The1998–99 BBL season was the 12th season of theBritish Basketball League, known as theBudweiser Basketball League for sponsorship reasons, since its establishment in 1987. The regular season commenced on September 12, 1998, and ended on April 4, 1999, with a total of 13 teams competing, playing 36 games each. The post-season Play-offs began on April 9 and culminated in the end-of-season finale on May 2 atWembley Arena.
Sheffield Sharks were a dominant force throughout the season, winning theSainsbury's Classic Cola Cup whilst storming the Budweiser League and taking the Championship to complete the "Double". The campaign came down to a memorable final game where Sharks claimed the title from rivalsManchester Giants with the last shot of the game, winning 85–87 to take the crown. Their successful run fell short in the play-offs however, managing only a third-placed finish thus allowing a new-look London Towers to claim the title. Manchester Giants also ended a decade-long drought of silverware with their win in theuni-ball Trophy.
Edinburgh Rocks were officially announced as the League's newest franchise on 4 June 1998 – though the Rocks nickname was revealed at a later date – with formerNBA playerJim Brandon signed as the team's head coach.[2]
Watford Royals ownerVince Macaulay announced on 19 June that he was moving the franchise toMilton Keynes due to a lack of suitable venues for home games inWatford,[3] after plans for a new 3,000-capacity arena in Watford, to be built in partnership withWatford F.C., fell through.[4]
The Budweiser League game betweenChester Jets andDerby Storm on 31 January 1999 was abandoned after 30 seconds due to a court invasion from both sets of players following a fight between Chester's Sean Hartley and Derby'sEngland internationalYorick Williams. Media reports claim it was the most serious incident in the history of competitive basketball in Britain.[5][6] Four players were initially ejected from the game, including Williams and Hartley, whilst Chester physio Alison Troughtman was taken to hospital, suffering from a suspected broken-jaw.[7] It was later announced that Williams was suspended for the remainder of the regular season, whilst Derby'sRico Alderson was banned until the following season.[8]
The Southern All-Stars were victorious in the annualAll-Star Game against their Northern rivals, with a 156–158 win atNewcastle Arena on February 27. Edinburgh'sTed Berry was the game-high scorer with 29 points and was named as the games Most Valuable Player.[9]
Manchester Giants claimed their first piece of silverware in franchise history after defeating Derby in theuni-ball Trophy Final on 13 March. Giants won 90–69, and the 21-point gap between the two teams was the biggest winning margin in the event's history.[10]
Furthering their ongoing disciplinary issues, it was revealed in April that Derby Storm's American playerMaurice Robinson was issued with a one-year suspension for failing to supply a complete urine sample during a Sports Council doping control test.[11]
TheBudweiser League came down to a memorable final game between title-chasing rivalsSheffield Sharks and Manchester Giants in-front of more than 11,000 fans at theMEN Arena. With both teams tied on points at the top of the League table, and tied at 85–85 with just 3.5 seconds left in the game,Terrell Myers took the pass and his 18 ft buzzer-beating jump-shot claimed the title for Sheffield.[12]
London Towers were crowned asBudweiser League Play-off champions on 2 May, after defeatingThames Valley Tigers 82–71 atWembley Arena. Towers'Malcolm Leak lead the game's scoring, posting 20 points.[13]
Nottingham-based businessman Craig Bown purchased theBirmingham Bullets franchise at the end of the season for a reported six-figure sum.[14]
John White (Manchester Giants)
