Sheffield Sharks

Last updated

Sheffield Sharks
Sheffield Sharks.png
League SLB
Established1991;33 years ago (1991)
HistorySheffield Forgers
(1991–1994)
Sheffield Sharks
(1994–present)
Arena Canon Medical Arena
Capacity2,500
Location Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Team coloursNavy, Yellow, Silver
   
Main sponsor B. Braun
Head coach Atiba Lyons
Championships4 BBL Championship
2 BBL Playoffs
3 BBL Cup
2 BBL Trophy
Website Official website

The Sheffield Sharks, currently known as "B.Braun Sheffield Sharks" for sponsorship reasons, are a professional basketball team from the city of Sheffield, England. The Sharks compete in the Super League Basketball and play their home matches at Park Community Arena, which opened in 2023. They are one of the most successful teams in the history of British basketball and dominated domestic competitions throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Contents

History

Sheffield Forgers

The club was established in 1991 when the team, then called the Sheffield Forgers in reference to the city's history as a major steel producer, were admitted to National Basketball League Division 2. After two seasons competing in the division, with an overall 26–16 record, the Forgers were crowned Champions in 1993 and promoted to NBL Division 1.

The 1993–1994 season would prove to be another successful one for the Forgers having reached the National Trophy final where they beat Plymouth Raiders 62–60 on "home" territory at the Sheffield Arena. Their stay in the First Division did not last long, and although they finished in 4th position with a 10–8 record, the Forgers were admitted to the professional top-tier British Basketball League as a new franchise to replace the withdrawing Guildford Kings.

Rebranding as the Sharks

The club was purchased by the Chrysalis Group in 1994 and rebranded as Sheffield Sharks. On court, the team dominated the league in its rookie season, and with a 29–7 league record, marched on to take the BBL League Championship and National Cup with an incredible 89–66 victory in the final against Thames Valley Tigers. However the Tigers got their revenge over the Sharks with a nail-biting 74–69 win in the BBL Trophy final. The Sharks also missed out on the playoff final following a 72–84 loss to Worthing Bears in the Final Four, despite this the Sheffield team still enjoyed a phenomenal debut season.

European leagues

Former Sharks logo Sheffield Sharks logo.png
Former Sharks logo

In 1995, the 1995 McDonald's Championship came to London and the Sharks were entered as the host team, mixing with the elite of world basketball including the NBA's Houston Rockets, Spanish League giants Real Madrid and Bologna of the Italian League amongst others. Sheffield finished the series 0–2, following defeats to Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Sharks' adventure continued into Europe in the following season (1995–96) when they competed in the prestigious Euroleague. After knocking out Luxembourg-based team Residence Helmsange in the qualifying round, the Sharks were then eliminated in the first round by Real Madrid after a 57–67 defeat in Sheffield and a 75–78 defeat in Madrid. As a result of losing, Sheffield were then placed in the Third Round of the less glamorous European Cup, where they were subsequently knocked out by Belgian League club Oostende Basket, thus ending their European adventure.

On the domestic scene, the Sharks could not repeat the highs of their previous season, finishing as Runners-up in the League Championship (30–6) to London Towers, and losing the final of the National Cup 58–70 also to the dominating Towers. Their playoff dreams were also shattered in the semifinals by eventual winners Birmingham Bullets, whom they lost to 68–82.

Golden Era

The Sharks again reached the BBL Cup final in 1996 and 1997, finishing second then third in the championship, and their next piece of silverware was the 1998 BBL Trophy. They claimed their second BBL Cup and championship double in 1999, with Terrell Myers picked as League MVP, before successfully defending the Cup in 2000 after reaching their fifth Cup final in six years. It was during the most successful period of the clubs’ history that owners Chrysalis Group decided to sell off their majority stake. [1] [2] After running into off-court financial difficulties and on the brink of a wind-up order from the BBL, the franchise was acquired by Montgomery Leisure Services Ltd in 2001, [3] the same year that a first Play-off final appearance was secured in after topping the championship. However it was Leicester Riders who triumphed 84–75, and the Sharks were beaten again in the play-off final the following year, 93–82 by Cheshire Jets. The Sharks claimed their third Championship in five years in 2003 and although they failed to reach the play-off final, they got there the following year after a second-placed league finish. It was the Sharks' third playoff final in four years and a case of third time lucky as they beat Cheshire 86–74.

