Clubs' key for Cumulative League Table

UPDATED 05/05/04

Since Basketball's Leagues have changed their names so often, I've adopted the following system, in the following potted biographies, regardless of what the divisions were actually called at the time:

Up to 1987, I've tried to refer to Division One and Division Two; From 1987 (when BBL came into existence) I've called the top League "BBL", and the ones below it "NBL 1", "NBL 2" and so on. From 2000, when the Conference was introduced, I've referred to "BBL", "NBL Conf."; "old NBL 1", "old NBL 2" etc. From this season (2003-4) we have "BBL"; "EBL 1"; "EBL 2"; "EBL 3".

 

Ref.

Team

History

 

 

 

1

Avenue

Founder members of the League (1972) and first Champions (1973). Relegated to Div. 2 (losing play-off to Exeter), '77. Withdrew '78.

2

Liverpool

A Liverpool team competed in the NBL's first two Seasons (1972-4). Re-emerged, in old D.2, in 1980; promoted (3rd) in first Season. Relegated in '83; played in D.2 as Merseyside, for one Season, and withdrew. Not to be confused with Liverpool (ex-Stoke), (ref. 42), or Liverpool (ref. 71).  

3 Crystal Palace Founders of National League 1972. Merged with Brunel, 1986 (League record 186-7 to Uxbridge). Re-emerged 1987. Withdrew 1990. Re-entered (NBL 2) 1991. Promoted to NBL 1, '92; to BBL '96. Taken over by London Towers 1998.
4 Leicester Founders of National League, 1972, as Loughborough. Withdrew 1979. Returned (D2) as Leicester, 1981; promoted 1982.

5

Sheffield Scorpions

This was the original Sheffield team, founder-members of the inaugural (1972-3) League, but only for one Season. There is such a long gap until the arrival of the next Sheffield team (1991) that I’ve kept their record separate. Not to be confused with the later Sheffield Forgers/Sharks (ref. 66) nor Forgers/Sabres (ref. 78).

6

RAF Fliers

Founder members of the six team League in 1972. Failed to win a single game – and failed to stay in!

7

Milton Keynes

Beginning as London Latvians (LLSK), this team entered the League in 1973 (as Embassy All-Stars), and were the main challengers to Crystal Palace's dominance for several Seasons. They moved, from North London, to Milton Keynes in 1976, but pulled out in 1979. A Milton Keynes team briefly appeared in Division 1 (then the lowest Division) from 1981 to '83. Not to be confused with Milton Keynes Lions/Hemel (ref. 27). 

8 Guildford/Kingston London YMCA Metros, 1973-79. Moved to Kingston 1979. Taken over by Glasgow Rangers 1988 (separate record). Returned to Kingston 1989. Moved to Guildford 1992. Withdrew 1994. Not to be confused with Guildford/Bracknell (ref. 19); Guildford/Sutton (ref. 78); Chessington/Kingston (ref. 86).

9

Doncaster Panthers

Original team entered League in 1973. Withdrew in '85. New team (Doncaster Eagles) entered NBL 2 in '89. Promoted 1990. Changed name to Panthers, 1992; promoted to BBL, '93. Withdrew 1996. Another Doncaster Eagles entered NBL 3, 1998. Promoted 2000, and changed name to Panthers. Withdrew in 2001.

10

Manchester Giants

"ATS Giants" were another 1973 "expansion" team. Solid, moderately successful history until suddenly taken over by Manchester United (the basketball club) in 1986. Giants supporters started a new team in Central League, which emerged as Stockport in NBL 1 in 1988. Relegated in '89, and (ironically) merged with Manchester "B" in 1990, to play in Div. 1. Not to be confused with current Manchester Giants (ref. 16), nor with Bury/Olympic City Giants (ref. 35).

11 Birmingham Bullets Coventry, 1974-80. Birmingham 1980 onwards. Chose to drop to NBL 1 in 1988; admitted back into BBL, 1991. Not to be confused with Coventry/Corby/Mkt. Harbro' (ref. 52); Birmingham/Wolverhampton (ref. 20); Birmingham Aces (ref. 57).

12

Exeter

Admitted to League (Div. 1 – and only), 1974. Relegated to newly formed Div. 2, '75. Promoted (beat Avenue in play-off) '77. Relegated '79. Withdrew 1980.

