Hey,

Newsletter 200! Shocked I am still writing it and that you are still reading it - appreciate you! 🙏

My laptop is currently in the Apple store for repairs so a few things are delayed this week (podcast won't be out until I can edit it on laptop!), meanwhile I have come down to Folkestone for a few days to work from my friend's office on his spare computer.

A lot has been happening over the last week...

This week's 3-pointer:

🎆 Commonwealth Games

It was officially two years to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on Tuesday, where the 3x3 format of the game will be included for the first time. I haven't met a single person that wouldn't prefer to have 5 on 5, but it remains an opportunity to get basketball some mainstream media love and hopefully introduce the game to a new audience. It also increases chances of England coming away with some medals...what do you think?

✅ Return to Play

The government have approved BE's return to play roadmap, as things will progress to Level 2 from August 3 - a huge step forward in terms of getting us back, with indoor training and closed-door competition now allowed. Might be time for me to re-attempt running some actual basketball sessions! Meanwhile, in other COVID-19 related news, the BBF made the nice decision to name and recognise the GB junior squads who would've been in contention for the Europeans this summer (that were cancelled) - find the U16, U18 and U20 men here, and junior women here.

🏠 New home

Some big news out of Manchester, as the Giants are finally making the National Basketball Performance Centre their home - long overdue and hopefully is the start of the BBL's presence becoming more prevalent in one of the UK's major markets. In NBL Division 1 another team is on the move with a new name, as Essex & Herts Leopards are officially becoming the Oaklands College Wolves, bringing an end to one of the most famous names in the British game.

That wraps up another week, as always hit reply to let me know any thoughts, feedback or anything else and keep your eyes peeled for the podcast in the next couple of days when my laptop returns!

Here's to the next 200...

With gratitude,

Sam

P.S. Stay up to date on all the latest Brit signings here, and also have a look at what GB star Ovie Soko had to say about his time in the BBL as he prepares to head to France.