Heated derby clash opens basketball season

A heated derby clash will open the professional basketball season with the Essex Rebels set to take on Endeavour Ipswich.

The A12 rivals will face off on Saturday as part of a hotly anticipated doubleheader featuring both men’s and women’s sides.

Although sitting in different leagues the sides have a fierce history with the Rebels looking to avenge a 2018 Basketball England National Cup, where Ipswich snatched a victory against the odds.

Hosted at the Essex Sport Arena, in Colchester, the showpiece opener marks the return of the Rebels' award-winning gameday experience.

Promising an electric atmosphere and family-friendly entertainment for fans of all ages – crowds can enjoy a dedicated pre-game fan zone from 2pm, vibrant music, energetic dance performances, and the return of beloved mascot, Queen B.

A special halftime dunk performance is also scheduled to keep fans engaged throughout the day.

The women’s team are first on the court and take on Ipswich in the Super League Women’s Basketball Trophy at 4pm, while the Men's D1 National Basketball League will kick off their season against the newly promoted Milton Keynes Breakers at 6.30pm.

Diana Voynova, Essex Rebels Manager, urged fans to head down as tickets are on sale now.

She said: “We are extremely excited to be able to welcome fans old and new back to the Arena.

“We have had a busy summer preparing this season and we cannot wait for everyone to see what’s in store.

“The Essex Rebels take pride in our amazing gamedays, which offer fun for the whole family as well as thrilling on-court action.

“This year promises to be jam-packed with incredible games, and we are excited to see the crowds cheer on the Rebels again.”

The Rebels hope to build on successful seasons, which saw the women compete in their first-ever trophy final and narrowly miss out in a nail-biting playoff game.

And follows an unprecedented summer of Great Britain call-ups, with players and coaches travelling the globe to compete against the world’s best.

Exciting signings have been added to the team to bolster the elite squad and again challenge for silverware.

New faces include Taylor O'Brien, a WBBL Team of the Year star from Leicester Riders, Lauren Park-Lane from Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Brooke Flowers, who joins from Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia's NBL1.

Ash Cookson, head of basketball performance, said: “I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season.

"We want to build on last year’s success and have added a few fresh faces team that all bring very valuable experience and have competed at the highest level.

“The season opener will be the first game under the league’s fresh rebrand and we can’t wait to finally play in front of fans again.”

The men also come into the season following a strong 2023/24 campaign after securing second place in the league.

Meanwhile, the D3 men's team, led by coach Ryan Maiden, achieved a perfect 18-0 season, earning promotion to NBL Division 2.

The men's team has bid farewell to Ebuka Ekwegh, Trey Chapman, and Victor Olarein, but retained key player Luke Busumbru. New additions Emmanuel Kwanei, Daniel Johnson-Thompson and Joe Hart will bring fresh energy to the exciting young squad.

Ross Norfolk, head coach, said: “The lads have had a busy summer and have been training really hard.

“The new guys are fitting in well and are bringing valuable experience to the team.

“The game against Milton Keynes will be tough, but we are up for the challenge.”

The Essex Rebels' volleyball teams have also made significant strides.

Both the men's and women's volleyball teams made history last season by reaching the Volleyball Super League Final Four for the first time and look to build on this success.

The Rebels will be continuing their tradition of themed gamedays, with fan favourites like the Christmas Special, Retro Night, and 'Nations Unite' set to return.

New themes for this season include a Black History Month Celebration game on Saturday October 19, as well as a Community Family Day next April.