13

Teesside Mohawks

The original team on Teesside was Cleveland Strongarm, 1974-77. A second Cleveland team played in Div. 2 from 1985 to '87. Re-emerged as Teesside, in NBL 2,  in '88; promoted (as Middlesbrough) in '90; became Stockton in '93, and finally Teesside in '97. Entered new Conference in 2000.

14

Leeds/Bradford

Admitted to Div. 1, as Leeds, 1975. Relegated (no wins) '76. Last in Div. 2, and failed to re-qualify, '77. Re-entered '78, and merged with Morley. Moved to Bradford, 1981. Merged with Calderdale, 1984.

15

Vauxhall Motors, Bedford

Entered Div. 2, 1975. Promoted (champions), 1976. Relegated (and withdrew) 1978.

16 Manchester Giants Founder-members Div. 2, 1975, as Stockport. Promoted 1977. Moved to Birchwood/ Warrington, 1981-84. Taken over by Manchester United FC, 1985. Took over original Giants, 1986. Manchester Eagles, 1988-9; Manchester Giants 1989 to 2001. Expelled from League, Nov. 2001 (record includes their nine games that season). Not to be confused with original Manchester Giants (ref. 10).

17

Greenwich/Lewisham

Malory (Lewisham) were founder members of Div. 2 in 1975. Failed to re-qualify (from bottom 4) in 1977. Greenwich were then founders of NBL2 in 1988; promoted ’91; became Lewisham in ’92; relegated ’93; back to Greenwich ’94; withdrew ’96.

18

Nottingham

Founder members Div. 2, 1975. Won D.2 in '80, but not promoted. Withdrew 1986. Re-entered (new NBL 2) '93; promoted '94. Withdrew '97. Entered new NBL 3, 2000, as South Notts College. Regional NBL 2 in 2001.

19 Thames Valley Tigers Founder members Div. 2, 1975 (to '76), as Guildford Pirates. Re-entered 1977. Promoted '79. Moved to Bracknell, 1982. Renamed Thames Valley, 1990. Not to be confused with Guildford Kings (ref. 8); Bracknell/Leatherhead (ref. 26); Guildford Pumas (78).

20

Telford/Sandwell/West Brom./ Wolverhampton/ Birmingham

Birmingham Bulldogs were founder members of Div. 2 in 1975. Moving to Wolverhampton in 1980, they merged with (and took the name of) West Brom. in '81. After two second place finished, they moved to Sandwell ('83), won promotion ('84) and moved to Telford. Bankrupt in mid-season, their record ends when franchise moved to Portsmouth. Not to be confused with any other Birmingham, (ref 11 & 57), Wolverhampton/Aston (ref. 85) nor Dudley/Walsall/Sandwell (ref. 44).

21

Miles Mustangs, Morley

Entered Div. 2, 1976. Merged with Leeds, 1978. 

22 Newcastle Eagles Washington, admitted to Div.2, 1976, changed name to Sunderland. Promoted 1978.  Moved to Newcastle (as Comets), 1995. Became Eagles 1996. Not to be confused with Newcastle, (ref 36).

23

Oxford

Seensee Sonics entered Div. 2 in 1976. Moved to Maidenhead, '77; withdrew '79. Oxford Park admitted to NBL 1 in '88. Withdrew '89. Entered NBL 2, '94. Promoted '96. Promoted to Conference, 2002. Failed to meet criteria - back into EBL 2 in 2003.

24

Blackpool

Rochdale entered Div. 2 in 1976, played one Season as Bury, and then were taken over by (and moved to) Blackpool. I’ve therefore kept their records together. Promoted (from 4th place) to Div. 1 in 1979; relegated (and withdrew) ’81. Not to be confused with Bolton/Bury (ref. 35).

25

Derby Storm

A Derby team (based at the College of Further Education) were founder-members of Div. 2 in 1976, but withdrew in '79. Re-emerged (in a different form) in 1984; promoted to the top division (as Derby Rams) in '86. Only five other BBL teams had been there continuously for longer - until they chose to take a "one year sabbattical" in 2002..

26

Leatherhead/Bracknell

Emerging from C.Palace 2nd team, Leatherhead entered Div. 2 in 1977. Promoted (2nd) in ’78; moved to Bracknell (as Bracknell Bullets), but expelled from the League, after one controversial Season in Div. 1, in ’79. Not to be confused with Guildford/Bracknell/Thames Valley (ref. 19).

