Hoopsfix Review of 2014: January-March

Check out our review of the 2014 calendar year looking at the top British stories and videos covered on Hoopsfix, starting with the first three months from January-March.

January

The year began with a move for leading GB star Luol Deng, as he was traded from Chicago to Cleveland to end his 10-year spell with the Bulls. A week later and Deng had a breakout game with 27 points against the Lakers.

Leicester Riders defended their BBL Cup title after producing a 72-69 comeback win against Newcastle Eagles, led by MVP Drew Sullivan. In the warm-up game, Ireland defeated an England select side at the NIA.

The annual NBA regular season game in London was won by Brooklyn Nets as they defeated Atlanta Hawks 127-110 at the O2 Arena.

British Basketball defended its recruitment policy in pursuit of NBA players Ben Gordon and Byron Mullens, while Sport England announced an increase to its funding, but naturally England Basketball missed out.

Reading Rockets claimed the first piece of silverware in the EBL after winning the National Cup in Sheffield.

February

Perhaps the biggest story of 2014, was UK Sport’s decision to withdrew all of British Basketball’s funding.

In the NBA, Joel Freeland picked up a sprained MCL that would keep the Portland big out for over a month.

Peckham Pride were victorious in the U16 National Cup Final, while Birmingham A’s claimed the U18 equivalentby beating NASSA. London Lituanica put in a dominant display to claim the National Shield trophy, beating Oxford Brookes in the final.

Huddersfield Heat were victorious in the Patrons Cup Final, while Reading Rockets complete a season double by beating Manchester Magic to win the National Trophy.

March

England U16 internationals Carl Wheatle & Sam Japhet-Mathias selected as UK representatives at Jordan Brand Classic.

In the US, Luke Nelson led UC Irvine to the Big West regular season title, while Robert Gilchrist was hoping for a NCAA tournament berth to finish his college career on a high.

There were a handful of British representatives that did make it to the prestigious NCAA Tournament, while a few were set to play in the NIT.

With the College season reaching its conclusion, the annual Hoopsfix awards were made with Duquense senior Ovie Soko earning top honours.

There was to be no initial reprive for British Basketball as UK Sport announced it was to uphold its funding decision, and GB chief Roger Moreland discussed the implications of the funding cuts.

The BUCS Finals 8s were held over two days with recaps of Day 1 and Day 2. The University of Worcester went on to claim their fourth consecutive BUCS Championship with victory over Loughborough in the final.

England Basketball announced the Players of the Year with Dan Clark, Josh Steel and Luke Nelson sweeping the honours in their respective age groups.

Worcester Wolves made club history with their first piece of silverware after beating Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Trophy Final at the Emirates Arena.

Also, Hoopsfix sat down with James Vear for a 1-on-1.

Top Videos:

• Joe Junior Mvuezolo Hoopsfixtape
• Devon van Oostrum Summer ’13 Mix
• Top 5 Plays of the BBL Cup Final
• Khalil Ashanti Baro rises up for the big dunk on the break
• England U18s dominate Haris Memorial Tournament
• Denzel Ubiaro dunks on Manchester big man at Haris
• Josh Steel Hoopsfixtape
• Sedale Hanson-Young drains the clutch three in U18 Cup Final
• Kemar Hawes U16 Cup Final MVP
• Callum Lawson U18 Cup Final MVP
• BJ Holmes’ Buzzer Beater sinks Newcastle
• Myles Hesson catches a body in Germany
• Kavell Bigby Williams records dominant triple-double in the EABL