WARRIORS TO BE EDINBURGH’S TEAM

Edinburgh’s new BBL team will be known as East Scotland Warriors when it comes into the league in 2014.

And it will be based out of Meadowbank Arena, the former home of the Rocks until their defection to Glasgow eleven years ago.

Their arrival could potentially increase the size of the British Basketball League to 15 teams, with Birmingham entering this coming season, and Bristol set to join Edinburgh as entrants in 14 months time.

And the Warriors’ owner Donald Sampley, who has put together the bid over the past two years, is promising a wide range of community and coaching programmes to reach out into the city.

“I am very excited to be a part of professional basketball returning to the city of Edinburgh,” said the Missouri-based businessman. “I am really looking forward to working with everyone in East Scotland’s basketball community to grow the game, and help put Scotland’s youth basketball players on a pathway to the pros.”

While the franchise has been granted, there remains no absolute guarantee that the Warriors will be seen in action. Several applicants in recent years have been granted places only to founder.

However BBL chief Andy Webb is confident that the proposals laid down can be delivered by Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to add a second club in Scotland and look forward to the exciting rivalry this will create with the Glasgow Rocks,” he said. “The strong community ethos of the club fits perfectly with our own beliefs and we look forward to seeing their development in this area over the course of the next season.”

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