27

Milton Keynes Lions

Entered Div. 2 as Hemel Hempstead, 1977. Promoted '79. Various combinations of Hemel Hempstead, Hemel, Hemel and Watford. Chose to play in NBL 1, 1989, but readmitted to BBL in '90. Moved to Watford, 1997. To Milton Keynes 1998. Not to be confused with Watford/Ware (ref. 39); Milton Keynes/Embassy (ref. 7).

28

Bromley

Admitted to Div. 2, 1977. Withdrew '79.  

29 Brighton Bears Entered Div. 2, 1978. Promoted, 1981. Moved to Worthing, 1984. Withdrew, 1986. Re-entered, NBL 1, 1987. Moved back to Brighton, 1999. Not to be confused with Worthing Thunder (Ref. 104); Brighton Cougars (ref. 108).

30

Camden

Camden & Hampstead admitted to Div. 2, 1979. Just "Camden" 1984. Not re-elected, '85 - merged with Brunel.

31

Plymouth Raiders

The first Plymouth team entered Div. 2 in 1979, for just a single season. The Raiders entered that division in 1983, and were there until 2000, when they joined the elite of that division, in the new NBL Conference. Effectively the longest-serving "single division" team in the entire BBL/NBL.

32

BCP/Brunel Ducks

Brunel Uxbridge - admitted (late) to D.2, 1979. Promoted (2nd) 1985. Merged with C. Palace, 1986, to form BCP London. Disappeared when Palace re-emerged in '87.

33

Colchester

Admitted to Div. 2, 1980. Withdrew '87. Admitted to NBL 3, 2000. Into regionalised D.2, 2001. Promoted to EBL 2, 2003.

34

Solent Stars

The first "manufactured" team, the Stars were formed in 1979, winning promotion from Div. 2 in their first Season. In 1990 they dropped out of the League, only to re-emerge in '91, and to win NBL 2 at the first attempt - becoming the first team to win the top three divisions. Relegated in '97, they won NBL 2 again in '98, and NBL 1 in '99. Selected for the Conference in 2000.

35

Bury & Bolton

Entered D.2, 1981, as "Bolton Wanderers". Promoted '83. Became "Bolton & Bury", '85. Moved to Manchester, by Mike Shaft, as "Olympic City Giants", 1988. Withdrew at end of Season, but "Bury Lobos" emerged in NBL 1. Renamed "Bury & Bolton" in '96. Sold franchise to Richmond (Surrey) Rugby Club, '97.

36

Newcastle

Entered Div. 2 in 1982. Merged with Gateshead to become Tyneside, ’84. Not to be confused with Newcastle/Sunderland (ref. 22).

37

Calderdale

Halifax entered D.2, 1982. Became Calderdale in '83. Promoted '86. Bankrupt '88. New team entered NBL 2 in 1989. Withdrew 1992. 

38

Gateshead

Entered Div. 2, 1982. Merged with Newcastle, '84. Promoted (as Tyneside), 1985. Relegated & withdrew '86. Re-entered (NBL 1), '87. Relegated & withdrew, '90. 

39

Ware Rebels

Watford Royals entered D.2, 1982. Merged with Hemel in '84. Watford Rebels entered NBL 2 in 1989; promoted in '90. Moved to Ware in '91. Won NBL 1 in '97 - had been moved to Stevenage in mid-Season, but I've kept the record together till the end of Season. Ware Fire emerged in NBL 3 for following Season. Promoted to NBL 2, 2000 (as Rebels); to NBL 1 in 2001; to Conference in 2002. Not to be confused with Watford/Hemel/M.Keynes (ref. 27) 

40

Portsmouth

A short-lived Portsmouth team played in Div. 2 in 1983-4. In January 1985, Portsmouth FC bought the near-bankrupt Telford, and moved the Div. 1 team to the South Coast; in view of the distance, their record thus begins in mid-Season. Withdrew (as back-to-back Champions!) in 1988. Portsmouth Pirates entered NBL 3, 1997. Promoted '98. Withdrew 2000. Re-entered Div. 2(S) in 2002; withdrew after 5 games (we’ve retained that record, and included those games in their – and their opponents’ – record).

