Hey,

I'm sitting on the early train to Manchester for NBL Finals this weekend and suddenly clocked I forgot the newsletter on Thursday! 🤦‍♂️

This week's 3-pointer:

✨ Jeremy Sochan declares for 2022 NBA draft

Top 2003 born prospect Jeremy Sochan has declared for the 2022 NBA draft following a standout freshman year at Baylor - this is arguably the biggest British basketball story of the year and is monumental for young British players to see someone who has come from where they have come from and made the league. There are plenty of people online who want to mention "he's Polish not British" every time we cover him, and I will say the same thing I say to them - he is a product of the British system, grew up here, considers it home, came through the pathway and if it wasn't for a monumental cock up from the administration (not sorting his passport) I believe we would have seen him represent GB (meanwhile, those same people will happily claim OG Anunoby just because he has born here - left at 4 - despite never actually playing basketball here and having never represented GB - how inspiring that is for a young British hooper!).

🏆 Lions win maiden WBBL Championship title

I was at the Copper Box last night to watch London Lions secure the WBBL Championship title for the first time after sealing top spot with a game to spare - currently sitting at 23-0. It's a great group - and I encourage you to try to see them at least once this season to witness history as the most talented team we have ever had in the UK, on course to do a clean sweep (see where other teams can finish in the league)! Off court, for the men's game after, it was the busiest I've seen the Copper Box for a BBL game, as they opened up the top ring of seats for the first time with the lower bowl being full. There was a nice tribute to the late Coach Andrea at halftime - check out the video.

📺 Anyone got experience with TV production?

As we continue to plan out the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic (early bird tickets available for 1 more week only!), we are trying to significantly increase the live stream production this year. We're looking for someone to manage that whole thing in the run up and on the day - ensuring the right bits are played at the right times, working out which VTs we are going to produce, correct angles, replays etc etc. Let me know if you think you can help!

That wraps up another week, as always, hit reply with any thoughts, questions or anything else - and if you're in Manny this weekend, be sure to come say hi!

With gratitude,

Sam

P.S. Check out Week 28's BBL top plays, led by Jordan Harris' disgusting dunk in Glasgow!