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Basketball - 15. October 2014.

New era underway for women's basketball in the United Kingdom

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LOUGHBOROUGH - An exciting new chapter for women's basketball in the United Kingdom has been written after the successful launch of the Women's British Basketball League (WBBL).

The newly-formed league featuring 10 clubs from right across the country, turned a historic new page at a central venue launch across the weekend in Loughborough.

Every team in the league participated in the event which has witnessed the existing men's British Basketball League (BBL) take the women's top flight under its wing, with the blessing of Basketball England.

And it was fitting that two of the best performers during the maiden round of action came in the shape of Great Britain and Sheffield Hatters guard Lauren Thomas-Johnson - who is out to secure a third successive EuroBasket Women appearance next year - and also U16 Basketball England Player of the year and Barking Abbey Crusaders forward Savannah Wilkinson.

"It was a great way to get the league started and I think most people were left thrilled seeing players like Lauren and Savannah taking centre stage," said WBBL Chief Operating Officer Andy Webb.

"And most encouragingly of all, they weren't the only home-grown players from the national teams who were present.

"This was the first of many baby steps we will now take to help raise the profile and standing of women's basketball, working with our commercial and strategic partners.

"It's really exciting for the coaches, players and club and also the fans.

"What shone through most was the passion and enthusiasm from those involved."

Webb went on: "I think we have also benefitted from being fortunate in being able to lever in expertise from key individuals who understand and appreciate the women's game globally.

"This helps to underpin and shape what we need to do on and off the court - along with our existing staff who have terrific experience in putting on events like this from the men's BBL."

The WBBL launch was also notably supported by the biggest figure in British Basketball - none other than Luol Deng.

The Miami Heat player tweeted his support for the league and his favourite team from London, the Brixton Topcats - one which he is involved with due to the links to his very own Luol Deng Foundation.

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