SABA Competitions Committee Secretary Cliff Fullbrook, who got involved in the Association in the 60s, after it was formed by Harry Smith and Mick Byrne, thinks this is the first time a local league cup competition has been live streamed by BE.
“In all the years I’ve been involved with the sport, I don’t think it’s ever been done,” said the army vet, who started playing basketball whilst he was in the forces.
“We’ve had the finals live streamed on Sonar TV [Southampton Solent University’s broadcasting channel] before, but to get it on the BE YouTube channel, which will have more exposure, is a major coup for local league.”
The 72-year-old speaks passionately about SABA, calling it a dynamic and community-driven basketball organisation located in the picturesque county of Hampshire and is a focal point for basketball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
“What we want to do is try and make more local league clubs get involved and for Basketball England to show that its supporting local leagues. I hope more [leagues and associations] will come forward and say ‘we might be able to do that for our cup finals’.”
As well as being live streamed, all games will feature live statistics, commencing at 12:30 with the Sophie’s Legacy Intermediate Cup – named in honour of Sophie Fairall and her passion for basketball – where Whiteley Warriors take on Chichester Titans.
At 15:00, the SABA Ladies Cup Final tips off, featuring Whiteley Warriors Ladies vs Aldworth Arrows.
This will be the first women’s final since 2017, after it was reinstated following the resurgence of women’s basketball in the Solent area.
Finishing the day at 17:30 will be Hamble Hornets vs Southampton Eagles 1 in the Trophyman Senior Cup, which has been running since 2009. This year's match-up is a repeat of last year's final.
The event is free to attend.
Top image - Hamble Hornets
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