USA Select crowned EBTM 2026 champions as sixth edition comes to a close

USA Select were crowned Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2026 Men’s Champions after overcoming a resilient Starlites side 72-54 in the tournament’s championship decider.
by September 13, 2026

The sixth edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta (EBTM) came to a fitting conclusion at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali, with USA Select crowned the 2026 Men’s Champions following a convincing 72-54 victory over Starlites in the tournament final.

The closing day also saw Depiro defeat Colorado Realm 81-68, bringing to an end six days of international basketball featuring senior men’s and women’s competition, youth development and international referee education.

EBTM Men’s Final: USA Select-Starlites 72-54
USA Select were crowned Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2026 Men’s Champions after overcoming a resilient Starlites side 72-54 in the tournament’s championship decider.

The final started in balanced fashion, with Starlites producing a strong defensive performance that made it difficult for USA Select to establish their usual offensive rhythm. After a tightly contested opening quarter, the Americans held just a one-point advantage at 15-14.

USA Select gradually began to find their rhythm, led by Cshuran, who finished with 16 points, as the champions started to build an advantage.

Starlites, however, continued to battle and remained competitive through the efforts of Kosakowski and Musa, who led their scoring with 19 and 15 points respectively. Their contribution kept the Maltese side within reach as they attempted to halt USA Select’s momentum.

The decisive period arrived in the final quarter, when USA Select increased their intensity and established a commanding advantage. The American side controlled the closing stages to secure a 72-54 victory, sealing the EBTM 2026 Men’s Championship.

Following a series of impressive performances throughout the tournament, Raemaad was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2026.

The tournament’s All-Star Team featured Valdez of Colorado Realm; Atwater and Wright of USA Select; and Musa and Kosakowski of Starlites, recognising five of the standout performers from this year’s men’s competition.

Colorado Realm vs Depiro 68-81
The final game of EBTM 2026 saw Depiro record an impressive 81-68 victory over Colorado Realm.

Depiro, led for the first time this season by Coach Farrugia, produced an encouraging performance against their American opposition.

The contest began evenly, with both sides responding to each other throughout the opening stages. Depiro gradually began to gain the upper hand, inspired by an outstanding performance from Reddish, who finished with 25 points, together with Buhagiar, who scored 16 points on his debut for Depiro.

Their contribution helped Depiro establish a 37-32 advantage as the Maltese side grew in confidence.

Colorado Realm continued to pose a threat, particularly through EBTM All-Star selection Valdez, who produced another strong performance with 25 points. Depiro, however, were able to rely on the depth of their bench and used their rotation effectively to increase their advantage by the end of the third quarter.

Bozovic led the charge during the fourth quarter, helping Depiro maintain control of the contest and close out an impressive 81-68 victory to finish their participation in the tournament on a high.

Six days of international basketball come to an end
The final games brought the curtain down on six days of international basketball in Malta, marking the conclusion of the biggest edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta to date.

The 2026 programme went beyond the senior competition, providing opportunities across different areas of the sport. A Youth Basketball Camp led by international coaches gave young players the opportunity to train and learn in an international environment, while separate senior competitions brought together international and Maltese teams in both the men’s and women’s events.

Across the tournament, eight international games were played involving overseas teams and local clubs, giving Maltese players valuable competitive exposure against international opposition.

Alongside the playing programme, an International Referees Basketball Camp led by Mr Bernard Vassallo provided another important development opportunity, extending the tournament’s impact beyond players and coaches to match officials.

The combination of youth development, senior international competition and referee education helped make the sixth edition a comprehensive basketball event and provided a fitting start to the new basketball season in Malta.

Tournament organiser Mr Ruben Baldacchino of Elite Sports Management reflected positively on the continued development of the event:

“We had top-level basketball at both club and youth level during the sixth edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta. This event has developed into an important platform where local clubs have the opportunity to face international competition, while our young players can learn directly from top-level coaches.

“I am very happy that we have managed to create an entertaining basketball event that caters for different sectors of the game, from youth players to senior players, referees and clubs. My aim is to continue pushing local basketball towards higher levels, and work on EBTM 2027 has already started.”

The organisers expressed their appreciation to VisitMalta, iGaming Academy – part of SiGMA Group, the Malta Basketball Association, and Revive Physiotherapy and Aquatic Centre for their support towards the 2026 edition.

With USA Select Men and USA Select Women both lifting the respective EBTM trophies, the sixth edition closes another chapter in the tournament’s development, as preparations now turn towards Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2027.

Author
SportsDesk

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EBTM CUP — IT’S USA SELECT vs DEPIRO!

Depiro will challenge USA Select Basketball in this year EBTM Cup. Last year it was Anglia Ruskin University that took the honors. Will this year stay in Malta? Come and watch next week! Support your favorite team.
Visit Malta
iGaming Academy
Elite Basketball Tournament Malta
Malta Basketball Association

Elite Basketball Tournament Malta is at Malta Basketball Association.
AI content · September 1 at 11:18 AM · Sports Rage · Paul Velchev

EBTM CUP — IT’S USA SELECT vs DEPIRO!
The stage is set for the Women Elite Basketball Tournament Cup Final as USA Select take on Depiro in what promises to be an exciting international basketball showdown!
10th September 2026
17:00
Malta Basketball Association Pavilion
Two teams. One trophy. One final.
Come down and experience the action live as USA Select and Depiro battle for the Women’s Elite Cup!

VisitMalta iGaming Academy Depiro Sports Club Sean Kilmartin
#EliteBasketballTournament #EBTM #CupFinal #USAS​​elect #Depiro WomensBasketball BasketballMalta Malta InternationalBasketball VisitMalta ExploreMalta Basketball

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USA Select teams dominate opening day of Elite Basketball Tournament

Sep 10, 2026 – by Gerald Fenech in Sports

USA Select made an impressive start to the Elite Basketball Tournament 2026 as their men’s and women’s teams recorded convincing victories on the opening day at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali.

The USA Select women defeated Athleta Basketball Club 90-41 before their men’s team produced a dominant display to overcome Colorado Realm 155-35.

USA Select Women 90, Athleta BC 41
USA Select Women marked their first appearance in Malta with a commanding performance against Athleta, demonstrating their pace, athleticism and scoring ability.

For Athleta, the match represented an important pre-season test and provided an opportunity to give playing time to several new additions ahead of the domestic campaign.

Jones, Perez Gomez, Vella and Marmara were among the new faces as Athleta continued the process of integrating their revamped roster.

Jones led the Maltese side with 16 points, but USA Select’s strength in depth proved decisive, with five of their players reaching double figures.

Cook led the Americans with 15 points as USA Select consistently pushed the tempo and used their athleticism effectively at both ends of the court.

Despite the margin of defeat, Athleta improved as the match progressed, while several youngsters from the club’s nursery were also given valuable playing time against international opposition.

USA Select Men 155, Colorado Realm 35
USA Select were even more dominant in the opening match of the men’s competition, defeating Colorado Realm 155-35.

From the early stages, USA Select’s athleticism, defensive pressure and high-tempo approach caused considerable problems for Colorado, who were making their first appearance in Malta.

Colorado also found themselves in foul trouble as the game progressed, making their task increasingly difficult against an American side boasting considerable depth throughout their roster.

Bynum led the scoring with 25 points, while Morgan contributed another 20 for USA Select.

Valdez was Colorado Realm’s leading scorer with 10 points.

Cshuran also provided some of the highlights of the evening with a series of spectacular dunks as USA Select underlined their physical superiority.

For Colorado, the heavy defeat nevertheless provided their players with their first experience of the tournament ahead of their next assignment against Malta’s reigning champions.

Starlites enter the fray on Day 2
The tournament continues on Thursday with another two international encounters at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion.

Starlites will face USA Select Women at 5pm, with the Maltese side set for a stern test against an American team coming off an emphatic opening victory.

The men’s encounter at 7pm will see Starlites make their tournament bow against Colorado Realm.

Colorado will be looking to bounce back from their opening defeat, while Starlites will have their first opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.

Thursday’s programme – Malta Basketball Association Pavilion, Ta’ Qali

5pm – Starlites vs USA Select Women

7pm – Starlites vs Colorado Realm

Gerald Fenech
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist

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Sean Kilmartin On The Success Of USA Select

RIDERS MEDIA – 5TH SEPTEMBER 2023
USA Select are in the midst of a gruelling European Tour. Over 22 days, they will play 19 games of basketball, on a tour spanning four countries and 18 cities.

The team is made up of rookies straight out of college. For some, it’s an opportunity to showcase their talents on the European stage, hoping to secure their first professional contract. For all, it’s a life-changing life experience.

“It’s brutal, but it’s fun,” explained Sean Kilmartin, Head Coach and General manager of USA Select.

“We don’t frame this as a mental burden, we frame it as an opportunity. They have the chance at an experience that their friends may never receive.”

Kilmartin has personally scheduled each and every camp. He directly organised in excess of 500 games with professional teams all over Europe. He has booked every hotel, flight, train, and bus ride for hundreds of players on tour.

He has personally spoken to each and every one of their players, and helped negotiate every contract for every player signed professionally.

“All the coaching staff have other careers, and the tour costs us money every year. It’s completely self-funded. We take the cost of our trip, divide it by the amount of players, and that’s how much we charge. The coaches pay their own way every year.”

The coaching challenge alone is mammoth. With limited time, Kilmartin and his staff turn a brand new group of young men into a functional team, ready to take on professionals overseas.

And they only have 10 hours of training camp before flying them over the Atlantic. Every player undergoes an intense three-game training camp before the final squad is picked.

Top of the agenda when selecting the team is who will respect the programme’s outstanding reputation. This is taken so seriously that Kilmartin sends coaches to eavesdrop around his camp to decipher who is the right fit for the tour.

“We have three or four people in plain clothes acting like they’re on their phones, but they’re listening to guys between games. How are they acting? How are they talking to their teammates? How are they talking about their teammates? We’re doing character assessments throughout.

“If we think there are going to be issues, it’s just not worth it to us. Our reputation is so much more valuable to us than that. We would never recommend someone to a club that we don’t think will represent us and our values. During our camp, we take the screening process very seriously.”

The process is such that in 25 years, USA Select has never sent a player home for behavioural issues. Every player selected for the tour is a representation of the exemplary standard USA Select sets.

It’s a process that began in Leicester, at the start of Kilmartin’s career.

“The Riders organisation is indirectly the lineage of our first USA select player 40 years ago. When I graduated college, I played in Great Britain. Ricky Pitts was my friend in college, who reached out to me and asked if I could help him play over here.

“I got him in touch with the Riders, and the rest is history. That was in 1987: Our first USA Select player was with the Riders.”

USA Select has been a mainstay on the Riders’ pre-season schedule for a number of years. It’s a thriving relationship between the two organisations, with an immense amount of mutual respect.

“Leicester Riders, like so many other clubs in the UK, has been phenomenal for us over the decades, which is why I never miss the UK out on these tours,” said Kilmartin, reflecting on the relationship between his programme and the club.

“People sometimes turned their noses up at British Basketball, but it’s a great league, with great athletes and a great fanbase, and people are beginning to recognise that. The league has been better than people have given it credit for a decade. I’ve been saying that publicly for a long time.”

The time playing against professional organisations is invaluable to the USA Select team, as Kilmartin explained:

“Leicester are professionals on so many levels. They have a great youth infrastructure with Loughborough and Charnwood, whose programmes are first-class, and a top educational system through the University.

“Then you get to the club, and its vision in a sport that was always under the radar and never truly appreciated in the UK. The Riders have changed the way people look at basketball in the country. Their venue is the first of its kind, and it set the bar for the other clubs in the league.

“When my players can see all that, they see what professionalism looks like. They see how professionals put pride in their job, and their humility when they put their jerseys on for the fans.

“The Riders fanbase is amazing. The love and respect we get from those fans is humbling. They really get it.”

The relationship between USA Select and the Riders has thrived in no small part thanks to Head Coach Rob Paternostro. Coach to coach, the respect Kilmartin has for Paternostro is evident.

“If there were a backgammon tournament or a thumb wrestling contest, he’d be competitive in that. That’s what I respect about him. From the tip to the buzzer, he’s your mortal enemy, but when the game is over, he’s got your back.

“We always have a player or two that has what it takes, and Rob is always one of the first to make an email or a call or help these guys get a start. A word from him, one of the most respected coaches in the game, can change the trajectory of their lives.”

And changing the trajectory of young people’s lives has been the mission of USA Select for decades. They’ve had great success in doing it.

Two head coaches in the British Basketball League have come through the ranks of the programme: Sheffield’s Atiba Lyons and Machester’s Brian Semonian. They represent just a fraction of those who have gone on to enjoy successful careers.

“Sometimes people think they have to be high-level ballers to join the tour. This isn’t the case. If you want the opportunity to play in high-level professional arenas and experience something new, there’s a place for you here.

“From there, you can go be a good middle-school coach, a good father and a good person. That’s where the real success of our programme lies. The most successful people from USA Select use the experience to close the playing chapter of their lives, and go on to do great things.

“We still get phone calls from guys that did our camp in the 90s telling us how we’ve impacted their lives. That’s empowering. Now we have a history of helping young athletes, so that gives us a tangible, realistic opportunity for these players to build a career.

“A lot of these young men have never been coached at the level as Rob coaches the Riders. Our goal is to develop them along the way, whether they become professional or not. This experience will stay with them their whole lives”

As the Riders welcome USA Select through their doors once again, it will be an experience for the group that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Want to see USA Select in action?

Get tickets to our preseason home opener against USA Select here!

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In The News Photos – January 17, 2023

New Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) President Elected

J.B. (Jo) Mirza Becomes 49th President of the Oldest and Largest Amateur Sports Organization in the United States; Leads New AAU Officer Group

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 24, 2022) – Longtime AAU volunteer and national officer, J.B. (Jo) Mirza, was elected as the 49th President of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) on October 22nd during the 128th AAU National Convention in Orlando, Florida. President Mirza has dedicated more than five (5) decades of service at the local, national, and international levels to the AAU, the oldest and largest amateur sports organization in the nation.

“It is my sincerest wish to continue to contribute and serve this organization that I have belonged to the majority of my life,” said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “I am appreciative to have worked in service to the AAU with the previous officer group. There is no past AAU officer, volunteer or member – we will always be part of the current AAU family.”

President Mirza got his start in the sport of karate in 1972 as an athlete, competing in the Central AAU Association (now District). His roles with the AAU have been many throughout the years including AAU Karate National Chair, District AAU Governor (Central and Florida Gold Coast), and District Lieutenant Governor (Central) as well as instructor, official, and dedicated volunteer.

“I have served and participated in almost every capacity and level imaginable in the AAU,” said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “I have been a competitor, a coach, a referee, as well as an administrator.”

In 1987, President Mirza was recognized for his many efforts on behalf of the AAU Karate program, winning election as AAU Karate National Chair, a position he has held ever since.

Elected as AAU National Treasurer in 2014 and 2018 respectively, President Mirza served with the previous AAU national officer group, and has been a member of the AAU Board of Directors since 1994.

“My dedication to the AAU is only eclipsed by my advocacy for instilling a sense of responsibility and best practices [for the AAU]“, said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “Sports, and the AAU, are indispensable, reaffirming our communal and social values.”

New AAU national officers, left to right: Sean Kilmartin, (Treasurer), J.B. (Jo) Mirza (President), Bobby Stone (1st Vice-President), James Parker (Secretary), Charles “Coach O” Oliver (2nd Vice-President)

New AAU national officers, left to right: Sean Kilmartin, (Treasurer), J.B. (Jo) Mirza (President), Bobby Stone (1st Vice-President), James Parker (Secretary), Charles “Coach O” Oliver (2nd Vice-President)

Joining him in the newly elected AAU national officer group is fellow AAU member, Robert “Bobby” Stone, who secured the AAU 1st Vice-President position. Stone is a longtime AAU athlete, coach and volunteer. For many years, he worked in management of an event at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. In 2018, Stone was elected as AAU Taekwondo National Chair. Under his leadership, AAU Taekwondo hosted the AAU’s first-ever virtual national championship events and grew the program to more than 13,000 members in 2022.

Next to join the new AAU national officer group is 2nd Vice-President Charles “Coach O” Oliver. Elected AAU Track and Field National Chair in 2014, Coach O has been instrumental in growing the AAU Track and Field program to more than 79,000 members in 2022, placing it as the third largest sport in the Union. He also oversees track at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. The largest track meet in the world, the 2022 event saw more than 14,000 athletes competing in Greensboro, North Carolina last summer.

Longtime AAU staff member and current AAU Board member, James Parker, was elected as the new AAU National Secretary. Starting with the AAU national office in 2000, Parker was brought in as an AAU Basketball Sport Manager. Due to his success in basketball, Parker later was named AAU Director of Sports (2007 -2018) overseeing the day-to-day management of staff at the AAU national office.

Rounding out the national officers is AAU Board Member and AAU Finance Chair, Sean Kilmartin. Kilmartin was elected as North Carolina AAU Governor in 2010. As Men’s & Women’s Basketball National Chair, Kilmartin was instrumental in getting the Men’s National Championship and Military Championships shown on ESPN+ this past summer.

The entirety of the AAU Family welcomes President Mirza and the newly elected AAU national officer group as they look to the future and work together towards realizing all the possibilities and opportunities available to the Union.

Watch: Elite Basketball tournament comes to an end after successful second edition

Kurt Aquilina

The USA Select team were presented the winners’ trophy for the Elite Basketball Tournament held in Malta.

The second edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament came to an end last weekend after the USA Select team won the Elite Cup final against Depiro on Sunday. An interesting match between two sides who kept answering each other in the first half. A good shooting performance by the American team gave them a substantial lead that they never relinquished till the end to win with a score of 120-83.

Following the event, Elite Basketball tournament coordinator Ruben Baldacchino lauded the experience given to the three local teams taking part this summer – Depiro, Hibernians, and Gzira Athleta – against the USA Select team.

“It was a great experience for local clubs to play against a top team such as the USA Select which is made up of high-level American players. This serves well as a pre-season match-up for local clubs and also, a good opportunity for coaches to experiment with their teams, while also giving an experience to the young talented players in their teams to show their worth,” Baldacchino said.

Prior to the Elite Cup final, two other games were played on Friday and Saturday, against Gzira Athleta and Hibernians respectively. Both teams are still to include their import players for the coming season, yet they gave a good account of themselves against the USA Select team led by Mr. John Crawford.

Earlier on Thursday, the team held a youth basketball camp led by experienced Head Coach Sean Kilmartin who gave a wonderful session of game fundamentals to a number of enthusiastic youth basketball players. The youth basketball players had also the opportunity to interact with USA Select players during the camp where they shared their experiences with them.

This event is part of the European tour that USA Select organises every year, following trips to the UK and Finland.

“It is an honor to have a team of this calibre from the USA coming to Malta and playing against local teams,” Baldacchino admitted.

“We are happy with the collaboration we have with the USA Select and the Amateur Athletic Union, which helps us to include Malta as part of the USA Select tour in Europe.

“It was nice to see the stands filled up during the three days of this high-level basketball event. Our aim is to expand this event next year, which will be the third consecutive year organising it with more foreign teams participating while looking forward to being able to host a women’s event too.”

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Watch: USA Select team returns for Elite Basketball Tournament

Kurt Aquilina

Coaches from the USA Select and AAU held a basketball clinic for youths on Thursday.

Three local basketball Division One sides will have the chance to take on a USA Select team this weekend as players and coaches from the organisation landed in Malta for the second edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament.

The American team is part of an organisation composed of athletes that have completed their college or National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility and are looking for professional contracts internationally. Their visit to Malta is part of an international tour they are undertaking, and this year, they will face Depiro BC, Hibernians BC, and Gzira Athleta in friendly games.

Ahead of the games starting Friday with a game that features Gzira and the USA Select, event coordinator Ruben Baldacchino emphasised the exchanges he expects between local teams and the American selection.

“It will be three nights of good basketball level, where USA Select will face local teams during the next three days,” Baldacchino explained.

The weekend event started on Thursday with a basketball clinic for youth players aged 10-18. The training camp was led by USA Select General Manager and former NCAA Division 1 and professional player Sean Kilmartin and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) director John Crawford.

“The Elite Basketball Tournament hosted a basketball clinic for youth basketball players where they had the experience to learn from top coaches coming from the USA. All players had the opportunity to meet USA Select basketball players and interact with them during the camp,” Baldacchino said.

Read: Elite Basketball tournament hosts USA Select teams in Malta

The USA Select team comes to Malta for its second visit on the back of further exhibition fixtures in the UK against the Newcastle Eagles, Reading Rockets, and the Welsh National team. They were also part of this summer’s SADA Cup, playing against the Armenian national team which went on to take gold in this year’s FIBA Small Countries Games.

Speaking about the growth of the event, Baldacchino hopes for an even greater continuation of the tournament.

“These two years have been hard to organise this event, one because of COVID-19 restrictions and this year due to lack of sponsors. Yet, we are committed to strengthening this yearly event and next year the tournament will consist of more European teams together with a women’s edition too,” he said.

“The aim of this event is to give local basketball enthusiasts to watch high-level basketball while giving local clubs the opportunity to play against foreign teams during their preseason preparation for the upcoming season.

“Entrance will be free for all three games and we are expecting a nice crowd cheering our local teams.”

Fixtures

FRIDAY USA Select vs Gzira Athleta – 19.00
SATURDAY USA Select vs Hibernians BC – 19.00
SUNDAY USA Select vs Depiro BC – 19.00

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The Grainger Cup returns!

Gloucester City Basketball will host the 2nd annual Grainger Cup pre-season event on September 11th. The event was created last season to honour the life and work of local basketball chairman, Joe Grainger, who sadly passed away in 2020.

CEO of Gloucester Sport and Gloucester City Basketball, Jay Marriott said:

Joe was instrumental in the early conceptual ideas of what this club could be to the county. Without his drive and passion we wouldn’t be here today, I wouldn’t be here today, trying to build a professional program that serves the community of Gloucestershire at every level. This annual event gives those who remember Joe a chance to reflect on the times they spent with him but also the new generation of fans and participants to learn of his legacy.
The Grainger Cup 2022 has seen the event grow with the addition of a men’s game, seeing the Gloucester City Kings take on USA Select, a travel team of aspiring professional players from the USA. Gloucester City Queens continue to build on their local rivalry with the welcome addition of the Cardiff Met Archers, the two doing battle for the first time last season sharing the league honours at 1-1.

Jay Marriott continued:

I’m delighted Coach Sean Kilmartin and his USA Select could come into the city for such a special event. He has been a dear friend for a really long time, a great character of the game, who’s teams always bring great entertainment and competition. Coach Stef Collins is fresh of winning a silver medal in the Women’s 3×3 at the Commonwealth Games, we had some great games against each other last season and look forward to continuing the rivalry on the 11th. Cardiff Met Archers are a very talented team and are the perfect team to face in preparation for the new season.

Plans for pre, half and post game entertainment will be released in the lead up to the games. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the City JNRS youth development program, an area Joe was passionate about supporting and growing. To learn more about Joe Grainger’s story click here.

Tickets are now LIVE click here to book your place!

To become an event sponsor please contact the club at [email protected].

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Giants 79-64 USA Select

12TH SEPTEMBER 2021
LUKE SCHOFIELD

The Giants welcomed the USA select A team to the National Basketball Performance Centre, kicking off their pre-season fixtures before the start of the BBL Cup in late September. Today’s game saw the debuts of four team GB internationals as Will Saunders, Dan Clark, Jamell Anderson, and Josh Steel took to the court in a Giants Jersey for the first time. We also saw the return of Bolton native Kingsley Nwagboso after 7 years away in America and Europe.

It was a tightly contested affair all the way through with no team taking authority over the game and initiating a big lead with only a few possessions separating the two.

The first quarter saw the most energetic and physical displays as both teams battled back and forth from early supremacy over the game. The Giants ended up the victors as the opening 10 minutes ended 22-18 with Debutant Josh Steel leading the scoring with 9.

The two teams battled on throughout the second and third quarters with USA select taking a 6 point lead halfway through the second. A combination of a Will Saunders three, a Jordan Whelan layup managed to bring the Giants within touching distance, and then a Jamell Anderson dunk re-established the lead and control of the game.

The Giants lead was further extended throughout the third as the Giants inside play proved to be the main factor as the big men Dan Clark and Kingsley Nwagboso proved to be a decisive factor in the third quarter and throughout the entirety of the second half. Combining for a total of 16 points down low and 20 in total between the two of them who were also pivotal in the rebounding for the Giants both finishing in double digits with 10 and 14 rebounds respectively.

Head Coach Lloyd Gardner added ”Today was positive,and it’s early season, we’re integrating a lot of new faces and still missing some. We’ve been working hard in practice. The focus was to hold ourselves accountable for what we’ve practiced so far and I thought we did a good job of that. Also offensively I thought we shared the ball well and moved really nicely.”

Overall the game ended in a Giants win 79-64 with the new recruits taking charge over the whole ordeal. Now we look forward to the start of the BBL competitive season as the Manchester Giants travel to play the Cheshire Phoenix on September 26th at the Cheshire Oaks Arena.

Words – Michael Blain

Photo – AllSportsPhotography

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