Mancunian basketball fans can rejoice, as Manchester’s basketball scene, though still the subject of much uncertainty, is set to survive – just maybe not quite as you know it.
They might currently be known as the Manchester Giants, but the city’s biggest professional basketball team are looking like they are about to take on a whole new identity in the newly formed top-flight division, simply entitled Super League Basketball.
At one point, it looked unclear as to whether a pro division would even continue here in Greater Manchester or the UK as a whole, for that matter, after the British Basketball Federation revoked the British Basketball League’s license in July following concerns regarding the operators’ finances.
Manchester’s male and female squads have been sold to the American-based private portfolio, Sherwood Family Investment Office.
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The equity group invests in a variety of global projects and is now looking to bring an innovative and creative approach to the Manc basketball outfit.
Although it remains unclear as to what exactly this will look like for the club we know as the Giants at present, it’s being reported that the SLB Manchester team will likely be a whole new entity and brand.
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Now led by chief executive officer Ned Sherwood, who boasts more than 40 years of experience at a large equity firm, and president Ben Pierson, it’s pretty much starting from a clean slate.
Even the current Giants administration themselves have confessed in a transparent update to fans on social media: “It is not clear at this time if the Giants name will remain”. The post also detailed that Dominique Allen, the club’s former operations manager, has now been promoted to head of operations.
A fascinating first introduction to the new Super League basketball…
No @PlymCityPatriot – team has confirmed it will not be operating in goodbye statement
"Manchester" – Giants have been sold to an American investment group and will likely rebrand, per Hoopsfix https://t.co/0vWXbdAbxF
Speaking on the acquisition, Sherwood explains: “The new energy of the league is palpable. We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting turning point in professional basketball in Great Britain.
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“The goal over my career has been to find or build high-quality businesses with top-level management teams. As partners, we work tirelessly to help our businesses achieve long-term success. We look forward to developing a sustainable, elite franchise for Manchester.”
The new owners have also promised that the female team won’t be overlooked and will be “continuing in their elite competition.”
Since entering the previous top-flight division back in 2012, now formerly known as the BBL, it’s fair to say the Giants have somewhat struggled to live up to the hype of the city’s historic sports teams and the wider culture embedded within them.
In fact, the Manchester Giants only had one season in which they played above .500 basketball (win as many games as you lose) which came under head coach Lloyd Carner in the 2021-22 post-Covid cancellation year, finishing with a record 14-13.
The Giants warming up against the Caledonia Giants in December 2023. (Credit: DaHuzyBru via Wikimedia Commons)
Frustratingly, Manchester is also home to the Magic and Mystics, one of the best youth basketball programmes anywhere in the UK. Both have won more than 50 national titles since 2000, developing heaps of internationals in that time.
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Furthermore, the club runs a thriving Academy basketball scheme, that competes in the EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) and WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League).
This is the premier junior basketball competition in the UK and features a Diploma in Sporting Excellence pathway, hosting the very top under-19 programmes in the country. Yet, it seems, that little of this vital grassroots work has translated onto the senior court for Manchester basketball fans.
Nevertheless, with a wealthy pool and youth talent and these feeder programmes, this could be the time for the professional team to join the ride and take off. Manchester’s basketball scene is Super League-ready, it just needs a push, proper backing and the right infrastructure.
Matthew Goodwin has been racking them up for Manchester Magic in the EABL all season – last night he got his first points in BBL play for Manchester Giants 👊
— Academy Basketball England (@academybballeng) February 4, 2024
As per Hoopsfix, President Pierson went on to add in a statement: “Manchester is a world-class city for sport and culture. We aim to bring the Manchester franchise back to the level it belongs – competing for trophies for the city.
“Basketball in Manchester is an integral part of schools, youth, and culture. It is imperative that we restore stability throughout the franchise, and grow our partnerships throughout the community. We look forward to delivering on this through our actions, not just our words.”