Modern era

Sharks players and support staff during a time-out in a game against the Leicester Sharks in May 2024 Sheffield Sharks - team and support staff.jpg
Sharks players and support staff during a time-out in a game against the Leicester Sharks in May 2024

In the 2009–2010 season, Sheffield won the BBL Cup for the first time in six years beating the Cheshire Jets 89–86. During the 2010–2011 season, they successfully defended their cup victory by beating the Mersey Tigers 93–66 and also made it to the final of the playoffs but were beaten out by Mersey Tigers 79–74. In the 2012–2013 season, the Sharks won the BBL Trophy for the first time in 15 years beating the Leicester Riders 71–69. In the 2015–2016 season, Sheffield made it to the Play Off final for the first time in five years. This time however, for the first time in 12 years the Sharks in the final of the playoffs on 8 May 2016, beat Leicester Riders 84–77. [4]

Home arenas

The Canon Medical Arena, home arena of the Sharks since 2023 Park Community Arena - south entrance.jpg
The Canon Medical Arena, home arena of the Sharks since 2023
Sheffield Arena (1994–2004)
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre (2004–2006)
English Institute of Sport, Sheffield (2006–2019)
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre (2019–2023)
Canon Medical Arena (2023–present)

Season-by-season records

SeasonDivisionTierRegular SeasonPost-SeasonTrophyCupHead Coach
FinishPlayedWinsLossesPointsWin %
Sheffield Forgers
1991–92 NBL3 35th221111220.500
1992–93 NBL3 31st20155300.750
1993–94 NBL1 24th18108200.556
Sheffield Sharks
1994–95 BBL 11st36297580.806Semi FinalRunner-UpWinners, beating Thames Valley Jim Brandon
1995–96 BBL 12nd36306600.833Semi FinalSemi FinalRunner-Up Jim Brandon
1996–97 BBL 13rd362610520.722Semi FinalSemi FinalRunner-Up Jim Brandon
1997–98 BBL 14th362511500.694Quarter FinalWinners, beating Towers Quarter Final Chris Finch
1998–99 BBL 11st36315620.861Semi FinalSemi FinalWinners, beating Leopards Chris Finch
1999–00 BBL N 12nd36297580.806Quarter FinalSemi FinalWinners, beating Manchester Chris Finch
2000–01 BBL N 11st36279540.750Runner-UpSemi Final1st Round Chris Finch
2001–02 BBL N 12nd322111420.656Runner-UpQuarter FinalSemi Final Chris Finch
2002–03 BBL 11st40337660.825Semi Final1st Round1st Round Chris Finch
2003–04 BBL 12nd362610520.722Winners, beating Chester 1st RoundWinners, beating Scottish Peter Scantlebury
2004–05 BBL 14th402614520.650Semi Final1st RoundQuarter Final Peter Scantlebury
2005–06 BBL 13rd402614520.650Semi Final1st RoundQuarter Final Peter Scantlebury
2006–07 BBL 12nd36288560.778Semi FinalSemi FinalSemi Final Peter Scantlebury
2007–08 BBL 16th331716340.515Quarter Final1st RoundQuarter Final Peter Scantlebury
2008–09 BBL 16th331617320.485Quarter Final1st RoundQuarter Final Atiba Lyons
2009–10 BBL 12nd36306600.833Semi Final1st RoundWinners, beating Cheshire Atiba Lyons
2010–11 BBL 13rd33249480.727Runner-Up1st RoundWinners, beating Mersey Atiba Lyons
2011–12 BBL 17th301317260.433Quarter FinalSemi FinalQuarter Final Atiba Lyons
2012–13 BBL 17th331716340.515Quarter FinalsWinners, beating Leicester Semi Finals Atiba Lyons
2013–14 BBL 12nd33276540.818Semi FinalsSemi FinalsSemi Finals Atiba Lyons
2014–15 BBL 17th361917380.528Semi FinalsQuarter FinalsSemi Finals Atiba Lyons
2015–16 BBL 13rd332013400.606Winners, beating Leicester Semi FinalsQuarter Finals Atiba Lyons
2016–17 BBL 14th332013400.606Quarter Finals1st RoundQuarter Finals Atiba Lyons
2017–18 BBL 18th331815360.545Quarter FinalsRunner UpSemi Finals Atiba Lyons
2018–19 BBL 16th331716340.515Semi Finals1st Round1st Round Atiba Lyons
2019–20 BBL 1Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemicQuarter FinalsQuarter Finals Atiba Lyons
2020–21 BBL 15th301515300.500Quarter-finals1st RoundPool Stage Atiba Lyons
2021–22 BBL 12nd271710340.630Quarter-finals1st RoundQuarter-finals Atiba Lyons

