British Basketball sucks

“British basketball sucks!” said no one ever – At least not in recent times

If there’s ever been a statement like that, it’s clear the consistent rise of the game in the UK is constantly overlooked but now more than ever, we have to pay close attention to it.

Football, Cricket, Tennis, Rugby, and Badminton are the most popular sports in the country according to multiple sources. Netball even makes the top 10 whereas basketball sits at the lowly 16th spot. I refuse to believe there are 15 sports more enjoyable and entertaining than basketball and after two years of uncertainty due to COVID, we have to put it right.

Over the last few months, fans across the nation have been entertained with high-level basketball after pro leagues ended in May. Leicester riders and London lions finished on top of the food chain in the BBL and WBBL. The NBL/WNBL divisions also gave us champions across the board but as we go into the warm season, everyone’s on the same playing field.

Leicester Riders

London Lions

IMAGE CREDIT: BASKETBALL ENGLAND

Summer is the most anticipated time of the year and it’s no surprise that some of the best basketball is played during this period. The action tipped with open runs set up by top teams, charity events, 3x3 tournaments which by the way, is the fastest growing brand of basketball in the country – to the summer league tournament hosted by Hoopsfix in London and the commonwealth games where England won gold and silver medals in the male and female categories respectively.

Anderson, Hesson, Henry, Orlan

Handy, Green, Shanice, Jump

Glacier boys, Hoopsfix SL

IMAGE CREDIT: BASKETBALL ENGLAND, HOOPSFIX, BALL OUT UK

Most recently, young players have competed against their counterparts from the united states. It’s amazing to see the kind of traction those games pulled. A sold-out copper box arena, TV broadcasts, and social media takeover are a testament to what can be accomplished.

These showcases made it possible to witness the enormous amount of talent in the basketball community at every level. The opportunities remain limited but with the right structure in place and collaborations of small and big brands, it’s only a matter of time basketball breaks into that top 10 list.