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Pierson is correct; Manchester has fantastic youth basketball, is home to the National Basketball Performance Centre at Belle Vue, and boasts world-class teams and athletes across various disciplines, as well as being one of the most diverse and multicultural rich sporting capitals on the planet.
Adding pro-ball into the mix would only serve as more proof in the pudding.
Who knows for how long the Manchester Giants will be the name we know are ballers by? All we know is we’re glad the game isn’t leaving 0161 any time soon. Stay posted for more details on Super League Basketball’s upcoming debut season and the next iteration of Manchester’s premier basketball team.
Featured Images — Manchester Giants (supplied)/Super League Basketball
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English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis
Danny Jones
Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.
The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.
The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Lewis Moody's MND diagnosis and join the entire rugby community in getting behind Lewis and his family at this extremely difficult time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/46doNRQFvq
Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”
Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.
There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.
Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.
Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.
“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.
“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.
Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”
Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.
Eyebrows raised as key coach and director of the company set up to buy Salford Red Devils resigns
Danny Jones
Serious eyebrows and questions are being raised as the director of Jacobsen Venture Group (JVG), the company set up to buy local rugby league side Salford Red Devils, has now seemingly resigned from his position.
Krisnan Inu, who is also employed as an assistant coach at Salford Red Devils, appears to have stepped down from his role within the investment group this week, effectively immediately.
This latest development only spells more concern for supporters as yet more uncertainty circles around the Salford Community Stadium that is edging ever closer to the brink.
Reacting to the news on social media, fan organisation The 1873 is now looking for further clarity as to what this means for the future of the club.
Krisnan Inu resigns as director of Jacobsen Venture Group Ltd – the company set up to buy Salford Red Devils.
A major development that raises serious questions about the ownership group, the promised funding, and the people behind it.
Sharing a lengthy open letter of their own, as well as a screenshot of the former New Zealand and Samoan international’s official resignation papers via Companies House, the supporters group have now reiterated their “call for transparency.”
Aside from urging for assurances regarding “stability, and above all else, the safeguarding of Salford Red Devils’ future”, The 1873 have also stated their belief that this signals more key movements behind the scenes that the fan base has not yet been made privy to.
The statement goes on to read: “This is a significant development, given Inu’s longstanding relationship with, and evident support for, Saia Kailahi – Jacobsen Venture Group’s other, and now sole, director.
“Inu has not only been a public backer but, by his own choice, a private supporter of Kailahi’s efforts to assume control of the club. His departure, therefore, raises serious questions.”
It was only back in August that fans, who have already mobilised multiple times in protest of the increasingly shadowy and tight-lipped consortium, slammed the 38-year-old ex-pro for defending the owners and clearly aligning himself with Kailahi, investor Dario Berta and others pulling the strings.
Hundreds marched through the streets before the game against Wakefield Trinity
They go on to speculate: “Would Inu, who also serves as the club’s assistant coach, step away from his role within Jacobsen Venture Group if he retained any confidence that the long-promised bridging loan was about to land, or indeed would ever materialise?
“Or has he now concluded that his trust and support have been misplaced, and simply had enough?”
They also noted that JVG has now moved its registered office from central London to Miles Platting here in Greater Manchester, though this is not the same address as Salford Rouges Diablo Ltd itself.
Continuing, they write: “This has all the hallmarks of the involvement of Steven England [former director], whose name has been linked to previous entities and involvement.”
England joined ex-CEO Paul King in quitting Salford earlier this year; however, the latter ultimately returned to try and help with the ongoing financial crisis.
As they see it, “Inu’s resignation feels like a highly significant indicator of his dwindling confidence in the ownership and by extension, the likelihood of the current financial crisis being resolved under Kallah’s leadership.” Neither the club nor Inu has yet to address the resignation publicly.
Only time will tell if the crucial funds promised so long ago will ever arrive and, more importantly, what this latest development ultimately spells for Salford Red Devils’ fate.
Blake Keeble -
22nd August 2024 
