Grainger sadly passed away in November 2020 after a battle with leukaemia and complications from COVID-19.
A former Gloster Jets and Swindon Sonics player, plus a junior England international, Joe also spent time as a player and coach at the BBL’s Manchester Giants in the 1990s before becoming a stalwart figure in a variety of roles with the Saxons.
The first version of The Grainger Cup will now take place on 11 September 2021 between the newly formed Gloucester City female side, the Queens, and WNBL Division One outfit Reading Rockets.
"Myself and Joe were the first to sit down and even dare to dream this could be a reality. He knew my passion for basketball and my history with it in Plymouth.
“Without that conversation, the Gloucester City Queens wouldn't exist and we wouldn't be welcoming you to Oxstalls Sports Park on the 11th.
“We are excited to welcome you all to the game and look forward to paying tribute to Joe in the best way we know how."
"It was Joe's vision to one day see professional basketball come to Gloucester. His dream will be realised for this 2021/22 season.
“It was only fitting that we create something that doesn't just have him with us in spirit for this game but an event in the calendar EVERY season to honour his legacy.
“We are extremely grateful to Reading Rockets for travelling to play us, I am a huge fan of their program and look forward to welcoming them to Gloucester."
Alongside the event, the Joe Grainger Scholarship Fund has also been set up. Designed at providing financial aid to selected youth development players who struggle to participate in sport, the fund will target talented athletes and Gloucestershire Basketball Association have already donated £500 to get the fund started.
The game between Gloucester City Queens and Reading Rockets will tip at 2pm (doors open at 1pm) on Saturday 11th September at Oxstalls Sports Park, GL2 9DW.
Tickets will be priced at £3 for all, and can be booked by clicking the button below:
