Hemel Storm’s first round fixture in the inaugural SLB Cup will be held at the StormDome on Saturday 21st December, after they drew Manchester Basketball earlier this month.
Making up one of the seven wildcard sides from both NBL Division One and Basketball Scotland’s top tier joining the nine existing Super League outfits, the Cup represents an opportunity for Storm to test themselves against the very best basketball talent in the country.
Having enjoyed success in the NBL’s premier division, the club will finally get to see where it stands in relation to the nation’s top flight.
Manchester Basketball were formed at the start of the current campaign, taking over from the Giants as the city’s leading basketball franchise. Coached by Callum Jones, they currently sit eighth in the Championship standings, having played only two games, and that comes after they ended the Trophy’s North Group in bottom place after a total of two wins from their eight games in the competition.
There will be hope for Storm that despite the gulf in quality between the divisions, they can cause an upset in front of their home fans and progress to the second round of the competition.
It will be the first time in recent memory that Hemel has played host to British basketball’s elite, with Storm’s only other interaction with the top league back in 2021 as they lost away at Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Cup.
With the leagues intertwining once more upon the formation of the Super League, following 777’s decision to remove the external invitees from the BBL Cup last year, Storm will feel they are due a shot at proving their worth with the big boys.
And for the first time ever, you will be able to see it live at the StormDome! With the Division One fixture against Thames Valley Cavaliers scheduled for the same day to be rearranged, a Christmas classic is set to unfold at the Dome as Manchester come to town and Hemel Storm Women also host Thames Valley on the 21st December. Tickets available now on the Fanbase app.
Make sure to bring your hats and all of your cheer for a festive feast you won’t want to miss with a double-header of basketball action as the SLB Cup comes to Hemel!
Written by Callum Humphrey