The UK Basketball Hub

WILSON JUMA has thanked Hoops Aid for putting his name on the map and helping his basketball career take off. The 22-year-old point guard earned a place at the University of Maine Machias after starring in the Hoops Aid 2013 All-Star Game. Now he hopes similar exposure at Hoops Aid 2015 at the O2 Arena will help earn him a pro contract in the British Basketball League. Juma, who was born in Zimbabwe but raised in the UK, said: “Hoops Aid set the stage for me. It got my name out there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that exposure. “I’m really excited about the plans for the 2015 event and to participate in it would be beautiful. “I’ve enjoyed my time in the US but I want to come home and play pro basketball in the BBL now, so I’m hoping to impress some BBL coaches this time!” Zuma came through the LEAP Academy in Walton-on-Thames before flying to the US to try and earn a place in the US college system. But a summer of try-outs led to disappointment until he went ...

Hoops Aid took place on Sunday with multiple stars on show - both celebrity and sports - as Lance Haggith's vision for a charity basketball match became reality. The event saw stars such as Jody Latham, D-Jukes, Dane Bowers and the majority of the 2013 Big Brother housemates involved as well as the likes of John Regis and multiple BBL players. One man who played a key role in the event was rapper EckSell who helped promote the event and also come up with the events anthem called 'Dreamz'. EckSell also performed the anthem on the day at the Copper Box which saw a near-capacity crowd. He said: "Everyone enjoyed themselves, a good event, a good turnout, the amount of people supporting the cause - it was a great turnout." "I came up with the idea that I could write an anthem, it was Lance who inspired me to write the anthem." "He told me all about the event and his son Ellis and it all came to light then and that's what gave me the insp...

The current Ballin' song of the week is 'Dreamz' by EckSell! The song is the official HOOPS AID anthem!!

Mark Fosbrook is one of Great Britain's most experienced and talented wheelchair basketball players having plied his trade with the RGK TCAT Rhinos in the Super League. With National Paralympic Day just a day away, we spoke to Mark about the sport and what the day means. He said: "I realised from a young age that I wanted to play sport to show that disability didn't effect me, I loved competing and representing my country." "I enjoy the fast-paced movement and and the ball skills required [to play wheelchair basketball] and never wanted to give it up." "I think that [National Paralympic Day] is hugely important, since I started playing participation has improved, people now realise the disability doesn't matter, [Paralympians] put in the same effort as Olympians. "This is a serious level of competition, the event will help raise the profile of Paralympic sports and hopefully increase participation further." Fosbrook is also se...

James Roberts is a Paralympic who has been part of rowing and volleyball on the International stage and now plays wheelchair basketball for the Rhyl Raptors. Saturday marks National Paralympic Day and the following week on the Sunday will see HoopsAid arrive at the Copper Box. Roberts believes that the Paralympic Day will be a good opportunity for demonstrate and promote Paralympic sport. He said: "I think it's great and is building on the legacy from the games, it gives some of the athletes involved the chance to showcase their sport." "I got involved in Paralympic sport in 2003/4, I used to play able-bodied sport but was asked about doing Paralympic sports and I got into the national team for Beijing and London." "I've always enjoyed basketball and was drawn to it, [the wheelchair version] is much more strategic with more elements to it." Roberts is also taking part in the HoopsAid event on Sunday 15th September which includes many...

HoopsAid is set to take place on September 15th with various celebrities, Olympic, Paralympic and Battle-back stars set to join in the fun. The Olympic Copper Box is set to host what should be a thoroughly enjoyable basketball occasion and one of the names involved is D-Jukes. If you've not heard of D-Jukes, then you should have! He has been played in BBC Radio 1Xtra and you can have a listen to his song by clicking the play button next to it on THIS Charlie Sloth page. D-Jukes is involved in both playing and performing at HoopsAid 2013 and has been involved in the official anthem ' Dreams ' - alongside Sophia May  and EckSell . Speaking ahead of the event D-Jukes says he is glad he has the opportunity to give back to charity at HoopsAid. He said: "At the event I will be performing and also playing, I've got my new song 'Good Times' which I will be singing at the event." "It was a very easy decision to take part in HoopsAid as it...

Kendal Johnson recently spoke to us about the possibility of playing in England and while he may not be playing full-time he is set to play at least one game. Johnson will be representing America at HoopsAid, a charity basketball match in the style of soccer aid - featuring players, celebrities and in this case battle back players. Kendal is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in the Copper Box with some of the stars Britain and HoopsAid have to offer. He said: 'This HoopsAid event is going to be very exciting, this will be my first time in London and I'm nervous and exciting at the same time, I'm just ready to play.' 'Giving back to the community is very important to me and I think HoopsAid gives my the opportunity which is good for me and good for them.' 'I'm excited to be playing in the Copper Box arena, It's where they had some of the Olympics so I'm looking forward to that.' Johnson won't be taking it lightly ...