Notes:

Trophies

League

Playoffs

Cup

Trophy

Players

Current roster

Note: Flags indicate national team, as has been defined under FIBA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIBA nationality.

No.Pos.Nat.Player
0 PG Flag of the United States.svg  USA Devearl Ramsey
1 G Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR RJ Eytle-Rock
2 G Flag of the United States.svg  USA Prentiss Nixon
3 F Flag of the United States.svg  USA Malek Green
4 PG Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR Nathaniel Montgomery
5 G Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jalon Pipkins
7 F Flag of the United States.svg  USA Kipper Nichols
8 G Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR Hensy Sako
9 G Flag of Portugal.svg  POR Jordan Ratinho
11 G Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR Rodney Glasgow Jr.
21 F Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR Marcus Delpeche
23 F Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  GBR Joe Mvuezolo
25 C Flag of the United States.svg  USA Bennett Koch

Notable former players

Ownership

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Basketball League</span> Former professional basketball league founded 1987

The British Basketball League (BBL) is a former men's professional basketball league in Great Britain. Since its establishment in 1987 the BBL represented the highest level of basketball competition within the United Kingdom. The organisation that operated the competition, Basketball League Limited, folded in July 2024 after the British Basketball Federation terminated its operating license. It was succeeded as the top-level men's basketball competition with Super League Basketball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Raiders</span> English national league basketball team

Plymouth Raiders are a basketball team based in Plymouth, England, currently competing in Division 3 of the National Basketball League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newcastle Eagles</span> British professional basketball team

The Newcastle Eagles are a professional basketball team based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brighton Bears</span> British basketball team based in Brighton, Sussex

Brighton Bears was a British basketball team based in Brighton, Sussex. From 1984 to 1999 the club was known as the Worthing Bears and was based in the town of Worthing, 12 miles west of Brighton. The Bears played in the top-flight British Basketball League (BBL) until 2006 when the franchise folded. The final season was notable for the signing of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who played three games for the Bears. The league's franchise for the Brighton-area, originally put on hold, was intended to be occupied by the Brighton Cougars from the 2008–09 season but the Cougars bid was rejected, with the league favouring rival candidate Worthing Thunder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Worcester Wolves</span> British professional basketball team

The Worcester Wolves are a basketball club in Worcester, England. The team plays in the NBL Division 2, the third tier of British basketball. The club was formed in 2000, and from 2006 until 2021 competed in the British Basketball League, the top tier of British basketball. Since 2013, the Wolves have played their home games at the 2,000-capacity Worcester Arena.

The 2006–07 BBL season, the 20th since its establishment of the British Basketball League, started on 29 September 2006 when reigning champions Newcastle Eagles began with an 85–83 loss away to Sheffield Sharks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thames Valley Tigers</span> Basketball team in Bracknell, Berkshire

Thames Valley Tigers was a British professional basketball team that competed in the British Basketball League (BBL) until 2005, when funding was ceased and the franchise folded. Based in Bracknell, Berkshire, the team's fans set up a new team to replace the Tigers and a month later the Guildford Heat was born. Playing in the nearby town of Guildford, at the Spectrum complex, the team started the 2005–06 British Basketball League season with many of the former Tigers players.

Worthing Thunder are a British professional basketball team based in Worthing, West Sussex, England, and compete in the National Basketball League (NBL). The team was originally founded in 1999 as the Worthing Rebels. They switched to their current name in 2000. The team has played their home games at the Worthing Leisure Center since their inaugural season.