41 London Towers Began as Tower Hamlets, Div. 2, 1984. Due to be relegated to NBL 2  in 1989, but BBL was down to just seven teams, so invited to join, as London Docklands. Became Towers in 1991.

42

Liverpool (ex-Stoke)

Stoke were admitted to Div. 2 in 1984. Began the Season there, but moved to Liverpool part way through. Withdrew 1986. Not to be confused with Liverpool (ref. 2) nor Hanley/Stoke (ref. 93).

43

Swindon

Admitted to Div. 2, 1984. Not re-selected, '87. Re-entered new NBL 2, 1988; failed re-selection, '89; re-entered, '90. Promoted 1994; relegated, '95. Remained in NBL 2 (just) in re-organisation, 2000.

44

Black Country Bears (Dudley/Walsall/Sandwell)

1984 – Dudley admitted to Div. 2, and played as Sandwell when the team from there moved to Telford (hence separate record, as they existed at same time). Not re-selected (last place), ’85. Re-entered in ’86 as Team Walsall. Won Div. 2 in ’87, but not promoted – and withdrew. A new Dudley entered NBL 3 in 2000, and inherited the earlier team's record. "Promoted" to regionalised NBL 2 in 2001. Promoted to NBL 1, and became Black Country Bears. Withdrew, 2003.  Not to be confused with Telford/Sandwell (ref. 20).

45

Brixton Topcats

Very uncomplicated pedigree. Entered Div. 2 in 1985. Played one Season as Lambeth ('86-7). Relegated, to NBL 2, 1999 (after 2nd Season running in last place).

46

Oldham Celtics

Small-town success story of late '80s/early '90s, under Pat O'Donnell & Yaro Martniuk. Entered Div. 2, 1985. Promoted '87; chose to drop back down after one match of '88-9 season (match included in their record). Won NBL 1 three times in next four Seasons; promoted 1992. One successful Season in BBL, but relegated 1994. Forced (by fire in Sports Centre) to move to Rochdale, '95; Withdrew '96.

47

Peterborough Jets

Admitted to Division 2, 1985. Lost all 22 games. Not readmitted.

48

Rhondda

Admitted to Division 2, 1986. Promoted (from 3rd place), but withdrew, 1987.

49

Chester Jets

Began as a Division 2 team, in Ellesmere Port, in 1986. Became "Cheshire" in '88. Won NBL 1 in 1991, and admitted to the BBL. Surprised most pundits at the time by surviving at the top level. Became Chester in '93.

50

Murray International Livingston

The first team from outside England to play in the top division. Already very successful in Scotland, Murray were admitted to BBL in 1987. In 1989, David Murray decided to concentrate on soccer (he'd just bought Glasgow Rangers!), and Livingston pulled out of the League.

51

Aberdare

Admitted to NBL1, 1987. Withdrew (late), 1988.

52

Coventry Crusaders

Began as Market Harborough; entered NBL 1, 1987. Moved to Corby, '88; Coventry 1990. Chosen for NBL Conference, 2000. Relegated to EBL 2, 2003.  Not to be confused with Coventry/Birmingham (ref. 11)

53

Cardiff Phoenix

Cae'r Castell were admitted to NBL 1 in 1987, but relegated to new NBL 2 in '88. Promoted in '91. Became Cardiff Heat in '92. In 1994 they were admitted to the BBL (from 3rd in NBL 1), and thus withdrew from NBL. Proposed move didn't come off, and so re-entered NBL 2 as Cardiff Phoenix. Promoted back to NBL 1 (as winners of NBL 2) in '95. Expelled from NBL in 1999. Not to be confused with Cardiff Clippers (ref. 82)

54

Broxbourne (ex-Stevenage)

Stevenage entered NBL 1, 1987. Relegated to new NBL 2, ’88. Promoted (4th), ’89. Moved to Broxbourne, ’90. Withdrew 1992. Record separate from Stevenage Phoenix, as latter entered NBL 2 while Broxbourne still in NBL 1. Not to be confused with Stevenage Phoenix/Rebels (ref. 67).

55

Glasgow Rangers

Bought franchise from Kingston, 1988. Won BBL in ’89, and sold franchise back to Kingston! A true one-season-wonder!

