The new British Basketball League campaign is almost here, and we know you’re just as excited as we are for the new season!
The summer has been epic for British Basketball, and with the return of the League comes a new level of anticipation, as we’re set for another epic campaign with a tonne of incredible talent taking to the court to compete for glory.
We asked Mike Tuck what things you need to watch this season, and pushed the League legend to choose his top five. You can find his picks below!
Being UNBEATABLE
This is such an exciting time for the League, with quite a few significant changes happening over the last few seasons, but perhaps the biggest has been this summer with the UNBEATABLE rebrand that was launched. We’re at the beginning of a new era for the British Basketball League, with a new look, not necessarily a new name, but a new ethos and path for the future. I genuinely believe we are heading into a new golden era for the League.
New Home for Basketball in Sheffield
My second one is the Canon Medical Arena. It’s an exciting time for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, as the finishing touches are currently being made to their new home, ready for the team to move in October 2023. This will be a huge step forward for the club. They’re not the only team moving into a new arena this season, and they haven’t been the only ones to do it over the last few years, but I’m so excited to see it in the Steel City as this has been a long time coming for Sharks fans.
British Basketball League takes on Europe
I can’t remember in my time in the British Basketball League there ever being a moment when we had four clubs even considering playing European basketball in the same year, but this season that’s exactly what we’ve got. The London Lions head for the EuroCup again, the Caledonia Gladiators compete in the Basketball Champions League, and Bristol Flyers and Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles go for glory in the European North Basketball League.
This is such an exciting time for the League to see so many other teams trying to not only represent themselves in European competitions, but represent the British Basketball League too. I’m excited to see how they all perform.
Showtime basketball on Tyneside
Showtime is BACK in Newcastle! Head Coach Marc Steutel has made some absolutely huge signings over the summer and when you look at the roster, it’s almost looking like a British Basketball League All-Star Team.
The biggest question is if they will be able to put it all together on the floor, because having all that talent doesn’t always work out. People would argue that last season, the Eagles had quite a bit of talent and they still had an underwhelming season, but this year they’ve taken that to another level entirely.
I’m excited to see Rickey McGill and Jordan Johnson back in the League. Malcolm Delpeche is in his prime right now, Tajh Green and Larry Austin Jr. are coming to Newcastle off the back of phenomenal seasons; the list goes on and on. It’ll be an exciting season, but all eyes will be on Newcastle from the beginning.
The All-Star Game is back
Did you think I’d forgotten this!?
The British Basketball League is bringing back the All-Star Game and I am super excited for it to fit into an exciting new format for the League. The All-Star event is definitely something that we’ve been missing for quite some time and when I think back to all those years ago, in my first year in the league that they had an All-Star Game, it was something that as a player you really look forward to and are desperate to be a part of.
It’s so important for the fans as well because everybody wants to see the best guys in the League kind of going head-to-head, so I’m very excited to see it back in action and it’s hugely exciting for everyone.
With the countdown to the new season continuing, you can still get your British Basketball fix by following the League on social media or heading to our YouTube channel to relive all of the best moments from last year!