2011–12 British Basketball League season
The 2011–12 season is the 25th campaign of the British Basketball League since the league's establishment in 1987. This season features 11 teams competing, with Durham Wildcats appearing in their first campaign after election from EBL Division 1,[1] whilst the League will not feature Worthing Thunder, who stepped down to the EBL,[2] or Essex Pirates following their withdrawal just two weeks prior to the season starting due to the loss of a major sponsor.[3] There was also uncertainty regarding the participation of reigning champions Mersey Tigers, who had to postpone their first game due to off-court problems and operational issues.[4][5]
Newcastle Eagles opened the season with an 85-63 victory over Northern rivals Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Trophy, on September 30, 2011. The Championship regular season didn't commence until mid-October, whilst the initial stages of the Trophy and BBL Cup were played out prior to the Championship beginning. The season will close with the Play-off Grand Final scheduled for May 12, 2012, at its traditional home, the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.
Teams
Locations of the BBL 2011-12 teams
Notable occurances
- Durham Wildcats were the newest additions to the BBL having been elected to join from EBL Division 1.[6]
- Pre-season transfer speculation centred around the possibilty of Los Angeles Lakers star Ron Artest signing for Cheshire Jets ,during the NBA lockout, after announcing on his Twitter account that he was in discussions with the club,[7] who had reportedly offered him shares in the franchise.[8] Other reports also linked Artest to Glasgow Rocks.[9]
- After ten years at Cheshire Jets, Paul Smith stepped down from his position as Head Coach prior to the season opening, leaving Assistant John Lavery to take the reigns.[10]
- The Mersey Tigers franchise changed ownership following Liverpool-based businessman Steve Brookfield's acquisition from former owner Gary Townsend, who set-up the club in 2007.[11]
- Essex Pirates officially withdrew from the BBL on September 16, just two weeks before the start of the season.[12] The loss of a major sponsor was a major factor, and it was revealed the owners even looked at reolcating to Crystal Palace NSC Arena in London before the decision was made to disband.[13]
- Mersey Tigers were forced to postpone their first game of the season amid fears of the franchise's imminent collapse.[14] Off-court problems and operational issues were later cited as the reason for postponement, but the franchise eventually fielded a team and resumed play the following week.[15][16]
- A sell-out 1,200 crowd at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre saw Durham play host to their first BBL game, losing 66-88 to local rivals Newcastle Eagles.[17]
- An incident between Guildford Heat's Martelle McLemore and Plymouth Raiders mascot Foxy during a game on October 22, was the subject of a League inquiry after the mascot entered the court and pulled McLemore's shorts down during a break in play.[18][19][20] Following the League's inquiry, Plymouth Raiders were given a "small fine" whilst McLemore was awarded with 5 penalty points for his involvement by pushing the Raiders mascot.[21][22]
BBL Championship
Standings
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= Qualifies for the Play-offs |
BBL Cup
1st round
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals First Leg
Semi-finals Second Leg
Final
BBL Trophy
Group Stage
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Group 1
Newcastle advance as they scored 16 points more than the Rocks over the two legs.
Group 3
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Group 2
Group 4
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References