LIVE STREAM: U16 Boys National Cup Final – Manchester Magic v Bristol Academy Flyers (1:15pm)

Watch the 2024 U16 Boys Junior National Cup Final between Manchester Magic and Bristol Academy Flyers, live from 13:15 at the National Basketball Performance centre, Manchester.

Manchester Magic’s are the only reigning champions to make it to the NBPC on Saturday as they look to defend their title against Bristol Academy Flyers.

Early-round victories against Toxteth, Milton Keynes and Sheffield Elite pushed Magic to the quarter-final stage, where they beat cross-town rivals Manchester Giants 91-49 before a win in the semis over London Stars confirmed a spot in the final.

Bristol have knocked off the likes of Surrey Rams and JMA Reading Rockets to get this far, though denying the Magic of a 12th U16 Cup success would still be quite the effort from the Western Premier side.

Manchester’s success a year ago was driven by an MVP performance from captain Jack Walton, who dropped a game-high 17 points to go with five steals and five assists as the hometown side beat London Lions 71-64.

He’ll be back for more but will need to help fend off a strong Bristol roster that contains 6’2” wing Marcos Perez Tosca, who has been excelling in the EABL, and guard Corey Hill, who suited up for GB’s U16s last summer.

Manchester Magic captain Jack Walton: “We’re excited about reaching the National Cup Final this year. Although we are current holders, the team is a completely new group and are ready to compete. We have a deep team that are willing to come into the game at any given time, which is a reason we have reached the Final.”

Bristol Academy Flyers head coach Christian Hill: “We have a great bunch of guys this season, very versatile group of players and a pleasure to coach. The Cup Final is a great reward for the players’ hard work and dedication so far this season.”

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