The latest snippets from the BBL, including more TV coverage, basketball’s media challenge and Drew Sullivan.
Back on the box
It was refreshing to see the BBL back on SKY Sports last week, but it will be even better to see a live game.
I’ve never really been a big fan of the “as live” concept, but of course it is important for the BBL to have at least some broadcast presence. It was good too to see highlights from the Eagles-Rocks game a few days previous to the full game shown, and showing highlights from games across the weekend must be the next target for the BBL on TV.
Another note too – thoroughly enjoyed Fab Flournoy’s co-commentary, with Daniel Routledge, on the broadcast. The first live game, which sees MK Lions take on Worcester on November 29th, should be a good one.
Riders keep working on Sullivan
Tony Garbelotto called him the greatest BBL player ever last week, and Leicester are working hard to make sure they keep Drew Sullivan away from the advances of clubs in Europe. The Great Britain captain joined the Riders on a week-to-week deal earlier in the season after leaving Garbelotto and Mersey Tigers behind on the eve of the season. Apparently, the Riders have people lined up to provide accommodation, money and other benefits as they attempt to pin Sullivan down to a more secure deal. Hopefully it will be a more secure deal than the one that Mersey failed to keep up with since the turn of the New Year.
But it may well turn out to be a good investment if the Riders fulfil their early promise and bring home some silverware this season.
The media challenge
There is one big challenge that faces the BBL, and it is exposure. With exposure comes brand awareness, and with that comes more fans and ultimately more revenue. That is why a strong media presence is key.
Cheshire Jets are fortunate to have an excellent partner in the Chester Chronicle, and local journalist Alec Doyle works very hard in providing people with as much coverage of the Jets as possible.
Their newspaper section contains blogs, news, results, videos and all the information that any fan, new or old, needs to know. It surely acts as a benchmark that all BBL clubs need to aspire to.
Worcester spread the gospel
Last Friday saw over 120 children from Worcester, Hereford, West Bromwich and Solihull take part in the Central Venue Basketball League, held each month at the University of Worcester. Twelve teams of girls and boys displayed skill and determination in what was a great night of basketball for aspiring youngsters.
Worcester Wolves Academy member Rob Cox commented on the success of the evening: “The CVL was set up to get children of all ages and abilities playing competitive basketball matches for fun. All of the young Wolves players train at the University on Saturdays, and this is giving them the opportunity to put their training into practice against teams from around the region.”
