The Worcester Wolves basketball team will go head to head with the UK's other top teams after qualifying for the inaugural British Basketball All-Stars Championship at The O2 in London.
Though the team fell agonisingly short of reaching the Play-Off final at the same arena earlier this month, Wolves will get to play alongside seven other teams in front of a packed crowd there in the tournament held at the start of the new season in September.
University of Worcester-owned side Wolves compete in the brand new event, run by Matchroom Sport, which involves the top eight teams from this year's British Basketball League.
The Championship will bring the best domestic basketball talent to centre-stage over one action-packed afternoon.
It introduces a range of new innovations including shorter 12-minute matches, a double-point power play and a five-point line. Teams will be playing on Sunday, September 24, for a share of the £100,000 prize fund, with £25,000 going to the winning side.
Promoted by Matchroom Sport, the Barry Heard led promotional company behind PDC darts, World Snooker and boxing talent including World champions Anthony Joshua, Kell Brook and Tony Bellew, the Championship opens with a double elimination group stage.
Teams will play up to three matches and two wins puts a team straight into the semi-finals but two defeats will see a side immediately eliminated.
Wolves Head Coach, Paul James, said: "I'm delighted that we have qualified. It is going to be a thrilling way to kick-start the BBL season with the best talent that clubs have to offer on show on one day. After such a great season last year, including a 12-game unbeaten run, this tournament is the perfect opportunity to set us up for the new season ahead. We hope to continue our outstanding form from the second half of last season and will give it our best shot. With the addition of this exciting event to the basketball calendar, this is a really exciting time for British basketball and proves how much its reach and appeal in this country is growing."
Photo: Credit Keith Hunt