Author: Joe Whitehead
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Josh Ward-Hibbert Played Tennis
As a teenager, Josh Ward-Hibbert was already competing internationally in two sports. He represented England at the 2010 Under-16 European Championship in basketball. Two years later, he won the Australian Open boys’ doubles tennis title with Liam Broady. Finding time for both meant choosing between tennis tournaments and basketball games. He usually chose tennis, and…
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Surrey’s Changing of the Guard
Nedas Cholevinskas and Timmy Nwankwo are now at US colleges. Andrew Lawrence is still at Surrey but in a new role, supporting Lloyd Gardner as an assistant coach. The people who helped shape Surrey over the past two seasons are moving into different stages of their careers. The team that supporters watched grow together could…
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How Much Do Bristol Rely on Davion Bailey?
With just over four minutes left in the first quarter against Leicester, a Bristol baseline inbound finds Cam Holden at the top of the key. He passes to Davion Bailey, who has got free from his defender and drifted into the corner. Bailey misses the three-point attempt. Leicester miss at the other end, and Miloš…
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Choosing to Go Bigger
London Lions won every domestic trophy last season with the league’s best defence. Bristol and Cheshire’s recruitment suggest a response to the physical challenge they presented. London Set the Standard London allowed 102.3 points per 100 possessions last season, compared with 112.5 for Bristol, the next-best defence. Their length helped them pressure the ball and…
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Everyone Wants Cheshire Phoenix Players
Eight players appearing for other SLB clubs this season began their BBL/SLB careers at Cheshire Phoenix. They are spread across six teams, giving most of Cheshire’s opponents a former Phoenix recruit. Their continued presence in the league is a credit to Cheshire’s recruitment, but keeping players has proved more difficult. Starting at Cheshire The table…
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How the Academy Leagues Are Changing
The Elite Academy Basketball Leagues tipped off this week with new and returning academy programmes joining the men’s and women’s competitions. The changes follow Basketball England’s review of Category 1 academies for the upcoming three-year cycle. The new academy line-up shows how education providers, professional clubs and Basketball England each bring something different to help…
