Author: Joe Whitehead
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A Subtle Shift in the SLB Calendar
Buried in this season’s regulations is a small change to how games are scheduled. Under 17.9 in the SLB operating rules, teams will no longer be required to play two domestic fixtures on consecutive days — commonly referred to as back-to-back games. Last season, back-to-backs were one of the clearest pressure points in the calendar…
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Can Zak Irvin Find His Fit Again?
Every team has a fifth option. The player defences are happy to leave alone, the one who is not meant to swing games. For Manchester, that role belonged to Zak Irvin — measured, selective and quietly essential. Before his injury at the start of November, Manchester asked a lot of him. Only Max Jones had…
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One Sunday at Vertu Motors Arena
Doors to the Vertu Motors Arena open at 8:30am. The night before, Cage Warriors filled the arena; a fighter’s mask is cleared as three courts are set up for basketball. Scoreboards flicker on. Tables are arranged for officials. Chairs are laid out for benches. As this happens, the foyer fills with boys, girls and parents…
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When Everything Wavers, Surrey Rebound
Surrey have built their season on the glass — everything they do starts there. As Surrey fan Scott Horsburgh said on the Brits Don’t Jump podcast, rebounding has sat at the heart of the 89ers for years. For the last two seasons, we’ve had two rebounding machines in Dame and Saiquan. That focus is still…
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Leicester’s Early-Season Reset
Leicester opened last season with a clarity few teams in the league could match. Their starting lineup stayed untouched for nine straight games, the rotation barely shifted, and then Rob Paternostro made one adjustment: Ethan Wright moved to the bench and Spencer Johnson stepped into the starting five. Johnson’s role was simple and useful —…
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Blaze Basketball and the Power of Belonging
Blaze Basketball stand out because of what sits underneath the teams you see on the court. Access to the Crags Centre, coaches who’ve come through the club and a pathway that stays steady from the youngest squads to the senior teams make development feel less like an ambition and more like the way things work.…
