Hey,

It's a slightly longer one today, so let's get straight down to it!

This week's 3-pointer, and-1:

🎙 Podcast: Cameron & Danny Hildreth

A Hoopsfix podcast first this week as we got not only a player-coach duo, but a father-son duo in Cameron and Danny Hildreth. Cam - the top rated prospect of his generation - made big news this afternoon when he revealed he has verbally committed to Wake Forest. I'm pretty sure he is the first male player to go high major direct out of the UK (without a prep year or high school in the US) - so it's a big time move, and testament that the UK *can* produce talent...The podcast was really enjoyable, speaking about his journey and discussing the various routes and options available to prospects in the UK.

🏀 Foot Locker x Hoopsfix partner up

Foot Locker has announced a major investment into London (along with Milan, Barcelona and Paris) which includes a partnership with Hoopsfix to help renovate Clapham Common basketball courts! This has been a project I've been trying to get done for years now, and to finally be able to partner with Foot Locker and Basketball England to make it happen is humbling - stay tuned for more details over the coming months (2021 launch) but know it's going to be legit! For more information on Foot Locker’s ‘raise the game’ basketball community programme and to view the brand manifesto film – visit Foot Locker’s online basketball hub – going live on Friday 25th September (tomorrow).

🦠 COVID-19 causing problems for hoops

The government announcement this week has caused more problems for basketball - not just at the elite level where fans are banned for potentially up to six months causing the BBL to call for government help with a little over a week until their season was to start - but also every senior competition below NBL 1 and recreationally with the rule of six now implemented. Feels like getting through the season is going to be a real struggle...

🇪🇺 +1: Lions quest for BCL falls at first hurdle

London Lions suffered a tough 77-73 defeat against Neptunas Klaipeda to see their Basketball Champions League hopes dashed on Tuesday - drawing mixed reaction after a tough no-call down the stretch. They now drop down into the FIBA Europe Cup - which isn't scheduled until a January start. Killer.

That wraps up another drop, as always, hit reply with any thoughts, questions or anything else!

With gratitude,

Sam