56

Manchester Magic

Evolved out of the "2nd" team of Manchester Giants. Manchester "B" were founder members of NBL 2 in 1988, and were promoted to NBL 1 in 1990. Relegation and withdrawal followed the next Season. When new NBL 3 formed in '97, Manchester "B" were back in. Promoted to NBL 2, '98. Giants lost interest in running reserves in mid-Season, and they became independent, as Manchester Attitude. Won NBL 2 in 2000, and admitted to the new Conference. Not to be confused with any other Manchester manifestation.

57

Birmingham Aces

Evolved out of the second team of Birmingham Bullets. Birmingham “B” entered NBL 2 in 1988. Withdrew ’91. Founder members NBL 3, 1997. Promoted (winners) ’98. Promoted (winners NBL 2) ’99. Became “Aces”, 2001, but withdrew pre-season due to lack of funding from the parent club. Not to be confused with Birmingham/Wolverhampton (ref. 20); Birmingham Bullets (ref. 11).

58

Kirklees Leos

Founder members NBL2, 1988. Withdrew 1991.

59

Crystal Palace "B"

Founder members NBL2, 1988. Withdrew (late), '89.

60

North London College Hawks

Founder members of NBL2, 1988. Withdrew 1992.

61

Barnsley

Mandela (Leeds) admitted to NBL 2, 1990, and played in Barnsley. Promoted 1991. Relegated and withdrew 1993.

62

Slough/Chiltern

Chiltern Fastbreak entered NBL 2 in 1990. Promoted to NBL 1, '94. Relegated '95; became Slough '96. Withdrew '99.

63

Cheshire Bulls

"B" team of Cheshire Jets. Admitted to NBL2, 1990. Withdrew (late) 1992.

64

Leicester "B"

Leicester Falcons (u-23s) entered NBL 2, 1990. Withdrew ’94. Leicester “B” founder-members NBL 3, in ’97; withdrew ’98.

65

Fylde

Admitted to NBL 2, 1990. Withdrew '91.

66

Sheffield Sharks

A new Sheffield team (Sheffield Forgers) finally re-emerged (in NBL 2) in 1991. Promoted in '93, and selected (from 4th place) for the BBL in 1994. Not to be confused with the later Sheffield Forgers (ref. 78).

67

Mid-Sussex Magic

Admitted to NBL 2, 1991. Re-selected (last place), '93. Promoted (2nd) to NBL 1, '95. Withdrew (last place), 2000.

68

Stevenage Rebels/Phoenix

Stevenage Phoenix entered NBL 2 in 1991. Withdrew '95. Re-emerged in '97, having moved franchise from Ware. Sold franchise to Worthing, '99. Not to be confused with Stevenage/Broxbourne (ref. 54).

69

Sedgefield Racers

Entered NBL2, 1991. Withdrew (late) 1993.

70

Guildford Storm

"B" team of Guildford Kings. Admitted to NBL2, 1992. Withdrew 1994. Not to be confused with Guildford Pumas (ref. 79)

71

Liverpool

A new Liverpool team entered NBL 2 in 1992. Promoted '96; relegated '97; promoted 2000; relegated 2002. Promoted to EBL 2, 2003. Not to be confused with the original Liverpool (ref. 2) or Liverpool (ex-Stoke), (ref. 42). A   

72

South London Bulls

Flaxman admitted to NBL 2 in 1992. Played as South London Elephants!, then London Elephants, then South Bank (4 seasons), Wandsworth (1998-2000). As South London Bulls they pulled out prior to season 2001-2.

73

Camberley

Admitted to NBL2, 1992. Withdrew 1993.

74

Northampton Neptunes

Entered NBL 2 as “89ers” in 1993. Became “Neptunes” in 2000. Promoted to EBL2, 2003.

75

Essex Leopards

One of only two existing teams never to have played outside the BBL. New franchise invited to replace Guildford in 1994, due to their use of the London Arena. Initally played as just “Leopards” (as Towers claimed exclusive use of “London”), then as “Greater London”. A couple of years after moving out of London Arena, to Brentwood, they formally renamed themselves “Essex”.

76

Worcester Wolves

Admitted to NBL 2, 1994. Moved to Solihull, '96. Promoted (champions), '97. Withdrew, '99. Worcester re-entered (NBL 3), 2000. Promoted late to Div. 1 in 2001, after late withdrawal of Doncaster.

77

Westminster Warriors

Admitted to NBL 2, 1994. Promoted (champions), '96. Remained in Div. 1 on creation of Conference in 2000.

78

Sheffield Forgers/Sabres

When original Sheffield Forgers entered BBL (1994), they put a second team into NBL 2. Relegated to new NBL 3 in '97. Taken over by rivals Sheffield Arrows, 1998. New Sheffield second team (Sabres) entered Div. 2, 2001.  Not to be confused with Sheffield Scorpions (ref. 5) nor Forgers/Sharks (ref. 66).

79

Sutton/Guildford Pumas

Croydon Swifts entered NBL 2 in 1995. Promoted (2nd place) '96, and moved to Guildford. Became "Pumas" in '97. Moved to Sutton in '99. Selected for Conference, 2000. Not to be confused with Sutton/Croydon Pumas (their "B" team) (ref. 99); nor with Guildford/Kingston (ref. 8); nor with Guildford/Bracknell (ref. 19)

80

Bournemouth/Poole Dolphins

Poole Dolphins entered NBL 2, 1995. Became Bournemouth in '96. Withdrew 2000.

81 Cosford Entered NBL2, 1995. Withdrew, '96.

82

Hackney White Heat

Began as the "B" team of London Towers. Towers' under-23s joined NBL 2 in 1996. Promoted '98. In 1999, "reserve" teams were banned from NBL 1; became independent, as Islington White Heat. To NBL Conference (and renamed Inter-Basket) in 2000. Renamed Hackney in 2002. Relegated to EBL 2, 2003.

83

Thames Valley “B”

Tigers’ reserve/u-23 team entered NBL 2 in 1996. Relegated to NBL 3, 1999; to regionalised Div. 2, 2001.

84

Cardiff Clippers

Admitted to NBL 2 in 1996, and played as "South Wales Shooting Stars" to avoid confusion with Cardiff Phoenix. Changed back to Cardiff Clippers in '97, and promoted in '98 - despite opposition from Phoenix, who were already in NBL 1. Remained in NBL 1 on formation of Conference. Relegated to NBL 2, 2002. Not to be confused with Cardiff Phoenix (ref. 53)

85

Derby "B"/Trailblazers

Admitted to NBL2, 1996. Withdrew (very late) 1997. Admitted to NBL3, 2000. Withdrew 2001. Trailblazers entered 2002.

86

Aston/Wolverhampton Adanta

Aston Adante admitted to NBL2, 1996. To Wolverhampton, '97. Merged with Solihull, '98.

87

Kingston/Chessington Wildcats

Chessington entered NBL 2 in ’96. Renamed Kingston (playing at Chessington), ’99. Promoted to NBL 1 (after appeal), to play most games at Tolworth, in 2000. Promoted to Conference, 2001. Not to be confused with Guildford/ Kingston (ref. 8).

88

Flintshire Fliers

Entered NBL 2, 1996. Withdrew 2000.

89

Richmond Jaguars

Richmond Rugby Club bought franchise from Bury, 1997. Rugby Club withdrew support in ’98, and club withdrew (as NBL 1 champions)!

90

Reading Rockets

Founder members of NBL 3, 1997. Promoted (3rd place) ’98. Promoted to NBL 1 in NBL re-organisation, 2000. Promoted to Conference, 2001.

91

Taunton Tigers

Founder members of NBL 3, 1997. Promoted to NBL 2 (5th place) '98. Promoted to NBL 1 (2nd place), '99. Put back to NBL 2 (from 8th place!) in NBL reorganisation, 2000. Withdrew 2002.

92

Barking & Dagenham Erkenwald

Founder members NBL3, 1997. Regional Div. 2, 2001. Withdrew 2002.

93

Stoke/Hanley

Founder members, NBL3, 1997. Became Hanley, 1999. Withdrew 2000. Re-entered regional Div. 2, 2001. Became Stoke again 2002.

94

Southampton

Founder members, NBL3, 1997. Withdrew '98.

95

Scottish Rocks

The most recent (and thus lowest placed) of the BBL entrants. In 1998, Edinburgh Rocks were formed, to take the BBL franchise vacated by Crystal Palace. Those five seasons have been enough to catapult them into the top thirty in the all-time list, and they’ve now overtaken Livingston to become the highest placed Scots team – just as they moved to the outskirts of Glasgow!

96

Hull Stingers

Hull Icebergs entered NBL 3, 1998. Promoted to NBL 2 (champions) '99. Promoted to NBL 1, 2001. Taken over by Junior section, as Stingers, 2003.

