be ready for the start of the new BBL season but admits it won't be an easy ride. He said: "It's taken a lot of time and effort to get the Birmingham Knights ready as a new team entering the BBL. We've been in training since June 2nd and it's important to get the players ready for the BBL and up to speed." "Preparation is important as the league is improving and the players need to be ready for it, the BBL is more physical than the EBL, so we need to be prepared physically and mentally....

From the 26th August 2013 The UK Basketball Hub brings you: 'THE BIG BBL PREVIEW!' We will be speaking to someone from every team, trying to cover all angles as the new BBL season starts in a month or so! The Birmingham Knights are new to the BBL, how are they shaping up? The London Lions moved to the Copper Box, are they moving into the big leagues now? The Durham Wildcats and Surrey Heat have changed coach, good or bad move? The Newcastle Eagles want to be back on top, can they do it? Will the Leicester Riders defend their crown? Will Glasgow Rocks or Plymouth Raiders push for the play-off crown? Can Cheshire or Manchester get a play-off spot this time around? Will the Sharks win another BBL Trophy? So many questions and we'll try to give you the answers! Here are our confirmed interviewees: 26th August: Birmingham Knights player Martyn Gayle, coach Paul Douglas 27th August: Birmingham Knights owner Jo Aldridge and Durham Wildcats' Richard Warburton...

The Birmingham Knights will host Manchester Magic on the 25th August in a pre-season game ahead of the new BBL and EBL seasons. Birmingham are joining the BBL for the 2013-14 season and have already been making news signings. The Manchester Magic will be joining the EBL's top flight following consecutive promotions from Division 3. The discussion of the match happened between the Birmingham coach Paul Douglas and Manchester coach Paul Middleton on Twitter - you can see the full conversation below: @allcityball any news on coming to us mate? — Paul Middleton (@p_midd) July 30, 2013 @p_midd sorry we can't make it to you. All our preseason games have been away so far and need some home fixtures — Paul Douglas (@allcityball) July 31, 2013 @allcityball what time would we tip on the 25th? — Paul Middleton (@p_midd) August 1, 2013 @p_midd tip off between 6:30-6:45 — Paul Douglas (@allcityball) August 2, 2013 @allcityball great, we will be there...

The Birmingham Knights have continued to build their squad ahead of their debut season in the BBL with the signing of Ryan Lewis. The forward spent the last two seasons at the Leicester Warriors but has joined the Birmingham-based franchise where he was born. Lewis has played at England u16 level and will now be trying his hand with the Knights in the BBL. He said: 'We've been working hard during training and in the gym and it hasn't been easy but it's worth it and it will show when we step onto the court.' 'I'm pleased Birmingham has a team and even happier that I can help put this city on our back and battle over the next season.' 'I just want to make my soon to be born daughter and this city that I love proud.' Coach Douglas of the BBL Knights has been a long-time admirer of the new star. He said: 'I've been looking at Ryan since I was offered the role of Head Coach and I'm looking forward to seeing him develop durin...