British basketball ‘needs TV coverage to bounce back’

Broadcasters should put more basketball on primetime TV to help stop Britain falling further behind in the sport, the founder of a contest showcasing the country’s top talent said today.

Team GB had its funding cut after the 2012 Olympics and did not qualify for the Rio Games this year.

But Sam Neter, who set up the Hoopsfix All Star Classic contest, said that although money was an issue, a lack of media coverage of basketball and the achievements of players such as Luol Deng, 31, who grew up in Brixton and competed for Team GB in 2012, meant there was nothing to inspire young talent. Many move to the US on sports scholarships.

Mr Neter said: “It is no secret that UK basketball has struggled to reach its full potential. Why? That’s the million- dollar question. We have the talent and the interest at grassroots levels — there are lots of school programmes and some research shows it is the second most popular sport among young people in Britain behind football.

“There is a lot of talk about a lack of funding, but it’s not just that. Nobody really knows why we are way behind and are disappointing in terms of performance. More exposure on tele-vision and in the media would help. Big events and news in British basketball get little to no coverage.”

The third Hoopsfix All Star Classic took place at Brixton Recreation Centre on Sunday. Many of those who played in last year’s competition went on to represent England or Great Britain or left for American basketball colleges.

Basketball has received £10 million in funding over four years from Sport England and nothing from UK Sport. Rowing received £32.6 million.

A 2014 UK Sport survey showed 218,000 14- to 16-year-olds played it once a week.

Mr Neter said: “The amount of coverage for basketball during London 2012 was unprecedented and it was a huge boost. So the lack of a Team GB in Rio hurts and will damage British basketball. I am hoping this year there will be a shake-up but there is still a way to go.”