A number of sides got their first taste of competitive action in the newly-named competition, in which all 14 NBL1 clubs, plus invited Division Two sides Charnwood Riders and Oaklands, will compete, starting with four regional groups of four.
It was a poignant weekend for the country as the basketball community paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her recent passing.
Everyone involved in Hemel Storm join the nation today in remembrance of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. As she is laid to rest, we thank her for her service.
— Hemel Storm (@hemelstorm) September 19, 2022
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family and to all whose lives she touched. pic.twitter.com/oW4YoxGIt5
There was a happy return to his former club for Andre Arissol, who posted a game-high 22 points for a new-look Worthing Thunder against Solent Kestrels on opening night, the first of their two wins at the weekend.
Bradford Dragons' star-signing Jordan Whelan also impressed in his new colours, with the former Manchester Giants man hitting 23 points and taking eight rebounds in their win over Team Newcastle.
Reading Rockets also got their campaign off to a flyer as Jordan Jackson's 21 points helped them to a 100-74 win over 2021/22 D2M champions Westminster Warriors.
Dragons take a home win over Team Newcastle.
— bbl fix (@BblFix) September 17, 2022
📸 Harry Collins pic.twitter.com/otd955zhK9
17/09/2022, 4pm: Solent Kestrels 67-89 Worthing Thunder LIVE STATS
18/09/2022, 2pm: London Lions II 67-99 Solent Kestrels LIVE STATS / LIVE STREAM
18/09/2022, 2pm: Essex Rebels 71-89 Worthing Thunder LIVE STATS
17/09/2022, 4.15pm: Oaklands Wolves 46-118 Thames Valley Cavaliers LIVE STATS
18/09/2022, 4pm: Reading Rockets 100-74 Westminster Warriors LIVE STATS / LIVE STREAM
18/09/2022, 6pm: Hemel Storm 105-95 Nottingham Hoods LIVE STATS
17/09/2022, 6.15pm: Bradford Dragons 62-53 Newcastle University LIVE STATS / LIVE STREAM (Facebook)
17/09/2002, 7.30pm: Derby Trailblazers 79-64 Manchester Magic LIVE STATS
18/09/2022, 5pm: Derby Trailblazers 91-66 Bradford Dragons LIVE STATS
The action continues on Wednesday evening as Essex Rebels take on London Lions II in Group 1, there's a Group 2 match-up between Oaklands Wolves and Reading Rockets and Loughborough Riders face-off with Charnwood in Group 3.
Header image: Luke Simcock
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