BBL SCHEDULE UNVEILED
The 2017-18 BBL schedule has been revealed along with the BBL Cup draw.
Champions Leicester Riders open their title defence against Manchester Giants when the season opens on Friday 29 September.
Leeds Force also have a tough first test on home soil when they entertain the Eagles and there are also two fine match-ups between Sharks and Scorchers, as well as Wolves and Lions.
There is a south-west derby on Saturday 30 between Bristol Flyers and Plymouth Raiders, while Sunday sees London Lions take on south-east rivals Surrey Scorchers.
Opening weekend concludes with Tony Garbelotto tipping off a new era for Glasgow Rocks at home to Sharks, while Phoenix play their first game of the season against Wolves and there is also south-east derby between Lions and Scorchers.
The BBL is, however, backtracking on its previous pledge to break its schedule for the FIBA World Cup qualifying windows in November and February, following the lead of the Euroleague in opting out the new international calendar.
Only the NBA, among domestic leagues, is thought to have previously indicated it will not cease during the designated ten-day periods.
BBL Cup draw
The top four teams in the BBL Championship last season receive a bye to the Quarter Finals (and a home tie). The Round 1 match-ups are based on last season’s placing and are as follows:
Lions v Force
Flyers v Phoenix
Wolves v Giants
Scorchers v Raiders
The draw for the Quarter Final Round, along with the BBL Trophy, will be undertaken shortly.
Domestic finals 2017-18
January 28 – 2018 Basketball Cup Finals – Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
March 4 – 2018 Basketball Trophy Finals – Emirates Arena, Glasgow
May 20 – 2018 Basketball Play-Off Finals – The O2, London
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