The National Basketball League, or NBL for short, is a league competition representing semi-professional and amateur basketball clubs from England and Wales. It forms levels 2 to 5 on the British basketball pyramid, in line with the Scottish Basketball Championship, sitting directly below the top tier competition, Super League Basketball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BBL Cup</span> British basketball competition

The British Basketball League Cup, often shortened to the BBL Cup, was an annual cup competition for the British Basketball League (BBL). It was one of two peripheral competitions operated by the League during the regular season, with the other being the BBL Trophy. The competition was usually played as a single game knock-out tournament, and was only contested by members of the British Basketball League. The final takes place in early January at the Arena Birmingham in Birmingham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheshire Phoenix</span> British professional basketball team

The Cheshire Phoenix are a professional basketball team based in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom. Founded in 1984, they are members of the Super League Basketball and play their home games at the Cheshire Oaks Arena. From 1993 until 2015 the team was based in Chester, where they enjoyed their most success. Under previous ownership, the team was known as Cheshire Jets, but due to financial difficulties the franchise was withdrawn from the League in November 2012 and reformed as the Phoenix. The team's head coach is Ben Thomas.

The 2008–09 BBL season was the 22nd campaign in the history of the British Basketball League (BBL), which commenced on 14 September 2008 with the Cup Winners' Cup. The regular season began a week later with 12 teams competing, though a line-up change saw the Birmingham Panthers withdraw and fold during close season and the inclusion of Worthing Thunder from the English Basketball League.

The 2012–13 BBL season was the 26th campaign of the British Basketball League since the league's establishment in 1987. The season featured 12 teams from across England and Scotland including a new entrant, the reformed Manchester Giants, who were based on the original franchise of the same name that folded in 2001. East London Royals were due to become the 13th member of the League, but after their financial backing fell through weeks before the start of the season, the League deferred their entry until the 2013–14 season. The pre-season also saw long-time member franchise Milton Keynes Lions relocate to London and rebrand itself as the London Lions, whilst Cheshire Jets – encountering severe financial difficulties and threatened with the franchise being dissolved – were saved by campaigning local fans and businessmen and renamed as Cheshire Phoenix midway through the season.

The 2013–14 BBL season was the 27th campaign of the British Basketball League since the league's establishment in 1987. The season featured 12 teams from across England and Scotland, including new entrant Birmingham Knights. East London Royals and Essex Leopards were both due to become the 13th and 14th League members respectively, but after deferring their original entries from the 2012–13 season for a season, both franchises withdrew their applications to join the BBL due to financial constraints.

The 2014–15 BBL season was the 28th campaign of the British Basketball League since the league's establishment in 1987. The season featured 13 teams from across England and Scotland, including new entrants, Bristol Flyers and Leeds Force. The season started on 26 September 2014 and ended on 10 May 2015 with the Play-off Final at The O2 Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BBL Championship</span> British basketball league

The British Basketball League Championship, often shortened to the BBL Championship, is the top-level men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom. Established in 1987, the competition is administered by the British Basketball League and comprises 10 teams from both England and Scotland. Each team plays a 36-game regular season, from September until April, with the team that finishes in first place being crowned as League champions.

The 2018–19 BBL season was the 32nd campaign of the British Basketball League since the league's establishment in 1987. The season featured 12 teams from across England and Scotland.

The 2019–20 BBL season was the 33rd campaign of the British Basketball League, the top British professional basketball league, since its in 1987. The season featured 12 teams from across England and Scotland. On 17 March 2020, the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. On 1 June 2020, the season was cancelled, with no League or Playoffs champions declared.

The 2021–22 BBL season was the 35th season of the British Basketball League, the top British professional basketball league, since its establishment in 1987. The season featured 10 teams from across England and Scotland.

The 2022–23 BBL season was the 36th season of the British Basketball League, the top British professional basketball league, since its establishment in 1987. The season featured 10 teams from across England and Scotland.

References

  1. "www.answers.com/topic/chrysalis-group-plc" . Retrieved 20 November 2009.[ better source needed ]
  2. "Sheffield Sharks - Sponsored by B. Braun Medical Ltd". sharks-bbraun.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)[ better source needed ]
  3. "Sharks back in business". BBC News. 27 June 2001.
  4. Media, BBL (8 May 2016). "Play-Off Final: Riders 77–84 Sharks". British Basketball League . Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2016.