The UK Basketball Hub

Following on from Azania Stewart's interview with BBC Sport's Chris Mitchell - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/basketball/32843015 - The UK Basketball Hub have decided to run an ambitious Go Fund Me campaign which will try and raise £100,000 for the sport's GB Basketball. This fundraising is aiming to take £100,000 but should we take anywhere near our target it will prove that there is support for the sport, while also raising a bit for the sport in the UK. All money raised will be sent to GB Basketball - whether it's £5 or £5000 every little helps! Tell you friends and family to support the cause! LINK:  http://www.gofundme.com/vamapg

My experience with Great Britain Women’s Basketball can only be described as a roller coaster ride to say the least.  When I was first asked to write this blog I was hesitant because I feel its not about me, an individual player. Basketball is a team sport, but then I thought to myself that a team is made up of individuals who need to individually perform and add their our significant touch to the team. Basketball to some extent is my life and it’s been a part of me since I was young. It's definitely one of the few constant things in my life, jobs, friends, etc come and go but I have always had basketball in my life to turn to. I can remember my first time being selected for GB in 2010 and I was so proud and so excited. It’s been a fun yet nerve wracking journey but all the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, tears, sore body, aching joints have been well worth it and has finally paid off. Not many people can say they were cut from a team several times and now I am on ...

We've made a podcast of you first show with Vince Macauly, Evelyn Adebayo and Luke Hatfield plus Kieron Achara on the phone: The UK Basketball Hubcast by Uk Bb Hub on Mixcloud

The University of Worcester and the Worcester Wolves welcomed one of Europe’s most respected coaches to the city last week, to discuss an innovative potential future partnership. Chechu Mulero, the Sporting Director of Euroleague outfit Valencia Basketball Club, visited Worcester for discussions which focused on establishing a link between the Spanish giants and the Worcester Wolves, who are now a subsidiary company of the University. Any such partnership could include training camps and friendly fixtures for Valencia’s senior team in Worcester, collaborative coaching clinics and player development schemes, for the benefit of both parties. During his visit, Mr Mulero, who met with senior figures from the University and players and coaches from the Wolves, said: “I had heard a great deal about the Basketball program and the international reputation of Worcester before my visit. “Having now been able to see for myself that, together with excellent facilities, the University has...

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 ...

As national team U16 head coach I have a strong interest in the youth development in the UK.  Each year we observe players and coaches in action particularly in the Regional Development tournaments held in various venues throughout the UK. The one thing that is very reassuring is the style of game, the level of performance and the coaching seems to be improving year to year. The Regional Development system has reaped the benefits of the Regional Performance Centres (RPC) that involves one session each month for 6 months  10am-4pm  in all regions throughout the country. Here the invited kids (sent through their clubs) learn and develop the fundamentals of the game. From footwork to off ball defence to movement off the ball to shooting, the RPC player gains a great opportunity to develop the key skills necessary to grow their game. The RPC has also been great in term of identifying talent for future national teams and gives us the perfect opportunity to monito...

Over the last few weeks of hosting The UK Basketball Hub on Sports Tonight Live, we've seen a range of discussions of what people in the media, what BBL players/coaches/commentators and outsiders from the BBL would like to see in order to propel the league and while they may not all be to your fancy we thought we'd list them and set up the debate! IDEA 1: Stadia and Infrastructure:  Put forward by BBLTV commentator Daniel Routledge: BBL Teams need their own facilities in order to have power over tickets, finances and as well as that training and playing time. Pro(s) - Allows the franchises to prosper from a financial point of view and have control of the venues. - Allows players to train and play when it suits rather than when Badminton is not on the court! - Means they don't have to pay an external party Con(s): -  Expensive to implement - Could take a lot of time to introduce IDEA 2: BBL Magazine: Put forward by Sportsbeat's Will Piper  The BBL sho...