Global Sport Stories

Basketball and Britain, a bit like chalk and cheese really.

In my opinion, most sports fans based out of the UK could be forgiven for not knowing much about the game full stop, let alone here at home.

A sport that predominantly attracts fans and viewership from the U.S., there is somewhat of a tiny basketball culture throughout Europe. For reasons unbeknown to myself, our European counterparts, primarily from the East, occasionally make an appearance in America’s NBA league (the pinnacle of the game, realistically).

Names such as Luka Doncic (Slovenia) and Nikola Jokic (Serbia) are two of the more high profile players plying their trade across the pond, not to mention one of the hottest properties (I believe) in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama of France.

However, as I continue to attempt to cut my teeth in the sports media world, the British Basketball scene is one I have been exploring – and loving along the way.

I am one of those sport lovers mentioned earlier who, in all honesty, knew next to nothing about the game not long ago. I like to think I have a good overarching knowledge of most sports, and I often frequented the Vertu Motor Points Arena to take in a Newcastle Eagles game – albeit only half knowing what was going on.

Newcastle Eagles are historically Britain’s most successful club, playing in Britain’s professional Super Basketball League, as well as the European North Basketball League.

It was only until mucking in with Worcester Wolves Basketball setup however, that my understanding of the game has truly developed. 

Worcester Wolves play in the semi-pro, National Basketball League, which acts almost as a feeder to the SBL – although they are independent entities all together. 

Having volunteered at a plethora of matches now, I am increasingly encouraged to look at the game from a tactical angle and boy is there a lot to it. The art of when to call timeout, the rewards you reap from fouling, just how many more points are up for grabs even with ten seconds left on the clock!

I am someone who primarily loves to “do” and when I go to basketball matches, too right it makes me want to shoot some hoops. However, I am also now learning the intricacies and depth to the sport, which I find fascinating; and is what makes me believe the sky is the limit for British Basketball.

In a world where ticket prices for the upcoming FIFA World Cup are talk of the town, punters can take in an incredibly entertaining evening of live sport for a tiny fraction of the price by watching their local basketball team!

I honestly could not recommend British Basketball enough, at any level.  

And yes, I admit, will it overtake the NBA? Probably not. But it would be fun to try.