97

North London Lords

Entered NBL 3, 1998. Promoted to NBL 2 (runners-up) '99. Promoted to NBL 1, 2001. Merged with Ealing, 2002.

98

North West London Wolverines

Admitted to NBL3, 1998. Promoted to NBL 2, 2000. Late promotion to NBL 1, 2001.

99

Mansfield Express

Admitted to NBL3, 1998. Promoted to NBL 2, 2000. Promoted to NBL 1, 2001. Chose to drop to EBL3, as "West Notts College Mansfield", 2003

100

City of Sheffield Arrows

Derbyshire Arrows took over Sheffield Forgers’ franchise, 1998. I’ve kept records separate, as another Sheffield 2nd team entered the League later. Promoted to NBL 2 (from last place in NBL 3!) in NBL reorganisation, 2000. Promoted to NBL 1, as Div. 2 Champions, 2001. Not promoted to Conference (as Div. 1 Champions), 2002. Promoted to EBL1 (City of Sheffield Arrows) 2003.

101

Cambridge

Admitted to NBL3, 1998. Withdrew '99.

102

Croydon Pumas

Guildford "B" team - entered NBL3 as Sutton, 1998. Changed name to Croydon, '99, when Guildford became Sutton. Withdrew 2000.

103

Plymouth B

Admitted to NBL3, 1998; withdrew after 6 games.

104

Worthing Thunder

Another "newish" franchise. In 1999, BBL team Worthing Bears returned to their original home in Brighton, after 15 years. When the Stevenage franchise became available, Worthing fans took it to the South Coast, and Worthing Thunder Rebels (a new club, as far as statisticians are concerned) were born. Admitted to NBL Conference (as just Worthing Thunder) in 2000. Not to be confused with Worthing/Brighton Bears (Ref. 29)

105

London United

Ealing Tornados entered NBL 3, 1999, with highly successful Junior team. Promoted (from 3rd place), 2000. Promoted to Div. 1, 2001. Merged with North London (ref. 97) to form London United, 2002. Promoted to EBL1, 2003.

106

University of Birmingham

Admitted to NBL3, 1999. Regional NBL 2, 2001.

107

Team Bath Romans

Admitted to NBL3, 1999. Regional NBL 2, 2001. Promoted to Div. 1, 2002. Became Bath. Promoted to EBL 1, 2003

108

Brighton Cougars

Admitted to NBL3, 1999. Regional NBL 2, 2001.

109

Wigan Metros

Admitted to NBL3, 1999. Dropped out after two games. Record struck from official records - but we've kept it intact!

110

University of Northumbria

Admitted to NBL3, 2000. Regional NBL 2, 2001.

111

Tamar Valley Cannons

NBL3, 2000. Regional NBL 2, 2001. Promoted to EBL 2, 2003

112

Middlesbrough College

Teesside Mohawks second team. Entered NBL 2(N), 2001. Withdrew 2002.

113

Manchester Magic II

Manchester Magic second team. Entered NBL 2(N), 2001.

115

Oxford Braves

Entered NBL 2(S), 2001. Withdrew after completing 14 games (of 16!). We’ve retained their record – and included their games against others in those records.

116

Nottingham Hustlers

Entered NBL 2 (N), 2002 as Nottingham Hustlers. Became "Knights" in 2003

117

East Durham Devils

Entered EBL 3 (N) in 2003.

118

Leicester Warriors

Entered EBL 3 (N) in 2003.

119

Kings Lynn Fury

Entered EBL 3 (S) in 2003.

120

West Herts Warriors

Entered EBL 3 (S) in 2003.

121

NEWI Nets

Entered EBL 3 (S) in 2003.

122

Loughborough Students

Entered EBL 3 (N) in 2003.

123

Univ. of Sheffield Arrows

Second team of Derbyshire (City of Sheffield) Arrows. Entered EBL 3 (N) in 2003.

124

Walsall Wizards

Entered EBL 3 (N) in 2003.

 

Probably the biggest confusion will stem from the naming of the divisions. For instance, the division below the very top one has variously been known as NBL Division 2, NBL Division 1, NBL Conference, and now EBL Division 1! There are three separate divisions which have, at various times, been known as Division 1!

Who said basketball was simple?

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