• Home
• News

11 September 2025  3 min read

EABL MVP Casey Burr makes next step to on basketball journey

The 16-year-old received special dispensation to play for Derby in the EABL last season as a 15-year-old.

He will turn out once the Trailblazers in 2025/26 in the inaugural season of the British Championship Basketball, after the Midlands held off a number of rivals to retain the talented youngster.

A former England U15 standout, Burr was a GB U16 participant at this summer's European Championships in Macedonia, averaging 2.9 points off the back of 50% floor shooting and 70% from the free-throw line.

He also added 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

“It was an honour to be named the MVP of the EABL last season and the award really means a lot to me. I had a year of hard work, and I’m now excited for the opportunity to compete for it again and to be able to suit up in the BCB," Burr said.

“The award was a huge boost for both my confidence and hunger, because it shows I can compete with players no matter the age. It also showed me that hard work pays off which in turn motivates me to work harder for future success.

“Choosing to stay in Derby was an easy decision because of the access to high-level coaching and education, as well as being able to compete with professional players multiple times a week and learn from them.

“This season, I see my role as continuing to develop with the BCB squad so I can positively impact the team and help towards team success, both offensively and defensively. I want to keep developing as an individual, as well as understanding my role within the group and making an impact in the league,” he said.

Burr on GB U16 duty this summer (Credit - FIBA)

Burr was an EABL standout a year ago, averaging a league-high 21.9 points per game, plus 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per outing.

Showcasing his efficiency with a 54% field goal percentage, the young guard is one to watch in the coming season as he continues his Academy journey in the EABL.

Testing himself at the next level against more established players is sure to provide Burr with plenty of opportunity for growth though, with Trailblazers' Head Coach Kyle Hendricks excited about the development.

“Casey has put a tremendous amount of work into his game since he’s been with us. He’s a humble and hard-working person who just wants to get better and he’ll do something each and every day to get himself that little bit better," he said.

“I’m not surprised to see the success he had last year and it’s really good to have him on board with the BCB team this year. The thought going into it is that he’s going to learn an awful lot from the experienced guys we have on the team who will function as mentors in terms of helping his development.

“Playing against stronger players is only going to benefit him, so we’re really hoping it will be a good move for him and for the club."

The new BCB season gets underway with the group stage of the BCB Trophy on the 20 and 21 September, whilst Derby Trailblazers Academy start their EABL campaign with a road trip to BMET City of Birmingham Rockets on 8 October 2025.

Find out more about the EABL